Murphy seems to play decent these days, I feel a bit sorry for him that he's basically a perennial stand in and will undoubtedly be moved on in the summer. But hey that's what it is. So we'd be doing a 442 with a 4 man mid? Not sure that would be best for Fraser who works best on the wing.
Perhaps but I also think he wasn't playing the quarter back role he clearly wants. Bruno drifted in a lot and went looking for the ball from the centre backs. This forced Shelvey out of position. I think Bruno would have struggled regardless of Big Joe, the game is clearly quick to him. However I think he looks one who after a good pre season would get to grips quickly. We defo missed the bite of Big Joe though. It meant Southampton had a far more comfortable time keeping possession. Which meant we spent a lot of time having to maintain a shape.
I like Big Joe in the middle, I think we miss his bite and winning back possession. Chelsea will be tough enough so hopefully he is back. If ASM is back I'd take Murphy straight out, he's gash. I won't fault his effort though. The lad might not be up to standard but he has never given less than 100% when I've watched him. But so did Hayden and its not enough. If not I'd consider some other options for the wide area like Almiron rather than Murphy.
I mean, I'd consider a little tinker for Chelsea to a 4-2-3-1 if ASM isn't fit. Bruno/Shelvey in a "double pivot", Willock clearly likes to play in the hole, Joe right and Fraser left. I just think maybe we need a bit more steel and having fluff like Murph doesn't help. Bruno's a fighter, but we need Joelinton in as well. This is a way of accommodating it. Either that or, as I say, just bring Joe in for Murphy. That way we get steel in all three transitions - Wood/Joe, Bruno and Burn/Targett. Ultimately, think we all trust Howe implicitly so he'll do what he thinks is best in a free swing of a game. Rudiger's going to be a different challenge for Wood and they have world class players everywhere, it's funny what a free £1.5bn loan can do to a club.....
I wonder if Willock might have the tactical awareness and intelligence to go out to the right. Give him a bit of freedom and tell him to go get in the box at will. Good problems to have.
