Team v Palace

[123EasyasBFC]

Koleosho and Amdouni can get in behind I feel.

It’s only dropping deep to help in transition before attacking the box - if we’re in their half you want him in the box

Yet to see that pace with Amdouni yet and although koleosho has the pace of tella if not more pace than tella, he doesn’t have the technical ability. If you look back to united at home in the second half when we really lost our energy, the amount of times our number 9 was nowhere near the most advanced player, it worked with barnes in the championship because we had so much more space

[Superjohnnyfrancis]

So VK is saying Muric can’t play against Arsenal so does that mean he is playing tomorrow?

[ervi34]

I would probably try something like this, although I feel we won't get a result anyway:

Muric
Roberts Delcroix Beyer Taylor
Cork Brownhill
Gudmundsson Berge Redmond
Rodriguez

Bring back Ramsey as a playmaker! When Foster isn't fit it has to be Amdouni as a 9. Rodriguez isn't good enough for the premier league.

Ramsey is also unavailable due to a knock.

So VK is saying Muric can’t play against Arsenal so does that mean he is playing tomorrow?

I think Trafford probably starts tomorrow because of that. Kompany will probably play him again if he's going to start next week as well.

[Anthonini]

Traff
Roberts O'Shea Delcroix Taylor
Berge X
Trésor Ramsey Koleosho
Amdouni

Doubting about Redmond and Zaroury. In the back O'Shea and Taylor should start. If Beyer is fit or Vitinho is better at training I wouldn't mind them starting. Who's playing next to Berge I don't care anymore so far none of them are halfway decent. Massengo?

[Anthonini]

I would probably try something like this, although I feel we won't get a result anyway:

Muric
Roberts Delcroix Beyer Taylor
Cork Brownhill
Gudmundsson Berge Redmond
Rodriguez


Ramsey is also unavailable due to a knock.

Oh okay unlucky for him...

[CoolClaret]

Yet to see that pace with Amdouni yet and although koleosho has the pace of tella if not more pace than tella, he doesn’t have the technical ability. If you look back to united at home in the second half when we really lost our energy, the amount of times our number 9 was nowhere near the most advanced player, it worked with barnes in the championship because we had so much more space

I think that’s because United really sat off us - I suppose Palace could probably do the same.

Amdouni doesn’t have the same speed no but could cause problems in transition with his dribbling ability.

If we have Jay / our 9 playing on the last shoulder then I’d have different player in the ‘10’ role - more of a distributor, maybe a Trèsor and have Zaroury out left and Redmond/Larsen on the right.

[dougcollins]

So VK is saying Muric can’t play against Arsenal so does that mean he is playing tomorrow?

Seems to me that saying he's not available for Arsenal may be the excuse required to leave him out tomorrow also.

[Superjohnnyfrancis]

Seems to me that saying he's not available for Arsenal may be the excuse required to leave him out tomorrow also.

He really is willing to die on Trafford hill it seems.

[123EasyasBFC]

I think that’s because United really sat off us - I suppose Palace could probably do the same.

Amdouni doesn’t have the same speed no but could cause problems in transition with his dribbling ability.

If we have Jay / our 9 playing on the last shoulder then I’d have different player in the ‘10’ role - more of a distributor, maybe a Trèsor and have Zaroury out left and Redmond/Larsen on the right.

I agree with needing tresor or even zaroury behind if jay is up top

[claretspice]

if Foster is out (and boy that is a blow) then I think I'd play Redmond at number 9, I'm pretty sure he's played there before for Southampton, and Rodriguez has been pretty ineffective. He can come short and go in behind and retains mobility at the top end of the pitch. I don't think Amdouni at number 9 works unless he has the scope to operate as a false 9, and that requires a level of control over the game that we're highly unlikely to have. Equally, he's not a 10 for me because he doesn't do enough to help the midfield. I think the only option is to have him joining in from wide right.

[Dark Cloud]

Winger. He's injured.

He's in good company then! It'll be like waiting at A&E in that treatment room!

[jedi_master]

Foster not being involved feels like a death sentence. It's unbelievable when you think back to how he was last season, but we are so reliant on him. Amdouni has so far looked below the requirements and certainly cannot operate as a number 9. That basically leaves an aging and frankly past it Jay as our only option up top - very grim

Beyer being fit is great news though if that is true. I would still go with Muric even if he is unavailable in the next game - it's time for him to get a go.

With these bits of information I will now go with:

----------------------------------------------Muric
Roberts-------------------Al-Dakhil-----------------Beyer--------------Taylor
---------------------------------Berge----------------Cork
Redmond-------------------------------Brownhill-------------------Bruun-Larsen
------------------------------------------Rodriguez

[CrosspoolClarets]

Never thought I’d say it but it was a mistake letting both Barnes and Weghorst go. Jay is the same age as Barnes but has a worse injury record and when Foster is out we really miss someone to hold the ball up. Either of those two would have done the job (I’m ignoring whether Weghorst would have wanted to stay because the whole suggestion is moot anyway).

So back to the topic, I’d change my earlier side now Foster is out and play Redmond up there.

[CoolClaret]

if Foster is out (and boy that is a blow) then I think I'd play Redmond at number 9, I'm pretty sure he's played there before for Southampton, and Rodriguez has been pretty ineffective. He can come short and go in behind and retains mobility at the top end of the pitch. I don't think Amdouni at number 9 works unless he has the scope to operate as a false 9, and that requires a level of control over the game that we're highly unlikely to have. Equally, he's not a 10 for me because he doesn't do enough to help the midfield. I think the only option is to have him joining in from wide right.

I’d roll Jay Rod over Amdouni as a lone striker for sure but I’m with you - if it’s not Jay then I’d play Redmond there and I can only see Amdouni coming off the right as well.

Perhaps better coming off the bench and playing as a ‘10’ / second striker for 30 minutes or so; would only be starting on the right for me though

[RHansburyEsq]

Seems to me that saying he's not available for Arsenal may be the excuse required to leave him out tomorrow also.

I think that’s likely and if so a bit of a blow. Rightly or not a lot of fans now want/expect Muric on Saturday and VK/the team need people on side as much as possible. I fear things could get quite toxic quite quickly if things don’t go our way early on.

And Foster’s absence really is a big blow. Testing the last slivers of optimism I have.

[CoolClaret]

4th attempt -

We saw a 4-2-2-2 / 4-4-2 against Benfica - with Foster out and Jay maybe not being up to leading the line on his own in the PL maybe we play Redmond and Amdouni together in a fluid front two?

-----------Keeper
Roberts-O'Shea-Beyer*-Taylor
-------Berge----Cork
---Brownhill--------Zaroury
-----Redmond--Amdouni

Could work

[kentonclaret]

A player putting pen to paper on a new extension to his Contract seems to be code for “he’s currently injured and won’t be playing for a while”.

[claretspice]

4th attempt -

We saw a 4-2-2-2 / 4-4-2 against Benfica - with Foster out and Jay maybe not being up to leading the line on his own in the PL maybe we play Redmond and Amdouni together in a fluid front two?

-----------Keeper
Roberts-O'Shea-Beyer*-Taylor
-------Berge----Cork
---Brownhill--------Zaroury
-----Redmond--Amdouni

Could work

I'd reformat that team into a 4-2-3-1 with Amdouni narrow on the right and Zaroury left, but otherwise that would be my team I think. Equally agnostic on 'keeper, but I think I'd go for Muric simply because we need to freshen up.

[CoolClaret]

I'd reformat that team into a 4-2-3-1 with Amdouni narrow on the right and Zaroury left, but otherwise that would be my team I think. Equally agnostic on 'keeper, but I think I'd go for Muric simply because we need to freshen up.

Yeah I mean it could form various looks depending on if we’re in/out of possession or depending on Palace’s line of engagement.

It would be Muric for me normally but with the news re Arsenal I can see an argument for Trafford.

Zaroury because he’s shown he can come into the middle to operate a bit and dictate play - and Brownhill I believe is better a bit higher up the pitch and did do bits for us under Dyche in the PL often playing in a narrow sort of ‘wide midfield’ role. Don’t think it’s out of the question for him ability wise.

[Superjohnnyfrancis]

………………..Muric (C)

Roberts ….Beyer. …Oshea……Velcroix


………..Cork……….Brownhill



JBL……………Berge…………Kolo


…………….Amdouni

[Silkyskills1]

if Foster is out (and boy that is a blow) then I think I'd play Redmond at number 9, I'm pretty sure he's played there before for Southampton, and Rodriguez has been pretty ineffective. He can come short and go in behind and retains mobility at the top end of the pitch. I don't think Amdouni at number 9 works unless he has the scope to operate as a false 9, and that requires a level of control over the game that we're highly unlikely to have. Equally, he's not a 10 for me because he doesn't do enough to help the midfield. I think the only option is to have him joining in from wide right.

I do appreciate the post was written in good faith and genuine concern for our line-up on Saturday. However, it struck me just how out of touch I've become with the modern game now. I thought I knew a little bit about football based mainly on my personal experiences of being a fan. But I'm baffled somewhat now. I'll read it again later on and hope that some of it sticks.
Not wishing to sound repetitive( though I am being) I did mention on here months ago amidst all the euphoria of a great season that the 'striker' position/ situation was one that needed addressing urgently; basically we didn't have enough. Tella joining the club permanently would have helped but he hasn't and now it appears that all we have to offer is a 34 year old, at best, trier whose legs now don't do what he wants them to. I suppose this sounds like a 'told you so' moan but it isn't intended to be. A poor piece of management that clearly went unnoticed until now. Smacks a bit of 'you don't know what you got till it's gone.

[OssyClaret]

Muric

Roberts Al Dakhil Beyer Taylor

Cullen Cork Brownhill

Berge Foster Amdouni

2nd attempt given todays less than ideal news..

Muric

Roberts Al Dakhil Beyer Taylor

Berge Cork Brownhill

JBG Amdouni Koleosho

[Since62]

I don’t care what the team is so long as there is some organisation and fight.

[clarethomer]

With Cullen and Foster out.

-----------------Muric--------------
Roberts - AAD ---Beyer-------CT
-----------Cork---Brownhill-----
---------------Berge---------------
Redmond------------------Koleosho/Zaroury
--------------Jay / Amdouni-----

[Nori1958]

Why would anyone pick muric for one game?

[Taffy on the wing]

Why would anyone pick muric for one game?

So we actually have a chance of winning one?

[dougcollins]

It really is bad news about Foster being unavailable.

Hope he's ok.

[Nori1958]

So we actually have a chance of winning one?

And a change of goalkeeper will help?
How did it work out on Wednesday?

The goalkeeper, whichever one, is not the problem

[Taffy on the wing]

And a change of goalkeeper will help?
How did it work out on Wednesday?

The goalkeeper, whichever one, is not the problem

Oh ok, O wise one!

[Boss Hogg]

MURIC must start
Hopefully Beyer is back too. The absence of Foster is a big blow. Also like the idea of Redmond up top. Amdouni isn’t cutting it there for me and Jay Rod should have been put out to pasture years ago.

[Boss Hogg]

And a change of goalkeeper will help?
How did it work out on Wednesday?

The goalkeeper, whichever one, is not the problem

Hart wasn’t a problem individually but it worked well when he was dropped. In this case though I think the goalkeeper is part of the problem. The way we want to play will work better with Muric. His passing is far better and he will help get us up the pitch.

[boatshed bill]

I don't know who's fit, ill, out of favour, too old,etc etc.
But whatever team is selected I'd like to see what Massengo can do in midfield.

[Nori1958]

Hart wasn’t a problem individually but it worked well when he was dropped. In this case though I think the goalkeeper is part of the problem. The way we want to play will work better with Muric. His passing is far better and he will help get us up the pitch.

Wednesday?

[Shaggy]

One thing is for certain our vastly over priced League 1 kid goalkeeper will be playing

[dougcollins]

One thing is for certain our vastly over priced League 1 kid goalkeeper will be playing

As much as I want to see Muric, that's uncalled for.

[leelad]

Muric
Roberts
AAD
Beyer (fingers crossed he is fit)
Taylor
Redmond
Cork
Brownhill
Berge
Zaroury
Rodriguez

[Elizabeth]

I don’t care what the team is so long as there is some organisation and fight.

I've got to say this is where I'm at. Better than the tossing up of names and seeing where they land that most people are doing now that Foster is out.

[Commy]

Cork should be in but he won't bring him on in games that he is needed so I don't hold out much hope. He will put Berge in there, where everyone can see it isn't what he is good at.

[Carlos the Great]

We need to change a few things as currently it’s not working ,, VK says we need to learn but maybe he needs to learn to alternate the team .. we need Muric to start and hopefully that will give us a glimmer of hope we can beat palace

[Newcastleclaret93]

Hart wasn’t a problem individually but it worked well when he was dropped. In this case though I think the goalkeeper is part of the problem. The way we want to play will work better with Muric. His passing is far better and he will help get us up the pitch.

That theory would work if we didn’t just have our worst performance of the season with a better passer at the back

[taio]

That theory would work if we didn’t just have our worst performance of the season with a better passer at the back

I didn't enjoy going on Wednesday but it wasn't our worst performance of the season if that's what you're saying

[Newcastleclaret93]

I didn't enjoy going on Wednesday but it wasn't our worst performance of the season if that's what you're saying

Which one was worst?

[taio]

Which one was worst?

The game immediately before

[StayingDown4Ever]

The game immediately before

I actually think Brentford was a worse performance than both Bournemouth and Everton.

[taio]

I actually think Brentford was a worse performance than both Bournemouth and Everton.

Fair enough. Brentford was poor but in my view Bournemouth was dreadful.

[taio]

2nd attempt given todays less than ideal news..

Muric

Roberts Al Dakhil Beyer Taylor

Berge Cork Brownhill

JBG Amdouni Koleosho

This is what I'd like to see although possibly a game too early for Beyer - hope not

[StayingDown4Ever]

Fair enough. Brentford was poor but in my view Bournemouth was dreadful.

Don’t know why that other guy is suggesting Everton was worse than either of these two. First half at Everton wasn’t that bad in my opinion. Second half was granted, but full games at Brentford and Bournemouth were shameful.

[Dodobdobodobo]

Muric
Vitinho/Roberts O’Shea Beyer Taylor
Cork
Brownhill Berge
Tresor/Redmond Amdouni
Jay

[taio]

Don’t know why that other guy is suggesting Everton was worse than either of these two. First half at Everton wasn’t that bad in my opinion. Second half was granted, but full games at Brentford and Bournemouth were shameful.

Agree. First half against Everton was ok. Doesn't fit his narrative though.

[taio]

Muric
Vitinho O’Shea Beyer Taylor
Cork
Brownhill Berge
Tresor Amdouni
Jay

Vitinho has been very poor at right back - what would be the justification for starting him today?