03 Aug 2024 08:19:16
Hope to see a 343 (3421) today. The more I think about the players we have at our disposal, the more that formation makes sense, to me.
It gives us a solid backline, allows our lesser defenders to attack more and give width up the pitch, Ampadu to orchestrate from deeper, Gnonto and Rutter to play in between the lines and half spaces with freedom, and Joseph having them close by will help him get on the end of opportunities created more centrally.
Mes
Rodon
Struijk
Wober
Bogle
Firpo
Ampadu
Rothwell
Gnonto
Rutter
Joseph
I think that's our best team available to us and it gets everyone in the positions they can play best.
03 Aug 2024 09:17:53
No Gruev?
03 Aug 2024 09:27:23
Good shout Dil, a very fit DJ could push in there, I’m a little concerned our excitement over MJ being first choice (as he should be) may fall flat on its face to integrate Piroe, with his high transfer a perpetual reminder for the board and Farkey that he’s too expensive for sub.
I hope not but….
03 Aug 2024 09:49:43
Think a fit James should start instead of gnonto or Roth. It’s a dilemma for me with 3 centre backs and the two wing backs. You are bottom line sacrificing a midfield place for an extra defender. Should Gruev be given the chance to prove his attacking ability ahead of Roth too. Although roths corners are worth their weight in gold. Playing flat back 4 gives us the opportunity to play James and gnonto. I’m torn on this. Spose will have to see how it all plays out.
Think class might be right re piroe. Hope not.
The flip side to that is say matteo dosent fulfill our expectations. Confused? You will be. I already am ?.
03 Aug 2024 10:49:52
Dill that's a decent looking line up.
My only concern with it . is scoring enough goals.
03 Aug 2024 12:01:32
No Gruev for me. Ampadu is the deep lying playmaker/ disruptor and Rothwell has the legs to get up and down defensively and offensively.
Whilst I'm not opposed to DJ when he's in form, I feel when both are at their best, Gnonto is the better player. DJ just found some really good form last season as opposed to being a better player. That's my own personal opinion there so others may disagree and that's alright.
I'd say I don't wanna put too much pressure on MJ's shoulders but I get the feeling he's thriving off it atm and expects big things from himself. I think the sky is the limit for him this season. And in this formation it doesn't leave Piroe as isolated if he comes off the bench to replace at 9 or 10. Will have bodies around him to help facilitate some space for him to attack and mask over some of his mobility issues.
03 Aug 2024 12:32:14
I agree. I think Gnonto is a better player. James is very good and frighteningly fast but on his day Gnonto is a game changer. He just has that extra creativity. I’d actually put him above Summerville too. If he could sort his sulking (when decisions go against him) out he’d be even more of an asset. Whether he will still be here on 1 September is another question.
03 Aug 2024 12:52:24
How I see it Aus is rather than sacrificing a midfielder we get extra players bombing on and the ability of say, Struijk, breaking the lines more and playing in the middle third a bit more whilst we retain cover from Rodon and Wober, whilst also, dependent on which side we play up, the WB can invert as well. Basically we'd be keeping three players defensively at all times whilst the rest are free to attack.
Hopefully allows us a lot more freedom to move, interchange and progress play in better, more dangerous areas (centrally not just wing play) with a quicker tempo.
03 Aug 2024 13:00:39
I agree with that summary, Manston.
03 Aug 2024 13:07:10
Nooooo James ever time for me unrated done more for the team then credit given good job some on here are not the manager, ?.
03 Aug 2024 15:56:15
James speed and Gnontos power is a great one-two combo.
Glad to see Gruev on the pitch but he might be swapped for arranson at half time to mix things up.
03 Aug 2024 18:05:26
DJ was definitely underrated coming into last season, White, but he's not anymore. He gets his flowers on here, but for me he's not quite at Gnonto's level when they're both at their best.
03 Aug 2024 19:30:21
343 an option in some matches but I expect us to be on the front foot in the majority of games so 4231 is the way to go in my opinion. Don’t think we need to sacrifice a wide attacker for another CB.
03 Aug 2024 20:52:15
Hopefully it's horses for courses and we are able to adapt when needed.