Really not feeling confident about this one after looking at that squad. The bench, for the first time this season, looks exceptionally weak. No striker - only one attack minded player, a goalkeeper, two defenders and a holding midfield player. AND NO LALLANA! Taking all things into account - I'd happily take a draw today.
A draw today would be ok..we'd still stay top on goal difference...but would be good to go into the West Ham game on the back of a win. Hope Boro and West Ham drop some points.
Holmes is also injured; it's his ankle, apparently, which is a huge shame considering he's only just come back to the first team and scored the 4th goal last match.
How we play when changes are forced on us will show our credentials (she said trying to be relentlessly cheerful).
I think I would of preffered having a young striker such as Doble or Hoskins on the bench - if we're chasing a goal we're stuffed basically
Chaplow's always an interesting one when he starts. I certainly believe that he's our best substitute, because he comes onto the pitch like a terrier. He has bounds and bounds of energy. But he rarely seems to perform as well when he starts. If he can though manage to replicate his 25 minute cameos into 70+ mins though, then I'm happy to see him on the teamsheet. Morgan will presumably continue his slightly advanced role this season, so that will partially compensate for the loss of Lallana's presence in and around the box. Good to see Connolly back, and Fox keep his place ahead of Harding.
Doble is tosh. Not worth having him on the bench. obviously we'll be starting out ---------------------Davis Richardson-------Fonte--Hoiveld-------Fox -------Chaplow--schneiderlin--Cork ---------------------Guly -------------Connoly------Lambo
so if he is that tosh, why did we give him a new contract in February? nige obviously sees something in him
Agree. I don't see the point in having two defenders on the bench to be honest, Cork can play left back/right back/centre back, Schneiderlin/Hammond could play centre back and Chaplow could play right back too if called upon. ALL of our attacking options are playing bar De Ridder, just hope we can get an early goal or two!
Mate, you need to stop with the slatting of everything. How many times have you seen him play ? Are you a football coach at the club or at a club while he has been there ? no ? didnt think so.
To remind people, we had no Lallana for the game against Manchester United last season. We nearly won/got a replay. Say no more.
Maybe the fact that all my Bournemouth supporting mates thought he was utter crap at that level is my reason behind it? They were all very glad when he returned. he's what 20/21 and not really broken through to the first team? he never will.