Starting 11 vs Stoke as it stands

[BlueToff]

Don't see how that's fair tbh, there's precious little difference in ability between Kenny and Martina so I think whoever performs in pre-season should have the spot to lose.

Which they will...

Kenny has started both games so far and played well.

Martina did well when he came on yesterday.

It's what having a competitive squad is all about.

 

[applecrumble]

We need to sign more players because the starting eleven looks weak up top and especially at the back.

 

[JLW]

If he performs well it will no doubt help Kenny case, but he's an unproven youngster not like Davies who has proved himself. I just don't think Koeman from the off will trust Kenny as much as he does Martina that's why I think he was signed.

Martina is proven to be very very average at best!! If he was getting cover for Coleman he would of paid a few quid for one but he never because Kenny is cover for Coleman.. Martina is 3rd choice

 

[BlueToff]

Martina is proven to be very very average at best!! If he was getting cover for Coleman he would of paid a few quid for one but he never because Kenny is cover for Coleman.. Martina is 3rd choice

I don't think there's going to be a '1st, 2nd choice' thing with most of our squad now.

Apart from Pickford, Keane and, for the moment, Baines, I'd say that all of the other positions in the team are currently up for grabs, and we'll see plenty of rotation throughout the first half of the campaign (should we qualify for the Europa, of course. We've got four potentially very tough legs to get through first).

 

[Rudolf Hucker]

Felt a bit sorry for JJK yesterday. He played his half in a 4-3-3. You could see he was really trying to get forward, but always had McCarthy or Davies & Lookman ahead of him.

Coco comes on, we switch to a diamond & he's instantly got the freedom. Must have had the ball on the edge of the box 5 times??

I really don't like 433 & don't think it suits us at all.

 

[JLW]

I don't think there's going to be a '1st, 2nd choice' thing with most of our squad now.

Apart from Pickford, Keane and, for the moment, Baines, I'd say that all of the other positions in the team are currently up for grabs, and we'll see plenty of rotation throughout the first half of the campaign (should we qualify for the Europa, of course. We've got four potentially very tough legs to get through first).

Totally agree, I don't see us playing the same 11 in 3 consecutive games this season regardless of the results.. Martina will start a couple of games no doubt, probably these upcoming EL games, but when the big games come around like the first 5 of the season I have no doubt Kenny will start them all..

 

[ijjysmith]

Felt a bit sorry for JJK yesterday. He played his half in a 4-3-3. You could see he was really trying to get forward, but always had McCarthy or Davies & Lookman ahead of him.

Coco comes on, we switch to a diamond & he's instantly got the freedom. Must have had the ball on the edge of the box 5 times??

I really don't like 433 & don't think it suits us at all.

Not overly keen on it myself either.

 

[BlueToff]

Not overly keen on it myself either.

Suppose it's getting the right players to fit the bill.

Our midfield in the second half yesterday of Gueye-Morgan-Klaassen looked superb. Full of energy but also good on the ball.

That's what we need to play 4-3-3, with a focal point/target man which we do currently lack to be able to mix it up as well.

 

[sharkey1001]

----------Pickford----------

Martina-Keane-Besic-Baines

-------Gana---Schneids-----

Klassen----Wazza-----Sandro

-----------Giroud-----------

No no no no no.

It's "Rooney" or "Wayne".... not this embarrassing nonsense.

 

[larrygobfiend]

Hopefully, Dowell, Lookman and Kenny should all get game time in the Europa.

 

[Jimmy Grimble]

Neither has Cuco Martina, where's this perceived automatic starting place come from?

I believe he was pretty good yestarday

 

[jtl60]

Holgate won't be playing right back this season mate

Probably not, but just thought first game of the season might be a bit too soon for Martina

 

[jtl60]

FIXED.

BROKE

 

[MikeH72]

I believe he was pretty good yestarday

Jeez really? I take it all back. Cuco in forever and ever!

 

[Furey1878]

Felt a bit sorry for JJK yesterday. He played his half in a 4-3-3. You could see he was really trying to get forward, but always had McCarthy or Davies & Lookman ahead of him.

Coco comes on, we switch to a diamond & he's instantly got the freedom. Must have had the ball on the edge of the box 5 times??

I really don't like 433 & don't think it suits us at all.

We stayed 4-3-3 in the second half mate, it's just Rooney naturally drops a bit deeper.

We just had a better midfield 3 in the second half, Schneiderlin, Gueye and Klassen is nailed on to be our first choice midfield imo.