Time for Phelan to make some decisions. We've bought the players now he needs to pick them and get them going forward. Its a free hit this game. So pick your strongest team. That means Jake back in midfield. Marshall Elmo Maguire Davies Robertson Snodgrass Livermore Mason Henricksen Mbokani Hernandez
Marshall for Jak, maybe, Dio to be replaced definitely, by who? Henriksen? Bob?. Mason for Meyler, probably! I'd keep Livermore at CB though. Strong & quick, harsh on H, but as you say no room for sentiment & pick the strongest team!
No point worrying about a best 11 at this stage. It's unlikely we'll ever get to play it. I do think there's an interesting point here though. Phelan made the right choice in my opinion by going unchanged but we only just got the draw and he's said he wasnt completely happy. So now is the time to make some changes but how many? I still wouldn't make loads. I didn't go yesterday so I'm going on second hand opinions which suggest that Meyler had a good game and Diomande was a bit average. If that's the case, I'd look at bringing someone in for Diomande and that's about it. I'm not a massive Jak fan but I'd give him a bit longer since he's not let us down.
That's how I see it, what the new signings have done is give us options to change things during the game if needed.
Mbokani has been here 2/3 weeks. ?He'll be playing 5 a side each week to sharpen Up. Won't He.? Development Squad anarl
I think you may see Henriksen for Dio, and Mason in for Meyler, which will be tough on Meyler who played well yesterday.
Why on earth would we want to drop Jakupovic to the bench? He's been excellent. There's nothing sentimental about selecting a player in form is there? It's mental this place
Can't agree with that, Balkan. We need to mix it from the beginning, an attacking mindset, get them all used to the prospect of a seat and an opportunity. Phelan has done his playing of the dressing rom heartstrings, now start managing, rather than coaching.
No crystal ball but think that is pretty close to the team that will be chosen. With Henriksen playing more forward than the rest of the midfielders. This is assuming he shows up well in training. May well be that Marshall gets the nod as well.
Marshall hasn't been brought in to be Jak's understudy. I can see Marshall coming in next time. Phelan might feel why wait till Jak makes a significant mistake.
