Rumours about Sarr and Dennis really swirling now. Wouldn’t be surprised to see one or both missing. Imagine our performances from the first two games, without the front 3 threatening to make something-out-of-nothing on the counter. We’d be in huge trouble.
We can do without Dennis, not a team player at all. Pedro linked with Leeds now though which would be a shame.
Burnley will be another tough one and we could be forced to start the backups. I’d hope adequate replacements will be brought in eventually, but until then it will be painful viewing.
You have to use them while they're around, but the formation for the first two games absolutely did not suite playing 3 attackers. Not saying we'll be anything other than 90% less threatening without Sarr and Dennis, but I would suggest we'll see a better representation of how Edwards wants us to play
I’m also not sure about this, but I do remember Steve Terry clouting a clearance clean out of Old Trafford once. Quite a feat even back then.
I hope so, that’s the one silver lining. If Dennis is wrapped up in cotton wool, then I’d hope Choudhury gets put straight in and we make it a 3-5-2. Need to see more control in the midfield. And with a proper screening midfielder, maybe the wing backs will be able to push up further, a bit more like we saw in the SU game.
As much as that lineup makes us feel ill compared to what we used to look like, that's probably going to be our first eleven if Sarr and Dennis go. I think we will hold on to JP - he gives his all and I feel wants to develop with us. Is that a side good enough for promotion post window? No. Can it be tuned and shaped into what Edwards wants? Absolutely. We still need a additions from Mogi's little black book - but that's a good enough Champo side that could compete.
WBA match was extremely worrying. Like Watford 0 Brighton 3 levels of concern. Even under Ivic we weren't overrun like that, including the Huddersfield sabotage. Needless to say we need more than a few tweaks. We can't get the basics right.
I think we need to continue to give the new manager time, in a new league for him. He is likely to make mistakes in that period but we have to allow this the alternative is the constant cycle of hire and fire to find a perfect fit, which may never happen. I urge patience If he is still making the same mistakes and not learning after 10 league games it is a little more concerning.
I think the lack of control was self inflicted, and likely Edwards rolling the dice believing that if we soaked up enough pressure we could do them on the counter. It would have worked if Sarr hadn't decided to pass the ball to their keeper
Oh absolutely, Edwards (his personality at least) is the only thing that's giving me optimism. It's just so clear that he has his system. It's not like we just hired him, he was in the building when Hodgson was. Ample time and we haven't provided him the tools to do the job and with each passing day it feels like we won't. I back Edwards 100%. I just don't think the owners do - at least not the way he needs anyway.
So with Dennis on the verge of leaving, 3-5-2 with Choudhury in for Dennis ? Or 3-4-3 with Sema or Manaj up front ? Edwards prefers 3-5-2 but that means Sarr in a front 2 ????
Bachmann Kabasele Sierralta Cathcart Gaspar Gosling Choudhury Kaymebe Kamara Sarr Pedro Something like this? Although I would quite like to see Asprilla given a shot.
Maybe but given Gaspar doesn't bomb forward and Sarr is best as a winger, Pedro is best as a ......dunno, does that give us enough upfront, esp for a home game ?? Not sure there is enough creativity in the three in the middle, Gosling Choudhury Kaymebe.
If we are being honest it will probably be Gaspar in for Kamara and one of Hamza/Goz in for Dennis. At least Gosling sometimes makes late runs in to the box and offers something of a goal threat.
I hate to ruin your excellent attempts at possible line ups, but you know at 19.00 tomorrow Tom Cleverley (c) will be on the team sheet. 10 vs 11 before we even kick off.
If Dennis can't play tomorrow, it's time to throw the one midfielder in the squad who seems comfortable moving the ball forward in at the deep end and give Asprilla a go. Choudhury in as his bodyguard.
Yep, agreed. Asprilla is the only offensively minded midfielder we have fit right now, so might as well see what he can do.
I would really like to see Asprilla - he might be a bit of an unexpected wild card - but I suspect we will have to wait until the League Cup game.
I know people will say he's only 18 blah blah blah but worth remembering that Chalobah played over 40 games for when he was 17/18 that season on loan. This kid looks streetwise and like he has no fear, let's chuck him in.
New signing.. for Burnley . Tella from Southampton. https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/content/tella-arrives-on-season-long-loan
They should be docked points for this. https://twitter.com/burnleyofficial/status/1557781460878237699?s=24&t=KbRZgehoqzH41Roa4klBbg
I think that's actually quite funny. Much better than the overly serious faux dramatic ones you usually see.
First time in living memory that a trip to Turf Moor doesn't involve playing against a gaggle of cloggers.
