Davies was hampered by niggling injuries for most of last season. People forget that he was regarded by many of our supporters as one of the best CHs in the Prem in 2014 and touted for the World Cup squad, and may well have been in it if he hadn't played his worst game of the season in the debacle at Southampton in front of Woy. If he is fit and recaptures his 2013-14 form he is going to be a critical part of our back 3. I chose him for my starting 11 because there is a terrific player in that body with a great team spirit. Alongside Dawson, and with Maguire realising his potential, and with Alex as back up, we will be very strong at the back, if McGregor can get his act together and cut out the errors. At WB Elmo and Robertson (injured for tomorrow) have the speed and crossing ability to trouble any defenses, and now we have Odubajo's pace to add to the mix. I expect us to play at a much faster tempo tomorrow and put the pressure on Huddersfield early. 2-0 Tigers (Jelavic, Meyler). Up front I'd expect Bruce to go with the experience of Jelavic and Hernandez/N'Doye to start with Aluko and Akpom in reserve.
Just seen this quote from Bruce in this mornings HDM, talking about Moses.. "He'll give us that burning pace. If you think Ahmed Elmohamady is quick, then down the right-hand side we'll possibly have the two quickest players in the league." A suggestion he'll be playing with a back 4 this season? 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1 perhaps? I personally think a 4-2-3-1 would suit the team. Playing with 2 strikers hasnt really worked for us over the last 3 seasons, in terms of goals scored or chances created. Id much rather see 1 very good striker and a lot of creativity around him, a 4-2-3-1 does that. Look at Derby and other teams last season.. Feed the striker and he will score.
Huddlestone is going to be the interesting one for me. I can't yet tell if Championship football is going to be difficult for his style of play or if he's going to be a class apart in this league. Regardless, I think if we can afford to play him higher up the pitch this year then he'll smash it. His long range shooting is brilliant and we should have made more of it last year. Better tactics should see us get the very best out of our midfield this year. Would help the strikers no doubt too!
OK who's going to try and get the starting XI today them? McGregor Taylor Dawson Maguire Robertson Aluko Meyler Huddlestone Elmohamady Jelavic Akpom
McGregor Taylor Dawson McGuire Robbo Elmo Thudd Meyler Clucas Jelly N'Doye Bench Jak, Davies, Hayden, CJM, Aluko, Luer, Akpom
we don't have such a player! Jahraldo Martin deserves a chance this season, he scoread a cracker pre-season..
Would love to see the two Arsenal lads start but I can't see Bruce choosing Hayden over hudds or Meyler. He could go for the old 5 3 2 I guess and stick him in centre defence alongside Dawson, and McGuire or Davies
If mcgregor has another mistake in the next few games that ends up costing us points, then I wouldn't be surprised to see him leave before the window shuts as he won't want to spend the season on the bench.
We do - he scored against Ferriby in pre season and has played well in bit parts in other matches. I agree that Jahlrado Martin deserves a chance too - thats why I included him on the bench.
There's a definite theme with City under Bruce that we always start off the season playing attacking football, usually a back four, scoring goals but as the season goes on, for whatever reason we get more and more defensive, score less and less goals and by the end of the season it's 352 pretty much every week and seriously struggling for goals.
