Assuming we play 433 v the Barcodes, and assuming Marmoush doesn't feature, I have a few problems selecting the starting 11. I've never really rated Porro, but he will be RB. I would pick Danso and Van Hecke at CB but suspect VDV will get one of those slots. Udogie was good v Charlton and linked well with Tel but Davies was solid and RDZ could well go for the experience of Robertson. In midfield we could have Bentancur, Fernandez and Tonali, though Tonalli hasn't yet played with either. Tough luck on Mikey Moore, who will surely lose his right-wing berth to Savio and is less effective on the left. I am not thrilled about Tel on the left and Solanke at 9, but what are the alternatives?
You literally can only beat what’s in front of you. We did, and emphatically.
You then analyse the performance on the whole team and individually.
For me, there are still big questions on Bergvall. He made it clear he wanted out. His performances suggest that still to be the case. It’s either that, or he doesn’t fit RDZ’s philosophy and tactics. I’d put Gray in that bracket too. They both seem a bit lost in it all.
For the record. I’m a Danso fan. I think he should be one of the first names on the team sheet. Where that Leaves VH & VDV is open to question. Personally I’d play VDV at LB like he does for Holland. He has pace to get forward too.
Yes there were some great debuts. Savlon looked comfortable. One game tells us zilch but the signs are good. The worry is the dross round him.
Saturday is the real test. The toon looked good against the bindippers. As for them. I didn’t see anything we couldn’t handle providing we turn up. They definitely ain’t prioritising the LC. RDZ has to go full strength in everything domestic. We need to put the last two seasons firmly in the past.
Assuming we play 433 v the Barcodes, and assuming Marmoush doesn't feature, I have a few problems selecting the starting 11. I've never really rated Porro, but he will be RB. I would pick Danso and Van Hecke at CB but suspect VDV will get one of those slots. Udogie was good v Charlton and linked well with Tel but Davies was solid and RDZ could well go for the experience of Robertson. In midfield we could have Bentancur, Fernandez and Tonali, though Tonalli hasn't yet played with either. Tough luck on Mikey Moore, who will surely lose his right-wing berth to Savio and is less effective on the left. I am not thrilled about Tel on the left and Solanke at 9, but what are the alternatives?
You literally can only beat what’s in front of you. We did, and emphatically.
You then analyse the performance on the whole team and individually.
For me, there are still big questions on Bergvall. He made it clear he wanted out. His performances suggest that still to be the case. It’s either that, or he doesn’t fit RDZ’s philosophy and tactics. I’d put Gray in that bracket too. They both seem a bit lost in it all.
For the record. I’m a Danso fan. I think he should be one of the first names on the team sheet. Where that Leaves VH & VDV is open to question. Personally I’d play VDV at LB like he does for Holland. He has pace to get forward too.
Yes there were some great debuts. Savlon looked comfortable. One game tells us zilch but the signs are good. The worry is the dross round him.
Saturday is the real test. The toon looked good against the bindippers. As for them. I didn’t see anything we couldn’t handle providing we turn up. They definitely ain’t prioritising the LC. RDZ has to go full strength in everything domestic. We need to put the last two seasons firmly in the past.