... and where changes need to be made. Just a little speculation, as nothing else seems to be happening NCFC related (and I was told off for bringing up the kit) Personally, for the Palace game I would go for.. Players marked in red show where I think we should strengthen GK-Ruddy RB-Whittaker CB-Bassong CB-Martin LB-Olsson RM-Redmond DM-Mulumbu DM-Dorrans LM-Johnson AM-Hooper CF-Jerome Weak Links Whitts - Too slow and too weak and although tidy sometimes on the ball he is likely to get caught out positionally too often. Martin - Although captain and an integral "part of the group", he is also slower and weaker than what's required at the top level and I don't think he imposes himself physically enough as a centre half. I can see Aguero and Benteke rubbing their hands together with glee. Olsson- Now he has settled I think he's actually quite a tidy left back. However, in the light out what looks like a serious injury we are going to need good cover for next season. Mulumbu - This might be harsh, as I don't remember seeing him play, but is he any better than Johnson or Tetty as a holding midfielder? I would rather see somebody more versatile in this position, perhaps like Johnny Howson but with a little more muscle and or creativity. Hooper - I think when he gets a run of games for any side he will score a lot of goals. However, he is certainty a luxury, one that we maybe can't afford as we will be needing to defend from the front in nearly every game next season. Jerome (and that's Wembley) - I've changed my mind on this one. He's going to bully everyone and grab a fair number of goals in the process. Previous form in the top league is patchy at best though.
imo you shouldn't just pick the starting line up on last season's form, remember some players such as Ofoe & Miquel barely got a game last season. All players will start this season with a clean slate and those who did not impress last season either because they did not get the games or because of loss of form may end up wanting to prove themselves to the manager this season. I would therefore pick my side using players who have proven themselves over the past few seasons and players who had something to prove to the manager this season Ruddy Martin Miquel Bassong R.Bennett Dorrans Hoolahan Mulumbu Ofoe E. Bennett Hooper Now I know some may ask where are players such as Johnson, Redmond, Howson, Jerome, etc and why have I selected players like MIquel & Ofoe but I think this selection would give these players a chance to prove themselves in the first team from the start and we would be able to see what they could do should key players like Johnson, Redmond, Jerome, etc miss games during the season due to injury or suspension
Quite like that, JK, but I would change Tettey for Howson for Palace. Maybe both Tettey and Mulumbu for the top 4 or 5 sides?
Yeah, maybe Howson instead of either Tettey or Mulumbu for the Palace game. I think Mulumbu could actually link up the play fairly well though. Possibly keep Mulumbu and Tettey and swap Hoolahan for Howson. From the current squad, I'd definitely go with our regular back four. Martin at CB.
Ruddy Whittaker Martin Bassong Olsson Tettey Mulumbu Howson Redmond Odjidja-Ofoe Jerome There's a lot of midfielders who'll be in contention, but it's really hard to pick out anyone you'd expect to start every game.
Ruddy Martin R Bennett Bassong Olsson Odidja-Ofoe Mulumbu E Bennett Redmond Murphy Jerome Sub in: Howson, Tettey and Hooper for Murphy, Odidja-Ofoe and Jerome (Shifting Redders to the left and Howson in at CAM)
Bradders was sensational last season, not sure he will be able to emulate it in the Premiership this season. I basically picked a strong team with pace going forwards.
I predicted a couple of weeks after wembley that Johnson will mostly be on the subs bench- if Brady is signed then that will be the case-
Bradford has never played wide(ish)for us in the Premier so we do not know what qualities he can bring this season. No way he will get a start in his old DM position.
I know it we are only two pre season friendlies in, and the opposition have been of a low standard but Andreu is putting a good mark on the CAM role. Anyone think he might start first game of the season?
You rightly caveat your question with "I know we are only two pre season friendlies in". Further to that, they were against rather poor quality opposition. It's far too early to say whether Andreu will start in August.
