The consensus of the recent thread was that this is our best XI Friedel Walker Gallas/Kaboul King BAE Sandro Parker VdV Modric Bale Adebayor It occurred to me that if the same question had been asked at the beginning of last season the answer would probably have been Gomes Corluka Dawson King BAE Lennon Huddlestone Modric Bale VdV Defoe That means we've strengthened in six positions over the year and we've still got those six players, plus some other youngsters coming through. So this year's 'second XI' is probably nearly as good as last year's 'first XI'. No wonder the future seems bright....
A lot of people seem to be saying that, but I hate the idea of two holding midfielders. Tends to look ugly and Italian. I would possibly drop Sandro and play Lennon, when fit, on the right with VDV in the "hole". Adebayor should hold the ball up well enough for this to be more effective then last season.
I think that there's probably agreement about a lot of positions, but we've also got good competition for places and excellent options from the bench, if the system needs changing.
In 'easier' games i'd agree with you. Parker holding, Modric in CM with Bale on left, Lennon on the right and VdV AM behind Adebayor.
Up late Luke? I definitely agree about the Mancs,but Chelsea- I don't know if they are stronger I think they are playing a bit smarter than last season. We are much better collectively than last season and on current form we can get 3rd or 4th.
We have strengthened, but so have Liverpool, and that's probably the team we have to beat for 4th, but no way am I writing off Arsenal yet. I'd take 4th like a shot right now, as I agree with Luke that the top 3 look beyond us. But even fourth will be a massive ask. I think we'll know a lot more just how much we've strengthened after the next two Prem games.
January could be key, too. I don't think that Dalglish has finished in the transfer market this season. If Arsenal's form continues, then there'll be massive pressure for them to spend, too.
PNP yes there will be extreme pressure on Wenger again, but will he buy the right players or respond by doing what he did in the summer window. Dalglish will probably go out and spend stupid money on an average player- that seems to be his MO. Hopefully nobody will offer silly money for Cahill so Harry can go back and get his man.
On the other hand, we've just played a team in the 'lower' echelons of this league! , and needed the introduction of Sandro alongside Parker to finally get some control in the MF...and an assist for the winner.
