What do we do?

Ok so we know we won't have Ben Arfa and I don't think any of us are convinced that we will sign a new striker before the season starts so where does this leave us for our starting line up for the games against l'Arse and 5under1and? Judging from the performances in preseason, a couple of players (Gosling, Abeid, Vuckic etc) appear to be pushing hard for a starting place, who do you think should play in these games and what system are you wanting to see? I'm hoping to see this:

-------------------Krul-----------------
Simpson - S Taylor - Coloccini - Enrique
---------Barton---Tiote----Cabaye-----
Marveaux-------------------------Jonas
--------------------Ba-----------------

Bench: Harper, Kadar, Gosling, Feguson, Vuckic, Abied, Best.

Any excuse for some formation porn

 

Swap Jonas and Marveaux around, and push Cabaye up behind Ba (he used to play AM for Lille). Other than that it looks good.

 

I like the idea of inverted wingers Maybe about 60 mins in we could swap formation though, bring on Vuckic and Gosling like:

Krul
Simpson - Saylor - Colo - Jose
Gosling - Tiote
Barton - Vuckic - Jonas
Ba​

Bring some flair and pace in Vuckic, plus Gosling will be out for a starting place so he'll be trying to impress. Means we could boss midfield as the game ends maybe?

 

I think it's great we have options so I happy with any of them provided it works.

Jonas place is very much in doubt if you ask me.

 

would prefer to play a 4-2-3-1 formation with Cabaye in the AM role since Ben Arfa's injured. Put Jonas LAM so he can cut in side and maybes get some shots in and put Marveaux at RAM so he can do the same. You would then have Barton able to get the ball up to BA and Tiote could easily cover him if he decides to venture forward.

 

------------------Krul----------------
Simpson - S Taylor - Coloccini - Enrique
-----------Tiote------Cabaye---------
Marveaux--------Barton-----------Jonas
-------------------Ba-----------------

I've moved Barton into a forward role just behind Ba, I reckon he'd do ok there.

 

Krul

Simmo Saylor Colo Jose

Barton Cabaye Tiote Gosling Jonas

Ba

 

The fact that Vuckic, Gosling and Marveaux have looked so impressive is a big relief.

 

Apparently Vuckic hasn't been all that. Shown flashes but that's all. Abeid has been more impressive from what I've heard.

 

Krul

Simpson - Saylor - Colo - Enrique

Tiote
Barton - Cabaye

Jonas - - - - - - - - - - -Marveaux
Ba​

I love inverted wingers but it would hardly be playing to Ba's advantage. Switch to 4-2-3-1 when HBA is back.

EDIT: also I think Jonas would be much better with Simpson that Marveaux or Barton, he tacks back loads.

Bench: Harper, Williamson, Kadar, Gosling, Abeid, Lover*, Best

*would prefer Erdinc but since we dont have him (yet?), no point having no plan B on the bench.

Ferguson, Guthrie, Raylor, Ben Arfa all to return soon hopefully.

 

Looked alright vs Columbus crew

 

Against Sunderland the lineup should be completely different, something like this should do;



.......................................Ameobi.......................................

In a 0-0-1 formation

 

I think it is worth throwing Sameobi in there too... Im guessin its in the genes

 

Fixed - more experience needed for the game against Le Arse

 

Is his arm not broken?

 

I bloody hope so

 

No he just went on the reserve tour because his wife's expecting. Recovered quicker than expected from his arm injury.

 

Does it take all Summer to heal? He was gonna go on the US tour but his wife was having a baby

 

And if all else fails, put him in the box and win us another penalty

 

I see. I only heard of his broken arm recently so thought it must have been a fairly recent injury