Starting Eleven? As it stands .....

[ITFC2024]

Chaplin hot and cold ? I don't think he was cold that often, Broadhead definitely.

If I remember correctly, Chaplin went several games without scoring. And, I believe he was benched by KM. Don’t get me wrong, I love Chaplin. However, it’s the Premier League now will he be productive regularly?

[Bluemike]

Yes he had a run of games where he didn't score, I didn't think his performances were that bad though, I think he was benched for one game but can't remember much more. It could be they all struggle and then we are fooked lol

[Mauswara]

These are our core squad players, those retained and in the door already, being prepared right now how to silence Liverpool.

[ITFC2024]

Not that my opinion means anything on this forum, but I completely agree with KMs assessment of Taylor. His goal scoring abilities far outweigh his defensive abilities, and I’ve always felt he should be used in an attacking role:

https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/24485736.i ... ced-roles/

[shabba]

Not that my opinion means anything on this forum, but I completely agree with KMs assessment of Taylor. His goal scoring abilities far outweigh his defensive abilities, and I’ve always felt he should be used in an attacking role:

https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/24485736.i ... ced-roles/

Most would agree - it’s tricky as he played in a midfield three and Peterborough - getting forward etc but sort of in between the defense and attacking roles in the formation we play. He would suit our system as one of a midfield two when we played weaker sides and were camped in the other teams half etc.

I think he can make a place for himself this season as we may need someone slightly less attacking and more rounded as the number ten for some games. Not sure he is mobile enough for premier league though.

Solid player with a good strike on him but not outstanding overall.

[Bluemike]

Not that my opinion means anything on this forum, but I completely agree with KMs assessment of Taylor. His goal scoring abilities far outweigh his defensive abilities, and I’ve always felt he should be used in an attacking role:

https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/24485736.i ... ced-roles/

I've frequently said lately that I think Taylor could well come good and be an asset in the Premier League

[Ricco]

I've frequently said lately that I think Taylor could well come good and be an asset in the Premier League

What d'you see in him which makes you think that Mike? From my point of view, he's failed to make an impression and claim a spot in the team in the Championship, I'd be surprised if he has the quality to make an impression a level up. You see a lot more than I do though??

[hallamblue]

I think his preferred position is as an advanced midfielder. He scored loads of goals for Posh from about 20/25 yards out. I think he’ll go well this season. His only downside is I think he can give the ball away too cheaply. In the PL that can be fatal.

[Bluemike]

I've frequently said lately that I think Taylor could well come good and be an asset in the Premier League

What d'you see in him which makes you think that Mike? From my point of view, he's failed to make an impression and claim a spot in the team in the Championship, I'd be surprised if he has the quality to make an impression a level up. You see a lot more than I do though??

I just started to see signs at the tail end of last season in the big games, he was putting himself about, getting stuck in, making some telling defensive tackled, he looked to have a really good engine on him too, I can't recall what games but he was involved in some really good build up play at times and for me I was suddenly seeing a player that looked the part as opposed to being lost in the headlights. I think there's more to come from him and I can see him overtaking Luongo to be honest.

[Ricco]

Good stuff, yes, I love Luongo, have followed him a since he was here as a teenager, but I don't think his legs are going to serve him for a gruelling season. We won't have the same level of possession this season of course, so that defensive energy will be crucial. However hopefully we'll recruit some more quality in those areas and won't have to rely on Taylor stepping up!!

[ITFC2024]

I just started to see signs at the tail end of last season in the big games, he was putting himself about, getting stuck in, making some telling defensive tackled, he looked to have a really good engine on him too, I can't recall what games but he was involved in some really good build up play at times and for me I was suddenly seeing a player that looked the part as opposed to being lost in the headlights. I think there's more to come from him and I can see him overtaking Luongo to be honest.

Interesting. I've never really rated him as a defensive midfielder. If he can get into attacking positions above the box, he has the ability to score from distance. Not sure how that's gonna work when Omari is playing in the center, though.

[Bluemike]

I just started to see signs at the tail end of last season in the big games, he was putting himself about, getting stuck in, making some telling defensive tackled, he looked to have a really good engine on him too, I can't recall what games but he was involved in some really good build up play at times and for me I was suddenly seeing a player that looked the part as opposed to being lost in the headlights. I think there's more to come from him and I can see him overtaking Luongo to be honest.

Interesting. I've never really rated him as a defensive midfielder. If he can get into attacking positions above the box, he has the ability to score from distance. Not sure how that's gonna work when Omari is playing in the center, though.

I am thinking Omari may be wide ?

[shabba]

Suspect Omari may play all three roles like he did last season/ depending who is fit. His best role prob wide right, but he did have some very good games as the 10, and scored some key goals when he played on the left!

[ITFC2024]

I think Omari is dangerous no matter where he starts, but a lot of his goals have came from surging runs through the middle. With Taylor positioned behind him in those instances, it will give Omari an option to play it back if he hits a roadblock hopefully resulting in Taylor picking up the pass and shooting on target. Personally, I prefer Burns on the right and Omari more centrally located, even if he starts wide.

Really hope we get the Blackburn lad because he’ll score goals whatever his role is. I think the West Brom defender will add some experience to the backline. I wonder if KM will play him and Davis together, freeing up Davis for those surging wide runs without compromising defence.

[shabba]

I think Omari is dangerous no matter where he starts, but a lot of his goals have came from surging runs through the middle. With Taylor positioned behind him in those instances, it will give Omari an option to play it back if he hits a roadblock hopefully resulting in Taylor picking up the pass and shooting on target. Personally, I prefer Burns on the right and Omari more centrally located, even if he starts wide.

Really hope we get the Blackburn lad because he’ll score goals whatever his role is. I think the West Brom defender will add some experience to the backline. I wonder if KM will play him and Davis together, freeing up Davis for those surging wide runs without compromising defence.

Personally can’t see Omari playing central in the ten role and Taylor behind him (alongside Morsy).

Also can’t see Davis being played forward, but I guess if injuries happen it might be a possibility - but I think KM would rather play Omari left over Davis in the AML position

[ITFC2024]

I think Omari is dangerous no matter where he starts, but a lot of his goals have came from surging runs through the middle. With Taylor positioned behind him in those instances, it will give Omari an option to play it back if he hits a roadblock hopefully resulting in Taylor picking up the pass and shooting on target. Personally, I prefer Burns on the right and Omari more centrally located, even if he starts wide.

Really hope we get the Blackburn lad because he’ll score goals whatever his role is. I think the West Brom defender will add some experience to the backline. I wonder if KM will play him and Davis together, freeing up Davis for those surging wide runs without compromising defence.

Personally can’t see Omari playing central in the ten role and Taylor behind him (alongside Morsy).

Also can’t see Davis being played forward, but I guess if injuries happen it might be a possibility - but I think KM would rather play Omari left over Davis in the AML position

Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought Omari played the central role several times and scored key goals?

I forgot Greaves plays on the left, so he should sufficient backup for Davis going forward. Yep, I can't see KM changing line ups unless we're getting thumped. He'll stick to what's got us where we are.

[Ricco]

Just thought I'd visualise things at this point. I have played a lot of Football Manager over the years and I believe this makes me uniquely qualified to be considered McKenna's equal. I always wanted to start a season with a minimum of two strong players per position, I feel (as many do), that we're still a long way short of that, especially for players that we can be confident are up to the Premier League.



Going through the team:

GK - I think Muric is potentially a very exciting acquirement, although you could consider your GK in the way you see your accountant, you want a safe one, not an exciting one! I'm hopeful, but if things don't work out, or there is an injury to Muric, I'm not sure how Walton will do in a very busy season, especially after a year away from first team football. Maybe an emergency signing of De Gea would be on the cards in that situation There is Slicker too, who I think is a nice 3rd choice, but you never want your 3rd choice keeper being called upon.

Defence - I think this will essentially be it, you can quibble over quality if you like, but we have plenty of players and cover, so I see no major additions. On top of the players in the visual, there is Tuanzebe, who can cover many positions and who I guess may be above Clarke in the pecking order at RB over the season too, especially for now with Clarke's op recovery. Baggott a notable mention too, but with many experienced CBs at the club ahead of him, I imagine he will be loaned out for the season.

Central Midfield - This is my major worry at the moment. Morsy, soon to turn 33 is the best we have, but even if we say he is definitely up to the pace of the Premiership, he'll be picking up cards and needing rest. We're relying on Taylor to step up, but he played just 875 minutes for us last season, so you can't really say he's even overly proven in the Championship, although he did have a half decent season in there with Peterborough a couple of seasons earlier too. Luongo, soon to turn 32 is the more experienced at the higher levels, but it's also a big ask for him to do a season long job in a gruelling position. Other than that... we have a couple of youngsters, but if we're counting on them producing something, then we're in mega trouble. I think we need a top quality set of legs next to Morsy and potentially another player in to cover Morsy and give us more depth there.

LW - Broadhead injured and Harness was a support player with less than 1000 minutes last season, so this is probably number two problem position. Someone like Szmodics would be a great addition to add depth here, but I think I'd rather he was rotated centrally with Chaplin. Need a signing here.

AM - Chaplin didn't have a good second half of the season and his usually clinical finishing was way below it's best, he will have fewer chances this season, he currently doesn't have a challenger. Although Hutchinson can play here, he cannot be covering two positions, I want him in his stronger position challenging/rotating with Burns. EDIT: Plenty of talk of Taylor more advanced, would that be to challenge Chaplin? If yes... great, but that puts even more strain on Morsy/Luongo.

RW - If Burns in back up to speed than you'd say this position was sorted, however as I've just mentioned, if Hutchinson gets dragged to cover elsewhere, then you'd say we could look very thin very quickly, especially if Burns has an injury reoccurrence, which is a definite possibility.

CF - A lot will rest on Delap's shoulders with Hirst's injury. Ladapo is at the club, but seemingly didn't perform last season in League 1, so major problems again if we have to rely on him, I can't see that ever being allowed to happen. EDIT: I forgot about Al-Hamadi, others will disagree, but I don't see him as a viable option this season, and would rather he was loaned down to get games and up his value in the Championship. At least we have him as a 3rd choice option at the moment.

TLDR? What do I think we need?

Vitally important:

- A versatile forward play to cover Broadhead's injury and Chaplin's lack of competition. Szmodics is the obvious choice

- A quality central midfielder to play alongside Morsy

Desirable:

- CF to cover Hirst's injury and add depth

- A second central midfielder to add depth

- A second attacking player to take Harness' spot in the rotation

Bonus:

- A proven second choice keeper

That all means I think we're two players short of not being in major trouble, and four or five players short of being where we want to be. With the flow of transfers having come to an abrupt halt, we will likely have a tough start, as any more additions won't have long enough to bed in to our system. Two more signings, a couple of quality loans, get it done Ashton!

[Bluemike]

I completely agree that the defence looks done and dusted, especially with Edmundson not having been moved on and showing up well in pre season. I can also see Walton staying put which I'm not overly enthusiastic about.

I also agree that we definitely need another CM for sure, maybe the lad from Birmingham could be the answer, young yes but very promising and much sought after, we deffo need a couple of wide options too with Clarke from Sunderland a viable target while the guy from Burnley, who's name escapes me, is also a decent option. I am more happy with Taylor kicking on than most and I think he's gonna blossom this season with a run of opportunities.

Up fron looks dire to me, Hirst is a sicknote, as is Broadhead who basically has biscuit legs, Ladapo won't be retained and while I am not keen on shipping out Al-Hamadi I see him as back up, this leaves Delap basically, unproven and not prolific at any level, we desperately need another striker and that does not include Szmodics who is more of an attacking midfielder, hopefully he arrives before the emergence of Lord Lucan but I'm not sure.

Behind the striker we aren't too bad what with Burns, Hutchinson, Chaplin & Harness all good options, plus the aforementioned Szmodics if it happens.

So for me we need - ST, CM, RW, LW

Should we get them and Hirst & Broadhead back relatively quickly I think we'll be just fine but all ifs and buts atm, things need to start happening very soon.

[Charnwood]

I think all 4 priority gaps will be filled by thd end of the month latest. Two permanent transfers costing £30M - £40M and 2 Season long loans from other Premier League Club/s with clauses making the players unavailable for the fixtures against the loanee club. At least one of the loan players from Chelsea the other maybe Spurs or Arsenal.

[hallamblue]

I reckon the starting team yesterday will likely be the one starting vs LFC.

McKenna looks to have tweaked our approach to games slightly, making us ( hopefully) less vulnerable defensively but maybe less potent in attack.

We haven't finalised the squad yet, do still more players to come in. But we don't as yet appear to be shifting many out the door. But until we know who we have in the building, we can't let some players leave.

[shabba]

I doubt? Surely Greaves will start and Johnson won’t play AMR?

Muric

Johnson
Wolfie
Greaves
Davis

Morsy
Masimo

Hutchison
Chaplin
Burns

Delap


Not saying that’s my line up choice but it’s what I think the lineup will be.

[hallamblue]

Greaves is the best defender at this club now.
And Edmundson has been very impressive alongside him at Rt CB this pre season. Seems he was always played out of position on the left to accommodate Woolfie until Burgess came inntgrn he lost his place. He certainly was prone to errors playing on the left of CB. But in his normal position, he imperious.

I can see a Edmunddon / Greaves CB pairing. Absolutely solid unit. Axel Rtback... Davis Ltback

[shabba]

Greaves is the best defender at this club now.
And Edmundson has been very impressive alongside him at Rt CB this pre season. Seems he was always played out of position on the left to accommodate Woolfie until Burgess came inntgrn he lost his place. He certainly was prone to errors playing on the left of CB. But in his normal position, he imperious.

I can see a Edmunddon / Greaves CB pairing. Absolutely solid unit. Axel Rtback... Davis Ltback

Wouldn't be against that, he did well again on the weekened - goal line clearnece was him I believe. Has he given some pens away though? Inc sat? I couldn't quite see who it was.

[Bluemike]

I believe it was Tuanzebe that gave away the penalty although Edmundson was in close attendance too.

[Bluemike]

My guess on starting Eleven for Saturday is......

Muric

Johnson
Woolfenden
Greaves
Davis

Morsy
Luongo

Burns
Chaplin
Hutchinson

Delap

I would however prefer Edmundson for Woolfenden and Taylor for Luongo but don't see that happening tbh. I think Marcus Harness can count himself very unlucky not to start should he miss out but I don't see KM not going with Burns initially.

[Ricco]

I'd go with that, but I wouldn't be overly surprised if Harness starts and Hutchinson is played centrally with Chaplin benched. I think it could be a rough period for Chaplin, and that was how they lined up against Nice I believe? Bit of a worry, Harness wasn't even a nailed on starter in League 1, so to be heading in to a Prem season with him in the frame is a little worrying, but at least fair play to him, he has worked hard and continued to contribute.

[hallamblue]

One or two players have really laid down a claim for a start during this pre season I think . Players that have impressed me especially have been Harness,Taylor, and Edmundson

My team for Sat would be

Muric

Axel
Edmundson
Greaves
Davis

Morsy
Taylor


Johnson
Hutchinson
Harness

Delap

[Ricco]

Well I guess it's good McKenna has some options and possible headaches in some areas, especially as we still have some obvious holes in the squad.

[Bluemike]

Well I guess it's good McKenna has some options and possible headaches in some areas, especially as we still have some obvious holes in the squad.

What sort of holes ?

Not arseholes I hope

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

One or two players have really laid down a claim for a start during this pre season I think . Players that have impressed me especially have been Harness,Taylor, and Edmundson

My team for Sat would be

Muric

Axel
Edmundson
Greaves
Davis

Morsy
Taylor


Johnson
Hutchinson
Harness

Delap

Yep, based on pre-season form that would be my starting lineup (unless we make an unexpected signing this week)