1st game starting 11

What are your thoughts. I would stick with the same formation as we ended with last season. Assuming everyone starts the season fit (will never happen) here is mine.

Stockdale
RWB MCCarthy
RCB Stewart
CB Taffs
LCB JJ
LWB Horgan
CM Scowen
CM Thompson
ACM McCleary
S Vokes
S KaiKai

 

Who would you have on the bench?

 

Wow, what a question with so many options. Some of these are close 1st teamers. E.g. Obita for Horgan or Grimmer somewhere in the back 3.

Przybek
Grimmer
Obita
Gape
Wheeler
Beast
Kashket

how many are we allowed to name and how many can we use.

 

I don' understand all these modern positions. I'm not a fan of formations. The best formation for me is a flexible one that adapts to the strengths/weaknesses of the opposition throughout the game. One that can defend in numbers and attack in numbers. Any 4 or 5 can attack with pace and their positions covered. As soon as the attack breaks down they get back to help defend/ cover the mid field

 

We can have up to 7 on the bench. 3 can be used during normal time. In cases of extra time a fourth is allowed

 

The one I know worked well was Fred at wing back with McCarthy on the other side. Fred had the license to go anywhere as JJ could fill in and everyone shuffle to a back 4. This is why I think Horgan could work there.

 

I mean it was a flexible formation (at the back anyway)

 

Also I’m still not sure what position Kaikai was bought for. That might be a big factor in our style/formation. I’ve shoved him upfront.

 

Only queries from me.

I find it difficult to drop Grimmer but I would also find it difficult to name who he could replace. Great to have good cover at right back.

Don't know much about Thompson nor Obita so can't comment there

Wheeler seems good to have on the bench, if not starting. Same applies to Gape

Provided Vokes is match fit and rediscovers his shooting boots that could be a formidable strike force

I think we could do with another striker but let's see how it goes

 

What about Memheti

 

It was Mehmeti or Wheeler on the bench. Experience won. However both could play instead of McCleary.

 

I was about to say the same

 

I can’t see us being able to play both Mehmeti and McCleary, at least not in my formation.

 

McCleary should be of the first names on our teamsheet imo because of his attacking play and goals as he showed in The Championship against better defences than we'll be up against this season. I'd leave Horgan out as he flatters to decieve and keeps losing possession putting pressure on the midfielders.

 

Horgan had two assists yesterday