The team that I would like to see from here on out...

[CoolClaret]

I think these lads will give us the best chance of playing our natural game and the best chance of winning football matches.

Draws aren't really good enough at this point, we need to throw the kitchen sink at it.

------------Muric
Assignon-O'Shea-Esteve-Taylor
------------Cullen
------JBG----------Berge
Fofana------Foster-------Odobert

We need to be proactive and relentless and it starts from the back and playing through the lines quickly and at pace.

Non of this drawing the press shite that is sucking the life out of the side and not working.

We need to go after teams and run them ragged.

Over to you VK.

[sjb]

Hard work for Charlie that team

[CoolClaret]

Hard work for Charlie that team

Don't know what you mean....

[RVclaret]

I think these lads will give us the best chance of playing our natural game and the best chance of winning football matches.

Draws aren't really good enough at this point, we need to throw the kitchen sink at it.

------------Muric
Assignon-O'Shea-Esteve-Taylor
------------Cullen
------JBG----------Berge
Fofana------Foster-------Odobert

We need to be proactive and relentless and it starts from the back and playing through the lines quickly and at pace.

Non of this drawing the press shite that is sucking the life out of the side and not working.

We need to go after teams and run them ragged.

Over to you VK.

Like it. Swap JBG and Berge to their more ‘natural’ side though.

[CoolClaret]

Like it. Swap JBG and Berge to their more ‘natural’ side though.

Aye I nearly did when writing it - just recalled JBG playing RCM at times last season.

[CoolClaret]

Apologies for some horrific writing in the OP as well, using 'and' four times in one sentence is embarrassing.

The overriding point still stands - we just need to go for it.

[Goody1975]

Like it. Swap JBG and Berge to their more ‘natural’ side though.

Brownhill for JBG but that is just about the team I'd select. We give goals away and that's been a problem all season but we surrender the midfield battle week after week.

[123EasyasBFC]

I think these lads will give us the best chance of playing our natural game and the best chance of winning football matches.

Draws aren't really good enough at this point, we need to throw the kitchen sink at it.

------------Muric
Assignon-O'Shea-Esteve-Taylor
------------Cullen
------JBG----------Berge
Fofana------Foster-------Odobert

We need to be proactive and relentless and it starts from the back and playing through the lines quickly and at pace.

Non of this drawing the press shite that is sucking the life out of the side and not working.

We need to go after teams and run them ragged.

Over to you VK.

I think that team would have beaten both Luton and Fulham comfortably.

If Beyer is fit he would be in for O’Shea for me

[Steve-Harpers-perm]

Pick these teams all you want obvious certain players start regardless.

[Westleigh]

Pick these teams all you want obvious certain players start regardless.

Need we guess?

[CoolClaret]

I think that team would have beaten both Luton and Fulham comfortably.

If Beyer is fit he would be in for O’Shea for me

Maybe - just if we want to be a bit more aggressive from the back BUT I think in terms of defending O'Shea is far clear tbh and is really growing into his role.

[123EasyasBFC]

Maybe - just if we want to be a bit more aggressive from the back BUT I think in terms of defending O'Shea is far clear tbh and is really growing into his role.

The article that Burnley express did regarding esteve from French football expert said he isn’t really a ball playing cb, which makes me think that’s why Beyer will come back in.

But I agree O’Shea has been solid for last 10 or so games minus the one error away at wolves

[CoolClaret]

The article that Burnley express did regarding esteve from French football expert said he isn’t really a ball playing cb, which makes me think that’s why Beyer will come back in.

But I agree O’Shea has been solid for last 10 or so games minus the one error away at wolves

It's just so much better having a left sided centre half playing.

He looked good, maybe not the best passer of the ball but took the ball in stride and had a good first touch - also drove forward with it.

Just need as much aggression, tenacity and power in our side as possible now. No more passengers.

[123EasyasBFC]

It's just so much better having a left sided centre half playing.

He looked good, maybe not the best passer of the ball but took the ball in stride and had a good first touch - also drove forward with it.

Just need as much aggression, tenacity and power in our side as possible now. No more passengers.

Beyer is right footed, so can play the O’Shea role if kompany wanted to replace him, but yes esteve has to be our starting left sided cb

[CoolClaret]

Beyer is right footed, so can play the O’Shea role if kompany wanted to replace him, but yes esteve has to be our starting left sided cb

That he is, but has left a lot to be desired defensively this season for me and is significantly worse in the air...

Prior to the signing of Assignon, I'd have had Beyer at right back.

Left back remains a huge concern with Chaz's injury.

[Goliath]

Pick these teams all you want obvious certain players start regardless.

We cant win games in this league with pretty technical football, we arent good enough. Once we accept this we can move forwards.
I would go with:
...................Muric (this wont happen though)

Assignon O'Shea Esteve Taylor (jbg if behind)

.JBG/JBL Berge Brownhill/Cullen/JBG.... Odobert

Fofana/Jay Rod Foster

Amdouni would be 4th choice striker for me now. He's had his chance, we need to play a physical, direct, compact 442.
This side would offer us that along with a nice sprinkling of experience with youthful pace and physicality.

We are also drastically underusing Jack Cork which has been another ridiculous decision by VK which hes not going to change.

[123EasyasBFC]

That he is, but has left a lot to be desired defensively this season for me and is significantly worse in the air...

Prior to the signing of Assignon, I'd have had Beyer at right back.

Left back remains a huge concern with Chaz's injury.

Yeah O’Shea is good in the air, more durable than Beyer.

Vitinho had a very weak game today

How we ended the game with Massengo at right back and brownhill at left back is crazy

[AlargeClaret]

Anyone any idea how long Taylor’s out ? Hopefully he’s not dislocated the shoulder ?

[Goliath]

Yeah O’Shea is good in the air, more durable than Beyer.

Vitinho had a very weak game today

How we ended the game with Massengo at right back and brownhill at left back is crazy

I think Brownhill could make an excellent full back to be fair.
Also if i remember rightly Massengo has played there before so maybe not quite as mad as it seemed.
It also allowed us to move JBG central where he then helped to create the second goal, so it was actually a change that worked

[Newcastleclaret93]

I think these lads will give us the best chance of playing our natural game and the best chance of winning football matches.

Draws aren't really good enough at this point, we need to throw the kitchen sink at it.

------------Muric
Assignon-O'Shea-Esteve-Taylor
------------Cullen
------JBG----------Berge
Fofana------Foster-------Odobert

We need to be proactive and relentless and it starts from the back and playing through the lines quickly and at pace.

Non of this drawing the press shite that is sucking the life out of the side and not working.

We need to go after teams and run them ragged.

Over to you VK.

I like the team but I just really can’t see that team doing well.

It’s just so physically weak.

[123EasyasBFC]

I think Brownhill could make an excellent full back to be fair.
Also if i remember rightly Massengo has played there before so maybe not quite as mad as it seemed.
It also allowed us to move JBG central where he then helped to create the second goal, so it was actually a change that worked

It wasn’t necessarily a criticism of the players, I just thinks crazy to think that a premier league club after the money spent to end a game with 2 cms at full back

[CoolClaret]

I like the team but I just really can’t see that team doing well.

It’s just so physically weak.

Is it though -

Added Esteve, Fofana and Assignon for more physicality.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Is it though -

Added Esteve, Fofana and Assignon for more physicality.

Difficult to judge them three so far given such limited game time.

That game has honestly sucked the life out of me. Got no idea how the club moves forward. Relegation is a certain and seemingly the best players are loanees again that won’t sign permanent deals.

Then on the flip side we have a load of expensive flops that I just can’t see people wanting to buy. (Loans I can see but can’t see how that benefits the club).

[warksclaret]

Brownhill for JBG but that is just about the team I'd select. We give goals away and that's been a problem all season but we surrender the midfield battle week after week.

Totally agree-I know JBG has his fans on here but for me he was finished in the PL 2 to 3 seasons ago, and is too slow and indecisive. O Shea has earned the right to play and alongside Esteve is a good pairing. Esteve to LB if Charlie is injured

[Ric_C]

Just been thinking about our team for the rest of the season and just replying to the OP as I think they've got it pretty much spot on

Amdouni, Trafford, Ramsey especially are cooked for me this season

[Colburn_Claret]

It really doesn't matter who the starting XI is, we have good players, but a crap team, and no matter how you shuffle the pack, we have no leaders on the pitch, too little experience of this level on the pitch, and not enough nous and composure under pressure.
We just need the rest of this season for vk to realise our shortcomings and hopefully address it next season.

[Holtyclaret]

Difficult to judge them three so far given such limited game time.

(Loans I can see but can’t see how that benefits the club).

They’ll be 3 or 4 that may go off for a 12 month hiatus next season. Benefits are obvious. We retain the players services for future, they develop and play games probably coming back stronger and certainly more experienced, gets wages off budget, receive loan fees, keeps them in shop window and might attract bids, allows players to maintain international careers (like Weghorst).

[Kilson810]

If everyone is fit (minus Koleosho who is long term):

Muric
Assignon O'Shea Esteve Taylor
Brownhill Cullen
Fofana Berge Odobert
Foster.

I really want to see Berge playing further up the pitch, Amdouni is stealing a slot in the starting XI. I genuinely think he can come good but he looks a shell of his potential at the minute and everyone except VK can see he needs to be dropped, if nothing else but for his own good.

No doubt we will see Fofana on the bench next week though.

[Goody1975]

If everyone is fit (minus Koleosho who is long term):

Muric
Assignon O'Shea Esteve Taylor
Brownhill Cullen
Fofana Berge Odobert
Foster.

I really want to see Berge playing further up the pitch, Amdouni is stealing a slot in the starting XI. I genuinely think he can come good but he looks a shell of his potential at the minute and everyone except VK can see he needs to be dropped, if nothing else but for his own good.

No doubt we will see Fofana on the bench next week though.

Yes, this is my team.

We want to play like the top teams but don't have the midfield to do it. The teams who win the midfield battle generally win the most games, we are probably as weak as any side in the top flight in there. The three listed above are probably our best chance of matching other sides but again we knew we needed to strengthen that area in both the summer and January.

The biggest concern from the last two home games was when teams got the upper hand and pressed us, how easily we gifted possession back, we seemed unwilling/unable to put our foot on the ball and settle ourselves down. These teams were Luton and Fulham not Man City and Aston Villa!!!

[CoolClaret]

------------Muric
Assignon-O'Shea-Esteve-Taylor
------------Cullen
------JBG----------Berge
Fofana------Foster-------Odobert

Foster obviously won't be available, Esteve shaky today but prepared to give another chance...

Change for:

------------Muric
Assignon-O'Shea-Esteve-Taylor
------------Cullen
------JBG----------Berge
Benson----Fofana-------Odobert

Again

What do we have to lose?

[123EasyasBFC]

Foster obviously won't be available, Esteve shaky today but prepared to give another chance...

Change for:

------------Muric
Assignon-O'Shea-Esteve-Taylor
------------Cullen
------JBG----------Berge
Benson----Fofana-------Odobert

Again

What do we have to lose?

That has to be the team for me, nothing to lose starting benson now either, it’s not as if someone who has better work rate has made a difference

[spt_claret]

I think these lads will give us the best chance of playing our natural game and the best chance of winning football matches.

Draws aren't really good enough at this point, we need to throw the kitchen sink at it.

------------Muric
Assignon-O'Shea-Esteve-Taylor
------------Cullen
------JBG----------Berge
Fofana------Foster-------Odobert

We need to be proactive and relentless and it starts from the back and playing through the lines quickly and at pace.

Non of this drawing the press shite that is sucking the life out of the side and not working.

We need to go after teams and run them ragged.

Over to you VK.

Swap Brun Larsen for Fofana as I'm not sure he's a winger, and I'd agree. Maybe keep Brownhill in just for his legs & energy to keep us a bit more physical centrally, but I've been begging us to try a fast-breaking, actually aggressive 433 all season. Use the fact we've got a bunch of young whippets, run teams ragged if we can with fast through the lines attacks and the occasional back-to-front, Muric-to-Tella style long ball to mix it up (from a keeper who can find them more accurately), then hopefully when the opposition are flagging, maybe our lads are too- on come Amdouni, Fofana/Larsen, BENSON to refresh our attacking line and not give them a breather.

I've wanted it all season and weve not even attempted this ethos once. We're not a possession team now as we lose the possession game, we're not built for a compact direct game, we're getting overran and unable to pass through the lines, but also get screened out from being effective down the flanks because our midfield can get isolated if it's 2 v 3. And a bit more controversial but still would like to try Ekdal RCB, Beyer LCB, Muric GK. Ekdal was poor against Fulham and City, he's not got pace, but he has got great line-breaking midrange passing, and at RCB alongside Beyer looked good. LCB with O'Shea/Trafford/Vitinho at LB, not so much.

[CoolClaret]

Swap Brun Larsen for Fofana as I'm not sure he's a winger, and I'd agree. Maybe keep Brownhill in just for his legs & energy to keep us a bit more physical centrally, but I've been begging us to try a fast-breaking, actually aggressive 433 all season. Use the fact we've got a bunch of young whippets, run teams ragged if we can with fast through the lines attacks and the occasional back-to-front, Muric-to-Tella style long ball to mix it up (from a keeper who can find them more accurately), then hopefully when the opposition are flagging, maybe our lads are too- on come Amdouni, Fofana/Larsen, BENSON to refresh our attacking line and not give them a breather.

I've wanted it all season and weve not even attempted this ethos once. We're not a possession team now as we lose the possession game, we're not built for a compact direct game, we're getting overran and unable to pass through the lines, but also get screened out from being effective down the flanks because our midfield can get isolated if it's 2 v 3. And a bit more controversial but still would like to try Ekdal RCB, Beyer LCB, Muric GK. Ekdal was poor against Fulham and City, he's not got pace, but he has got great line-breaking midrange passing, and at RCB alongside Beyer looked good. LCB with O'Shea/Trafford/Vitinho at LB, not so much.

That first post you quoted spt was before Foster got his injury and after Fofana debuted against Citeh and played coming off the right I believe.

Agreed though on the 4-3-3 and counter attacking style - I'm pretty sure we've discussed it on here a lot earlier on in the season that we thought this may have been the way in which VK would have set his team up for this season in the PL but sadly it's been more like a Brighton style of play but without the quality - leaving just tepid, uninspired performances.

We absolutely need to leave our wingers further forward, have another man in the middle and get the keeper sending the ball accurately over the top for them. We have a man that can do it - please VK just play him!!!

[Elizabeth]

Apologies for some horrific writing in the OP as well, using 'and' four times in one sentence is embarrassing.

The overriding point still stands - we just need to go for it.

Don't let the unwarranted amount of stick you get make you paranoid , you are just hurting more than most and using the board to let go of it. There are many posters who are a bigger pain in the ass.
Its not a bad side with Berge pushed up more but I'd persevere with Trafford at this late stage. Foster making a quick return would be good

[claretspice]

Go to palace with us much experience as we can muster.

Assignon O’Shea Esteve Taylor
———————-Cullen
JBGBrownhill Berge Odobert
————-Fofana

[CoolClaret]

Don't let the unwarranted amount of stick you get make you paranoid , you are just hurting more than most and using the board to let go of it. There are many posters who are a bigger pain in the ass.
Its not a bad side with Berge pushed up more but I'd persevere with Trafford at this late stage. Foster making a quick return would be good

Certainly not para, though appreciate your comment

The OP was posted after the City game away as well (so Foster unlikely to feature anytime soon) but yes, definitely hurting and vent a bit on here.

Berge absolutely needs to be given more of a license to get forward, that's for certain.

[Jamesy]

Go to palace with us much experience as we can muster.

Assignon O’Shea Esteve Taylor
———————-Cullen
JBGBrownhill Berge Odobert
————-Fofana

Are we not playing with a keeper then, or are you just taking it as a given that Trafford will be in goal?
Interestingly when driving back tonight, Dean Saunders on Talksport said Trafford looks, plays and carries himself like a youth team keeper.

[CoolClaret]

Are we not playing with a keeper then, or are you just taking it as a given that Trafford will be in goal?
Interestingly when driving back tonight, Dean Saunders on Talksport said Trafford looks, plays and carries himself like a youth team keeper.

Anyone with half a brain came to a similar conclusion after the first couple of (pre-season) matches.

[claretspice]

Are we not playing with a keeper then, or are you just taking it as a given that Trafford will be in goal?
Interestingly when driving back tonight, Dean Saunders on Talksport said Trafford looks, plays and carries himself like a youth team keeper.

Trafford is the keeper.

Did nothing wrong today. If you're singling Trafford put today you're targeting the wrong person.

[boatshed bill]

Are we not playing with a keeper then, or are you just taking it as a given that Trafford will be in goal?
Interestingly when driving back tonight, Dean Saunders on Talksport said Trafford looks, plays and carries himself like a youth team keeper.

Unfortunately this is not an unreasonable description.
But we are leaving him open so often.

[Jamesy]

Trafford is the keeper.

Did nothing wrong today. If you're singling Trafford put today you're targeting the wrong person.

I’m just repeating what Dean Saunders said about Trafford. I didn’t suggest Trafford was to blame today. I just queried why you hadn’t listed him in your team.

[Woodleyclaret]

Trafford
Assignon OShea/Beyer Esteve Taylor
Benson Berge Brownhill Odebert
Rodriguez Fofana

[ClaretPete001]

Like most people on here I'd flood the midfield and play 4-2-3-1 or 4-5-1.

Either Cullen as a defensive midfielder

--------------Trafford--------------
Assignon O Shea Esteve Taylor
-----------Cullen--------------
Benson Berge Brownhill Odebert
--------------Fofana------------

Or with a double pivot

---------------Trafford-----------
Assignon O Shea Esteve Taylor
---------Cullen----Brownhill-------
Benson-------Berge--------Odebert
---------------Fofana--------------

Or retain the Berge - Brownhill double pivot

---------------Trafford-----------
Assignon O Shea Esteve Taylor
---------Berge----Brownhill-------
Benson-------Ramsey--------Odebert
---------------Fofana--------------

I wouldn't play a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3.

[Goody1975]

————————Muric
Assignon O’Shea Esteve Taylor
————————Beyer
-----JBG Brownhill Berge Odobert---
————————Fofana

[Goliath]

The difficulty now is as to whether we play for results this season or give the younger players more experience.
If i was playing strictly for results, id play our best 11 which is:

...........................Muric

Assignon....Beyer....Esteve...Taylor

Jbg.......Cork......Berge/Brownhill.....JBL

...............Jay Rod

.................Fofana/Foster

[DCWat]

Go to palace with us much experience as we can muster.

Assignon O’Shea Esteve Taylor
———————-Cullen
JBGBrownhill Berge Odobert
————-Fofana

Interesting that you’ve pushed Berge further forward with Cullen in the defensive midfield role.

Is that more a sign that you think our midfield is pretty weak or are you seeing more from Berge to warrant him being given a little more license to push forward?

He’s certainly done OK in the defensive role that you championed him for, though I do still think that he’s better being able to show more of his offensive attributes.

[Swizzlestick]

A few ‘kinder’ games coming up where if we go back to our principles a bit we might actually get a goal or something. Muric for Trafford, Taylor for Delcroix, Cullen for Brownhill, Rodriguez for Amdouni, Benson for Ramsey.

[DanH90]

Muric
Assignon O Shea Esteve Taylor
Benson Berge Cullen Odobert
JBG
Fofana

I cannot fathom why when we do play JBG, we play him out wide. All his good work last season was done in that number 10 area, and it’s where he picked up the ball against Fulham and helped to create a goal. He is our only player with the guile to thread a pass through, keep the ball moving and create something for the strikers (Amdouni could only dream of having JBGs class.) he can’t play wide anymore as he’s too predictable, at his best he could go inside and outside down the right hand side, he hasn’t got the acceleration anymore to do that so he becomes easy to mark out of a game now out wide. In the middle he can drop into the pockets and use his intelligence to make things happen.
Criminally underused in that position for me.