Has the team picked itself.

[Commachio]

Other than a straight swap with Vergini for Brown, is the team really picking itself, or does Poyet change it and give some others a chance?

Can't see there being many changes if any, there's the Catts/Bridcutt thing, but expect Bridcutt to keep his place.

Probably still to early for Scocco, wish he'd hurry up. Also wtf has happened to Giach?

 

[Nostalgic]

Certainly looks as if he is out of favour for whatever reason. Possibly the arrival of Alonso has made him surplus on the left and he is not as inter-changeable as Borini.

 

[Smug in Boots]

All good points Comm and it's good to see the basis of a good side playing together.

Apart from a wasted game, against Hull, we're in good form and Poyet will quickly get the players up for the next game.

Apart from the 'first 11' we have a good bench and players like Giacherrini can make a difference coming on when we need to change things.

Fulham & Norwich showed, at the weekend, that these next few matches have points available and Poyet will go for it.

Bringing in Vergini was fortuitous though wasn't it

 

[mackemwelder]

In think Gus's preferred 11 is the tam that started against Hull at the weekend, although I reckon he would prefer a fit Fletcher to Altidore. Scocco gives us options up front and we have the bonus of being able to go really defensive by doubling up the DM with Catts & Bridcutt.
Didn't see Vergini on Saturday but by all accounts he is an able deputy to O'Shea or Brown.

 

[Brian Storm]

In think Gus's preferred 11 is the tam that started against Hull at the weekend, although I reckon he would prefer a fit Fletcher to Altidore. Scocco gives us options up front and we have the bonus of being able to go really defensive by doubling up the DM with Catts & Bridcutt.
Didn't see Vergini on Saturday but by all accounts he is an able deputy to O'Shea or Brown.

That's my preferred 11 too. But looking forward to taking a look at Vergini and there's still Scocco to come so my favoured 11 isn't set in stone by any means.

 

[mackemwelder]

That's my preferred 11 too. But looking forward to taking a look at Vergini and there's still Scocco to come so my favoured 11 isn't set in stone by any means.

Nor mine mate, I'm a big believer in horses for courses and playing the best team to suit the opposition.

 

[Brian Storm]

Nor mine mate, I'm a big believer in horses for courses and playing the best team to suit the opposition.

Me too, but the problem is fella, beyond that starting 11, apart from an injured Fletch, the two lads we haven't really seen yet and the Bridutt-Catts rotation, there's not many i'd be looking to start over that eleven in any circumstance. Still nowhere near enough quality in our ranks unfortunatly

I still piss with excitement for a lot of our first team though

 

[MagicJism]

Considering our run of form prior to Hull, its not surprising the team picked itself. Why change a winning team ?

I reckon against citeh we do a chelsea : Catts / Bridcutt in front of the back 4. AJ/Borini / KI + JA upfront. Harsh on Colback mind

 

[mackemwelder]

Me too, but the problem is fella, beyond that starting 11, apart from an injured Fletch, the two lads we haven't really seen yet and the Bridutt-Catts rotation, there's not many i'd be looking to start over that eleven in any circumstance. Still nowhere near enough quality in our ranks unfortunatly

I still piss with excitement for a lot of our first team though

Agreed but with the like of Giacherinni, Whickham (relatively untried under Gus) Scocco, Vergini, Celustka, we have options and good quality back up.

 

[marcusblackcat]

Considering our run of form prior to Hull, its not surprising the team picked itself. Why change a winning team ?

I reckon against citeh we do a chelsea : Catts / Bridcutt in front of the back 4. AJ/Borini / KI + JA upfront. Harsh on Colback mind

I actually think this is a good idea - 2 DM's boith very capable of holding the ball in front of the back 4. It would be harsh on Colback but, as he was saying beforer the game, he is relishing the more attacking role and I think if we go all out against City then we'll come a cropper.

I'd play:

Mannone

Bardsley - Vergini - O'Shea - Alonso

Cattermole - Bridcutt

Johnson - Ki - Borini

Altidore​

But I'm not the gaffer

 

[Rick O'Shea]

Nor mine mate, I'm a big believer in horses for courses and playing the best team to suit the opposition.

Mourinho too.