With the window out of the way, focus returns back to the league. Barnes stays, but does he drop down the pecking order with the arrival of Foster and Obafemi?

JBG and Benson look set to miss this one with Cork suspended. Does Al-Dakhil get the nod over Taylor?

Have a go at naming a bench too if you want, it's tough!

Muric
Roberts
Al-Dakhil
Beyer
Maatsen
Cullen
Brownhill
Tella
Twine
Zaroury
Rodriguez

BPF, Taylor, Bastien, Churlinov, Obafemi, Barnes, Foster

I've gone for the midfield base of JB/JC with Twine slightly more advanced as I feel it's a better balance than we looked against WBA with Bastien with Cullen.

Vitinho and Ekdal miss out on the squad...

Muric
Roberts Al-Dakhil Beyer Maatsen
Cullen Bownhill
Tella Twine Zaroury
Foster

Gone for Foster up front to play against Hanley

BPF Vitinho Taylor Churlinov Obafemi Jay

Muric
Roberts Beyer Taylor Maatsen
-----------Cullen Brownhill
Tella-------Rodriguez----Zaroury
--------------Obafemi

I see the argument for Al Dakhil but this is a big test and I think the extra experience of Taylor wins it. I also see the argument for Twine but I wouldn't be surprised if Obafemi is pitched straight in and Jay played as a 10. Danger Twine and Jay want to occupy the same space. Obafemi knows the Championship and assuming he's fit,no reason he can't slot straight in.

When Cullen was out and we just had a frustrating run of draws, we changed system to 424.

I wouldn't mind seeing that back.
Muric
Roberts Bayer ?? Maatsen
Cullen Brownhill
Tella Jay Rod Foster Zaroury

I just think we will get more joy out of Jay Rod dropping deep (defenders won't follow with our pace up top) than we would get out of Twine.

claretspice wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 8:30 am

Muric
Roberts Beyer Taylor Maatsen
-----------Cullen Brownhill
Tella-------Rodriguez----Zaroury
--------------Obafemi

I see the argument for Al Dakhil but this is a big test and I think the extra experience of Taylor wins it. I also see the argument for Twine but I wouldn't be surprised if Obafemi is pitched straight in and Jay played as a 10. Danger Twine and Jay want to occupy the same space. Obafemi knows the Championship and assuming he's fit,no reason he can't slot straight in.

Obefemi hasn't played any football for months.

Yeah and if he's not match fit, one of Foster or Twine come in. Hard to know what shape Obafemi is in.

Muric
Roberts Al-Dakhil Beyer Maatsen
Cullen Bownhill
Tella Twine Zaroury
Foster

Subs
BPF, Taylor, Vitineo, Jay, Barnes, Bastian, Churlinov.

If Twine doesn't start now, when would he? Can't see Oberfemi being fit enough yet.

Muric
Roberts Beyer Taylor Maatsen
Cullen Brownhill
Tella Twine Zaroury
Barnes

Muric
Roberts Al-Dakhil Beyer Taylor
Cullen Bownhill
Tella Twine Zaroury
Barnes

Muric
Roberts Beyer Taylor Maatsen
Cullen Brownhill
Tella Twine Zaroury
Jay

Bench: BPF, Al Dakhil, Vitinho, Bastien, Churlinov, Obafemi, Foster

Muric
Roberts Beyer Taylor Maatsen
Cullen Bownhill
JBG Twine Zaroury
Jay

I’d be very surprised if he names 3 strikers on the bench given only 1 is likely to get on. But then who gets left out? Presumably Jay Rod or Barnes?

I still find it baffling that you can make 5 subs but only name 7. Surely that has to change from next season.

Sleeping Cat wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 11:32 am

Muric
Roberts Beyer Taylor Maatsen
Cullen Bownhill
JBG Twine Zaroury
Jay

JBG not fit according to Kompany earlier in the week.

PremierLeagueClass wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 11:34 am

I still find it baffling that you can make 5 subs but only name 7. Surely that has to change from next season.

It won't matter where we're going

https://twitter.com/burnleyofficial/sta ... Kb9eAe-FAA

Looks like JBG is training today so could well be available

Good to see JBG involved.

Although Scott Twine saying hello was the highlight for me

Muric
Roberts
Al Dakhil
Beyer
Matsen

Cullen
Brownhill
Bastien

Zaroury
Tella

Jay

By bringing in two CBs - both comfortable on the ball apparently - I'm sure the intention is to start one of them alongside Beyer rather than persist with Taylor

As for Twine I think we need more presence to gain control in midfield from the start - he should be an asset coming on for the last 30 against tiring defenders

If JBG is available that would be a massive boost - outside of him and Benson no-one else looks particularly effective wide right

I'd also start with Barnes - I'd assume that's the thinking behind Jay being preferred at Ipswich - Foster and Obafemi(?) on the bench

Muric
Roberts, Al Dakhil, Beyer, Maatsen
JBG, Cullen, Brownhill, Zaroury
Tella
Barnes

RVclaret wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 11:41 am

https://twitter.com/burnleyofficial/sta ... Kb9eAe-FAA

Looks like JBG is training today so could well be available

Don't think it's today..

Muric
Roberts beyer al dakhill maatsen
Cullen Brownhill
Tella twine zaroury
Foster

Nori1958 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 12:16 pm

Don't think it's today..

What makes you think that?

Surely this week as they said last week he didn’t train.

Muric
Roberts Beyer Taylor Maatsen
Cullen Brownill
Tella Twine Zaroury
JRod

Bastien Al-Dakhil Churlinov BPF Vitinho JBG Foster

RVclaret wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 12:25 pm

What makes you think that?

Surely this week as they said last week he didn’t train.

Foster and more to the point Obafemi involved - which suggests it has to be this week

RVclaret wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 12:25 pm

What makes you think that?

Surely this week as they said last week he didn’t train.

Not saying it wasn't this week, I just don't think they are in training today.

Muric
Roberts Beyer Taylor Maatsen
Cullen Brownhill
Tella JBG (if fit) Zaroury
Foster

Not liking the idea of Jay Rod starting. He’s been miles off it for several games. Think we need experience at the back too.

Muric
Roberts Beyer Taylor Maatsen
Cullen Brownill
Tella Twine Zaroury
Barnes

I think it's madness that people are dropping a proven PL defender in Taylor against a side who've scored 8 goals in their last two games. For me:

Muric
Roberts Beyer Taylor Maatsen
Cullen Bastien
Tella Brownhill Zaroury
Jay Rod

whiffa wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 1:57 pm

I think it's madness that people are dropping a proven PL defender in Taylor against a side who've scored 8 goals in their last two games. For me:

Fair point but wouldn't describe it as madness - we've signed two natural centre halves, one of who looked very good last week.

Taylor is a great, athletic defender but lacks height and ability on the ball compared to the other two.

Norwich will undoubtedly get more set pieces/corners in this one so having someone better in the air against the likes of Hanley could be useful?

I think you are right and Taylor will start, though.

Muric
Roberts Beyer Ekdal/Al Maatsen
Brownhill Cullen
JBG (if fit) (Twine)
Tella Barnes Zaroury

Not sure how anybody puts Rodriguez in to be honest, has looked poor (putting it politely) for months.

Muric
Roberts Beyer Taylor Maatsen
Cullen Brownhill
Tella Twine Zaroury
Foster

Benson or JBG for Tella if fit but that seems unlikely

whiffa wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 1:57 pm

I think it's madness that people are dropping a proven PL defender in Taylor against a side who've scored 8 goals in their last two games. For me:

Muric
Roberts Beyer Taylor Maatsen
Cullen Bastien
Tella Brownhill Zaroury
Jay Rod

Agree - Taylor should play. He's consistently very good - not just this season but every season. Out of all our squad he has been the most unfortunate not to play more but that's now changed.

I wouldn't start any of the new lads. Obviously replace the injuries but this is a team that has won 11 of the last 12 league games and knows what it is doing. Norwich are a decent championship side in good form so it won't be an easy game. We'll have some bench to call on though when we need to make changes.

Nori1958 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 12:16 pm

Don't think it's today..

It’s must be after his original injury, cuz Obafemi and Foster are there!

quoonbeatz wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 3:42 pm

I wouldn't start any of the new lads. Obviously replace the injuries but this is a team that has won 11 of the last 12 league games and knows what it is doing. Norwich are a decent championship side in good form so it won't be an easy game. We'll have some bench to call on though when we need to make changes.

Agreed, VK said he didn't want to upset the balance or rhythm of the group so I think the new guys will be slowly integrated over the coming weeks.
This fixture last season was a huge turning point and hopefully will be again for all the positive reasons this time around. UTC

Jambounchained wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 3:27 pm

Not sure how anybody puts Rodriguez in to be honest, has looked poor (putting it politely) for months.

Excellent playing behind Tella against WBA when he came on - changed the game.

I understand Quoon's point about the form of the incumbents- but we are without Cork, and the midfield balance of runners and craftsmen wasn't right until Jay came on vs WBA. If JBG is fit he plays and the issue goes away, but without JBG or Benson Tella.is likely to start out wide and that means someone else would need to play ahead of Jay.

Muric
Roberts Beyer Taylor Maatsen
Cullen Brownhill
Tella JBG/Twine Zaroury
Barnes

BPF Vitinho Al-Dakhil Twine/Jay Churlinov Obafemi Foster

Assume we are missing Benson THB JBG and Cork.

Norwich have suddenly started banging the goals in so defense is vital so

Muric
Roberts AD Beyer Taylor (stronger defensively than Maatsen
Brownhill Cullen
Twine Tella Zaroury
Barnes/Obafemi

claretspice wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 4:09 pm

Excellent playing behind Tella against WBA when he came on - changed the game.

I understand Quoon's point about the form of the incumbents- but we are without Cork, and the midfield balance of runners and craftsmen wasn't right until Jay came on vs WBA. If JBG is fit he plays and the issue goes away, but without JBG or Benson Tella.is likely to start out wide and that means someone else would need to play ahead of Jay.

Agreed spice, I'd have Jay in - I just wouldn't be throwing in the new lads from the start, especially in defence. I also don't think Jay has been poor; he's been playing well enough, obvs not scoring but hes been playing that more withdrawn role and the rest of his game has been fine.

quoonbeatz wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 4:56 pm

Agreed spice, I'd have Jay in - I just wouldn't be throwing in the new lads from the start, especially in defence. I also don't think Jay has been poor; he's been playing well enough, obvs not scoring but hes been playing that more withdrawn role and the rest of his game has been fine.

Yep and that's why I'd make an exception from a no new boys principle up front- it permits Jay to play deeper and link the game up, whilst allowing us to stretch the game.

I'd be stunned if Obafemi started

claretonthecoast1882 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 8:20 am

Muric
Roberts Al-Dakhil Beyer Maatsen
Cullen Bownhill
Tella Twine Zaroury
Foster

Gone for Foster up front to play against Hanley

BPF Vitinho Taylor Churlinov Obafemi Jay

Would be my team too, but if VK is positive about him, Ekdal for Al-Dakhill

whiffa wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 1:57 pm

I think it's madness that people are dropping a proven PL defender in Taylor against a side who've scored 8 goals in their last two games. For me:

Muric
Roberts Beyer Taylor Maatsen
Cullen Bastien
Tella Brownhill Zaroury
Jay Rod

I like this team.

…………..…..Muric
Roberts Beyer Taylor Maatsen
…..Brownhill………Cullen……..
………….….,Bastien………………….
…Tella……………………..,,Zaroury
……………….Barnes

The jury is still out for Twine - for now he is living off two (fantastic) free-kicks. He is proven in League 1, so the talent is there but he seems a bit light-weight in the high-press of the Championship. Similarly Obafemi is largely untried at this level and is very short of game time. So I would rule those two out of the starting line up.

Recently we have been very successful as a second half team, with maximum impact from the bench, so in Benson’s absence I think that Tella will be held back.

I agree that Charlie Taylor should play to help look after the trickery of Pukki and Co. and up front Barnes should shake up the Norwich defence for the first period plus.

Therefore my starting line up :

Muric
Robert’s / Beyer / Taylor / Maatsen
Brownhill / Cullen
JBG / Churlinov / Zaroury
Barnes

Impact subs = Tella, Foster, Twine, Obafemi, Vitinho

IWOODLOVETT wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 7:22 pm

The jury is still out for Twine - for now he is living off two (fantastic) free-kicks. He is proven in League 1, so the talent is there but he seems a bit light-weight in the high-press of the Championship. Similarly Obafemi is largely untried at this level and is very short of game time. So I would rule those two out of the starting line up.

Just wondering, which two free kicks is Twine ‘living off’? Also, when in the Championship has he looked lightweight to a press? From my recollection he’s played around 40 minutes (as a sub) in total and barely lost the ball apart from getting scissored against Boro. As well, how is Obafemi untried at this level with a season and a half of games and 15 goals?

It is certainly hard to preempt V K's team sheet now.

I'm going for this ;-

Muric
Vitinho Al- Dakhil Beyer Maatsen
Cullen Brownhill
Tella Bastien Zaroury
Foster

Bench BPF, Taylor, Roberts, Twine J Rod, Edkal, Churlinov.

Nonayforever wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 01, 2023 8:04 pm

It is certainly hard to preempt V K's team sheet now.

I'm going for this ;-

Muric
Vitinho Al- Dakhil Beyer Maatsen
Cullen Brownhill
Tella Bastien Zaroury
Foster

Bench BPF, Taylor, Roberts, Twine J Rod, Edkal, Churlinov.

That's quite the line-up with Bastien playing as the 10 behind Foster whose had 30 minutes so far

With the greatest respect - as I'm making the long trip to Norwich - I hope VK is a bit more cautious to start with

We need pace at the back as Pukki is wick and has suddenly found some form. We need to watch him like a hawk. We will have had some practice at how Norwich seem to be starting games now by playing Ipswich. They seem to be similar in starting on the front foot.