The transfer window has closed and we know our squad of available players. As a “thought experiment” during this international break, it may be interesting speculate on our potentially strongest starting eleven. My definition of strongest team is to use our “best players” in their “best positions”. For me this implies using Chery in his most effective no.10 position, thus I have gone for our tried and tested 4-2-3-1 formation. ----------------------Smithies-------------------- --Onuoha ---Caulker----Hall-----Bidwell--- ------------Borysiuk-------Cousins------------ --Ngabakoko------Chery--------Wszolek--- -----------------------Polter---------------------- I am not pleased with the right back position and have chosen our Captain over Perch. We have an abundance of players for defensive midfield, and my choice may be tough on Henry and Luongo (I now see Luongo as a natural alternative to Chery in the no. 10 position). I have also chosen our two new wingers, but it is great to have the option of Shopido and El Khayati on the bench. We also have a choice of big holding centre forwards. We actually do have real options in most positons as well as formations. I look forward to being “shot down” and to reading your selections.
I have given though to a 4-4-2 formation, but am not pleased with my results. Without dropping Chery, the best I could do is: ----------------------Smithies------------------- --Onuoha ---Caulker----Hall-----Bidwell-- ---------------------Borysiuk-------------------- --------Luongo---------------Cousins-------- -----------------------Chery---------------------- -------------Polter-----------Washington------ Please interpret this a "diamond" midfield (or even possibly a 4-3-1-2 formation?). I think that should Chery be injured, or even dropped, then we have some better alternatives for a 4-4-2 formation with two wingers, thus much more width. Also, Sylla and Polter up front could be frightening combination!
I think we have made so many mistakes in the past of dropping players who are in form and slotting in newcomers too quickly. It brings down the form and confidence of the player dropped and brings down the confidence of the player slotted in as they need time to adjust. We should be more patient. Don't kick out players like Henry, etc. when they're on good form. Have newer players on the bench and let them break into the team gradually, for their sake and ours. Give them 20 mins at the end of a game, etc.
Ask me in a couple of weeks after I have seen a bit more of the new arrivals. I trust JFH"S judgement to pick his strongest team.
I fully agree! I am not expecting any revolutions from JFH for Saturday's match. The question is, what could be our strongest team (once we gradually evolve to it).
don't think we'll see the (very)new signings before we play Sunderland. Shouldn't do + Polter and Cilla cannot play together, I guess.
Would be identical to this,except with Sandro starting instead of Borysiuk. I fully expect us both to be wrong, and Henry to start in place of either of them !
Chery should be picked (pardon the pun) for all home games and selective away games. That's the manager's job and he should realise that, as we do.
i'm actually glad I can recognize some player names. Really hope QPR get back in the Premier League so I can watch the games again. Is there a solid chance for that to happen?
Ahoy mate Slim chance is better than zero chance. I read the forums from time to time and honestly I couldn't figure out the overall satisfaction with the team. Thanks for the answer!
With 7 games in 21 days, I'd expect there to be a chance to see most of our squad. I just want continuity - 3 or 4 changes a game max rather than 7 or 8. I also want at least one of the central midfielders to retain their place so that it's not like playing two teams in rotation. I think that after the next International break we might see something more settled and I just hope our fitness and the more youthful look to the squad carries us through the congestion with a healthy return of points. I remain optimistic as always.
It good to see quite a lot of faith in JFH and I am intrigued on what our best team will turn out to be. I hope makes a good and winning selection for tomorrows Blackburn match..