02 Sep 2024 21:43:26
When we return from the break, who would your starting 11 be and in what formation?
Would you drop Amps back and slot in a new midfielder? Would you play Gnonto in 10? Solomon on the wings? Ramazani on the bench?
Share your thoughts!
02 Sep 2024 23:43:18
Meslier
Bogle
Firpo
Struick
Ampadu (defence)
Gruev
Tanaka
Solomon
James (assuming fit)
Gnonto (in the 10)
Joseph
I'd drop Rodon right now. He'll win his place back. I'd also ensure Amps joins the DM position as often as possible as we've seen from him.
02 Sep 2024 23:51:01
Think we'll see the same starting 11, providing there are no injuries on int duty or in training.
Longer term I think Ao comes in for Gruev. Clear that Gruev has been tasked with being the more advanced of the pivot with Amps. I think as time goes on DF will see that Ao can fulfil that role better. And we see some rotation between Largie, Aaronson, Gnonto, Solomon, which means DJ will be used less this season, imo. Long term I also think Rodon may cause us issues, but he's fine for right now.
03 Sep 2024 00:49:47
It’s good having the options. Both above opinions have some merit team wise. I think back 5 for away games and 4 at home. Ao gives the ability to juggle now. Ao and Gruev could cover if Amps goes back.
Agree dill. Think Dj will struggle for starts from here on barring injuries.
What’s happened to Rodon. Crazy drop in form. Maybe he not settled with struik as partner?
03 Sep 2024 01:08:37
Is Gruev that much of a weak link that he can be parked in favour of AO? Likewise James and Solomon and Gnonto and Arronson?
Or is it that we have a very dynamic team and we can chop and change the tactics if breadth or depth are needed?
I think amps Rodon and struijk should be the backline trio. Amps will do well anywhere but it seems he prefers to be on the backline to have eyes on the full team.
03 Sep 2024 01:38:03
Dill I respect your opinion greatly but Gruev is a Bulgarian I love.
03 Sep 2024 02:58:04
DJ used less Dill?
Blasphemy.
03 Sep 2024 05:53:18
Gruev isn't a weak link by any means. In fact he played really well Saturday. My thought process is just that Ampadu is captain so he's a guaranteed starter. He'll be the one sitting in at 6 as I don't think he's needed in that back line given he drops back so much throughout the game anyway (something I don't really like tbh) . Gruev seems to have been given the impetus to push on a bit more. So the options for a more advanced player in the pivot boil down to him, Ao and Rothwell. Long term I think Ao is the player more suited to that role. He's pretty elegant, technical and more of a proggressive passer and I think he'll offer us more goal involvements from that position. Gruev should probably start in tough away games to give us a more robust pivot defensively.
And unfortunately, Baz. With Bogle becoming a defacto winger while we are in possession, the need for someone hugging the line (DJ) becomes lesser than someone with the ability to play inside forward and drift into the half spaces. Plus I don't think DJ is that intelligent of a footballer compared to the others. He found terrific form last season, but we have better options available to us when all are fit and at their best. DJ should be utilised as an impact sub, imo. But that is only my personal preference.
I like the idea of chopping and changing tactics to suit MoT. Whether Farke does is a different matter. Hopefully he doesn't rule it out.
Regarding weak links, I'd probably say Rodon is my main worry so far this season. Although not to the point where I think he needs replacing. He just needs to find his form again. Out of form he just seems so scattered brained, getting pulled out of position and being caught under the ball. Although positionally he does have to cover Bogle a fair bit so maybe not so much his fault. Also hate how we split the CBs so far apart when Mes is in possession. Leaves us way too exposed given Mes is not the greatest distributor. Hopefully the three back to back to back clean sheets and some positive international results gives Rodon a much needed boost for when the break is over.
03 Sep 2024 11:39:27
I think Farke likes Gruev there because it give Firpo license to get forward. Whether that’s needed is up to debate.
03 Sep 2024 12:10:21
Good point, Corky. He does cover when Firpo bombs on.
03 Sep 2024 12:37:34
I’m agreeing with George here. I know lots of top Bulgarians tho, so I’d expand that part.
03 Sep 2024 13:04:06
Guruve played well Saturday and was good last season. I think so takes his place but great competition
Rodon has had dip but I think it’s just a blip
I agree with James being dropped more he is technically the weakest player in our attack and very hit and Miss.
03 Sep 2024 13:35:56
how dare DJ get all those goals and assists last season
Luckiest player on planet. pure flukes eh Berma lol ?.
03 Sep 2024 14:49:32
Don't need to be a technical player to score and assist, Baz. In fact, I do seem to remember DJ tripping over in front of an open net, falling on the ball that then went to Piroe, who then scored ?
Bermo is correct here. Technically the least gifted of our wingers/ inside forwards.
03 Sep 2024 15:36:59
DJ criticism is somewhat deserved but imo his inclusion creates tactical issues for the defence with his pace especially for the opponent LB. Not exactly an abundance of capable LBs in this league. To use Bielsa words, that imbalances their defence creating opportunities for others. He starts for me. I also like his effort as well as his goals.
03 Sep 2024 17:40:36
What me bro Georgey said
apart from the opening 5 words.
03 Sep 2024 18:21:55
Fair comment, George. Its for that reason why I think he'd be good used as an impact sub later on when legs are tired. Can't knock his effort at all. definitely a team player and eill do the dog work others don't enjoy doing.
03 Sep 2024 19:57:52
The main thing is it’s great to have these options. Up to the manager to utilise them all correctly.
04 Sep 2024 08:05:45
Dan James biggest asset is his speed, it’s very difficult for defenders to track him. He’s not the greatest technically but an honest worker who has improved under Farke with his assists and goal scoring.
Still prefer him to be an impact player from the bench rather than starting though.