First league match lineup.

[blue61]

By the way, maybe I'm in the minority, but I can't believe how many people are leaving Stones out their sides after last season.

I know we need to find the pairing and all that, but surely Stones HAS to play, he's a breath of fresh air.

For me, him and Jagielka work well in the Martinez system as they are more comfortable on the ball, Distin worries me in possession.

I don't think you are in the minority. Personally, Stones would be my first pick in central defence, even at the expence of Jags (tin hat at the ready). There, I said it, I feel better now. I'd like to see this lad as captain in a year or two.

 

[Tree13]

Howard
Coleman, Jags, Distin, Baines
McCarthy, Barry
Lukaku, Barkley, Mirallas
Naismith
​

I somehow doubt Leicester have a pair of fullbacks capable of handling Lukaku and Mirallas.

 

[applecrumble]

For me Distin is our best out and out defender though and when he didn't play last year we missed him.

It's a good problem to have I guess drop the captain or the best defender (Distin) in place of Stones. I think we probably will start playing Stones more, but stick with the Jags/Distin partnership at the start.

also for midfield I think Gibson and Barry could be an awesome combo.

 

[Pavement Blue]

It's a good problem to have I guess drop the captain or the best defender (Distin) in place of Stones. I think we probably will start playing Stones more, but stick with the Jags/Distin partnership at the start.

also for midfield I think Gibson and Barry could be an awesome combo.

Here's my 'in the minority' post then

Fully fit, Gibson is the best of the four centrer mid choices.

Exit: and, in gonna get slaughtered, I'd leave one of Barkley or Lukaku (probably Ross) on the bench for the first game. Sub him on against a tired defence. To terrorise. A win in that game is important and I think it would give us a boost no one else could.

 

[tim cahill]

Here's my 'in the minority' post then

Fully fit, Gibson is the best of the four centrer mid choices.

Exit: and, in gonna get slaughtered, I'd leave one of Barkley or Lukaku (probably Ross) on the bench for the first game. Sub him on against a tired defence. To terrorise. A win in that game is important and I think it would give us a boost no one else could.

Think Lukaku is more likely to be the one left on the bench. I can't see how he'll be match fit.

 

[Pavement Blue]

Think Lukaku is more likely to be the one left on the bench. I can't see how he'll be match fit.

Yeah I agree with that. I just think Barkley is the more intimidating player.

 

[Big Fat Sam]

Looks like it's Hibbert at right back versus Leicester... sigh. Thought we'd have been done with him about five years ago. Some things never change.

 

[Big Fat Sam]

I believe this will be the team.

Howard
Hibbert Jagielka Distin Baines
McCarthy Barry
Mirallas - Barkley - Pienaar
Lukaku
​

 

[Pavement Blue]

I believe this will be the team.

Howard
Hibbert Jagielka Distin Baines
McCarthy Barry
Mirallas - Barkley - Pienaar
Lukaku
​

To be fair I think hibbert with miralles in front of him is a whole different prospect to what we saw last night. Not ideal like but I'd still fancy us.

 

[Raino85]

Howard
Coleman, Jags, Distin, Baines
McCarthy, Barry
Lukaku, Barkley, Mirallas
Naismith
​

I somehow doubt Leicester have a pair of fullbacks capable of handling Lukaku and Mirallas.

Thats not a bad shout, and atleast solves the we need a winger call, well for the time being at least

 

[Dell Boy]

Think Lukaku is more likely to be the one left on the bench. I can't see how he'll be match fit.

The lad is 21 and played at the world cup. There was then the story about him linking up with Anderlecht to keep trim whilst home in Belgium. He's been with us over a week.

It's a crazy world if he won't be fit for it!

 

[By god I'm blue]

Under no circumstances should we be reverting to Tony Hibbert

He wasn't even good at his peak

 

[tim cahill]

If Coleman isn't available I'd like to see Besic at RB ahead of Hibbert. Is there any doubt that he would do a better job?

 

[Pavement Blue]

If Coleman isn't available I'd like to see Besic at RB ahead of Hibbert. Is there any doubt that he would do a better job?

Well the doubt is he's never played a competitive minute for us but I understand what you're saying.

 

[tim cahill]

The lad is 21 and played at the world cup. There was then the story about him linking up with Anderlecht to keep trim whilst home in Belgium. He's been with us over a week.

It's a crazy world if he won't be fit for it!

I don't think he's the kind of player who is naturally fit though to be honest.