That's fair. The wing back positioning does concern me, particularly with backup players in the back three. I just suggested the formation that I did because, when Styles does move in field, he has shown he can influence the game. The goal against Birmingham, assist at QPR (albeit that was off the back of a set piece I think), and Weds night he won the free kick we scored from and was involved in the build up to the Vic chance. Problem is, it leaves us too easy to counter attack against when we lose the ball. I think if we have a genuine defensive midfielder in Gomes, which we lacked under Stendel in the Championship, then we could play 4-3-3 and still give the full backs license to get forward. Just a formation I thought could get the best out of Styles, reduce that risk out wide and not get outnumbered in midfield. The last two I think are problems that need to be solved. But fully aware that Schopp is far more qualified than me to solve them, just my two-penneth.
Im really not sure because I dont yet really know how good some of our new players are but at a best guess Collins Kitching, Helik, Mads Brittain Benson Gomes Styles Vita Frieser Woodrow Morris But with Palmer, Sibbick Oulare Williams (J), Iseka Hondermarck Victor, Moon availlable in case of a loss of form or to come on from the bench I could justify Palmer, Sibbick, Williams or possiby Iseka in the starting 11 even if all fit depending on form of everyone else
Collins, Sibbick, Andersen, Helik J.Williams, Benson, Gomes, Styles Morris, Woodrow, Oulare. I'd pick 12 men too.
Every little helps - its what happens when you are multitasking and working at the same time - Id probably start 3 5 2 and leave out Frieser in that case
I notice from this thread that a lot (not all) don`t pick Sibbick in their strongest line-up. He was favoured by VI and so far this season by MS. I think it`s a tough one but I`d currently have him slightly ahead of Kitching if Mads is back.
I'd go with that, except 343 and let Sibbick and Kitching compete for the third centre back spot (we know Mads can play on the left of a back 3 to accommodate Sibbick) and bring in the ice man up top. I'd be very reluctant to play Sibbick and Kitchen as full backs. Totally agree with your second statement. There is an assumption sometimes that the new boys will automatically be better than the current crop and it's not always the case. They need to fight for their spot. When we signed Gomes for example, someone immediately swapped out Palmer in their starting XI without having seen Gomes kick a ball in the championship. The same with Vita. Who would we take out for him, Styles? Don't get me wrong, these newbies could be absolute ballers in time, or make an immediate impact, but they need to earn the right. As a footnote, thought Iseka looked decent in first half at Stoke and Gomes eventually grew into the game, so looking up!
Agreed! Edit: See my other post, Kitching's stock is high due to new boy syndrome. Until he nutted someone.. I'd keep Sibbick in, he has potential to be a great laiker, and with Mads and Helik next to him he's in good company.
A flat back six. A 3-5-3. Is it any wonder the BBS are armchair football manages not paid to do that work for a living. Get Ted Lasso in!
Its a hard one to call as i haven't seen enough of Iseka, Oulare, Gomes or Vita. Based on the limited amount i have seen i think Kitching, Anderson and Helik would start with Collins in goal. Brittain would be a starter and i think if Gomes gets a run of games and adjusts quickly to the physicality of the game i see him starting. Up front i see Cauley as a starter. Thats 7. I haven't been impressed with Styles defending the left of late and Palmer has been a bit inconsistent. However i dont see that as a show stopper. But i think Benson would be my choice over Palmer at this point in time. So Styles and Benson take us to 9. So i think Morris will start with Oulare pushing and Frieser and Iseka fighting that last place. The good news is the bench will have players that can compete for starts and give options to change the game. Vita i have no idea of how he plays. Williams x 2, Halme, Moon good cover. Sibbick too.