Team v Millwall

[RVclaret]

Back to back trips to London within the space of a few days, Tella possibly out, bit of freshness or more or less same again?

Muric
Roberts
Ekdal
Taylor
Maatsen
Cork
Cullen
Brownhill
Churlinov
Zaroury
Barnes

4-1-4-1 formation with Cork sitting. Churlinov is a random one in here (and highly unlikely) but with Tella likely out I've gone for his directness and skill rather than JBG out wide (was all a bit narrow on Sat). It could well be Vitinho, though, as he made a decent enough impact at Luton, I'm just not a huge fan of him on the wing.

[ClaretAndJew]

I don't think I've ever seen us as blessed as we are now with players who can seamlessly transition from the bench to the starting XI. We have options all over the pitch, it's great.

[RVclaret]

Back to back trips to London within the space of a few days, Tella possibly out, bit of freshness or more or less same again?

Muric
Roberts
Ekdal
Taylor
Maatsen
Cork
Cullen
Brownhill
Churlinov
Zaroury
Barnes

4-1-4-1 formation with Cork sitting. Churlinov is a random one in here (and highly unlikely) but with Tella likely out I've gone for his directness and skill rather than JBG out wide (was all a bit narrow on Sat). It could well be Vitinho, though, as he made a decent enough impact at Luton, I'm just not a huge fan of him on the wing.

Thinking about it, I might actually put Vitinho at left back for Maatsen here, give him a rest ahead of the weekend.

[agreenwood]

I don’t think Churlinov will start again in the league under Kompany.

[RVclaret]

I don’t think Churlinov will start again in the league under Kompany.

Don't think he's started once for there to be an again?

But is that because of something that's happened or just your hunch?

[agreenwood]

I thought he’d started away at WBA, but regardless I don’t see anything there and recent evidence suggests that Kompany feels the same. He’s been the one to miss out on the bench completely several times these past few months.

[Bordeauxclaret]

Started at Stoke.

[RVclaret]

I thought he’d started away at WBA, but regardless I don’t see anything there and recent evidence suggests that Kompany feels the same. He’s been the one to miss out on the bench completely several times these past few months.

No, came on as a sub.

Yeah I don't disagree. The bench is just incredibly hard to get onto with the options available, and that's without Benson/Jay Rod. I guess I've just liked what I've seen from him in glimpses and perhaps could be given a chance.

[Devils_Advocate]

If Tella doesn't start which I dont expect him to I reckon the team will be the below with either JBG or Vitinho playing right wing. Personally I'd go for Vitinho as thought he looked excellent when he came on against Luton and had a real impact

Muric
Roberts
Ekdal
Taylor
Maatsen
Cork
Cullen
Brownhill
Vitinho / JBG
Zaroury
Barnes

[Socrates]

I don’t think Churlinov will start again in the league under Kompany.

Do you think something has gone on?

[HiThere]

I would rather see Vitinho attacking than Churlinov.

[jedi_master]

He hasn't impressed me in his longer appearances (Ipswich away, Stoke where he started). Looked useful though when he came off the bench at West Brom, albeit missed a sitter (that he created). I think he, more than most, could be a victim of promotion. If you cannot get on our bench at this level, then it will be a struggle a league higher, albeit with a slightly larger bench (we will undoubtedly invest further too).

It has to be remembered though that he is still very young and inexperienced though and just needs a run of games. I think a loan next season would be a good start for him at this level to get him accustomed to the pace and physicality, see how he does over a longer period and only then can we assess him really.

[RVclaret]

He hasn't impressed me in his longer appearances (Ipswich away, Stoke where he started). Looked useful though when he came off the bench at West Brom, albeit missed a sitter (that he created). I think he, more than most, could be a victim of promotion. If you cannot get on our bench at this level, then it will be a struggle a league higher, albeit with a slightly larger bench (we will undoubtedly invest further too).

It has to be remembered though that he is still very young and inexperienced though and just needs a run of games. I think a loan next season would be a good start for him at this level to get him accustomed to the pace and physicality, see how he does over a longer period and only then can we assess him really.

Thought he did ok at Ipswich and should have had an assist or two for Jay. Looked brighter than Tella, that day for example, and we know how good Tella has been! Stoke he was poor although it was his first appearance for 3 months wasn't it? Get what you're saying, just feel there is a player there and if he doesn't feature with our two main wingers out then you start to wonder.

[Lancasterclaret]

Surely its a question of who is fit, and go from there

Be very surprised if Churlinov isn't at least on the bench for this one (assuming Tella and Benson are out)

Lack of width when we haven't the options on the bench (v Watford) really change the way we play and how effective we are

[Down_Rover]

I think JBG is more likely to start than Vitinho

VK said post match that he likes his subs to make an impact v tiring defenders

Vitinho has more pace than JBG so is a more likely second half player. JBG is a good first half option as his experience helps to cool things down

[Claretforever]

Whoever starts we have to be up for a battle. Millwall (38%) are only second to Wigan (41%) in the Championship for the percentage of set piece goals. I can’t see this being a pretty game.

[blake's wand]

Think we need to freshen it up a little - we've lacked a spark the last few games and some of our better players off the bench might just help.

Re. Churlinov, not been his best on long appearances but actually think with ball at his feet, he's one of the best drillbers/has the best close controls. Reminds me a bit of Suarez (obviously not same quality) with his ability to just glide past a few with ball stuck to his feet in the box.

[NottsClaret]

Started at Stoke.

Yeah, he had a bit of a nightmare at Stoke. Although he was just back from injury and has never really got going here. Looks decent in flashes but doubt he'll start on Tuesday.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Back to back trips to London within the space of a few days, Tella possibly out, bit of freshness or more or less same again?

Muric
Roberts
Ekdal
Taylor
Maatsen
Cork
Cullen
Brownhill
Churlinov
Zaroury
Barnes

4-1-4-1 formation with Cork sitting. Churlinov is a random one in here (and highly unlikely) but with Tella likely out I've gone for his directness and skill rather than JBG out wide (was all a bit narrow on Sat). It could well be Vitinho, though, as he made a decent enough impact at Luton, I'm just not a huge fan of him on the wing.

This but Twine for Churlinov.

[Nonayforever]

If all players are fit, then the first 11 more or less picks itself at this moment in time.
There are many obvious slot ins for injuries & suspensions and a couple of players just waiting for their turn ( Foster for example).
The only player that I don't see a role for is Twine. I don't see where he plays or who he replaces.

[Quickenthetempo]

It depends how we want to play.

We set up defensive against Luton and it worked with the result, but we overestimated them and should have played our way more.
The defence coped very well.
Millwall were the poorest side to come to the Turf and can't cope with our passing game.
Yes they will bombard, so let the defence cope with it and let the attacking players do what they are good at.

We need pace up front to stretch them. Time for Foster or Obafemi. Maybe both.

[RVclaret]

It depends how we want to play.

We set up defensive against Luton and it worked with the result, but we overestimated them and should have played our way more.
The defence coped very well.
Millwall were the poorest side to come to the Turf and can't cope with our passing game.
Yes they will bombard, so let the defence cope with it and let the attacking players do what they are good at.

We need pace up front to stretch them. Time for Foster or Obafemi. Maybe both.

Agree

[Hbclaret007]

Muric
Roberts
Ekdal
Taylor
Maatsen
Cork
Cullen
Brownhill
Twine
Zaroury
Barnes

Twine time for me, if Tella is not fit.

[agreenwood]

Do you think something has gone on?

No. I just don’t think he’s looked that good and he’s now struggling to make the bench.

We brought in a huge number of players in the summer. It’s amazing that the success rate has been so high. Churlinov looks like one of the few exceptions along with Bastien.

[claretspice]

If Tella is injured you'd expect him to drop out for Zaroury, and if he isn't you'd expect Zaroury to replace one if him or JBG to freshen things anyway.

I think you'd also expect that to be the only change unless there's another injury we don't know about.

I wouldn't write off Churlinov quite yet - he was shaping OK before his injury but hasn't been able to get going since, and he's a young boy making a huge transition, and in part hes lost out recently to the fact weve got so many options after January, and the fact that VK has preferred specialist cover at full back on the bench. But certainly if Tella is injured and he doesn't make the bench you'd begin to wonder.

[HiThere]

I think JBG is more likely to start than Vitinho

VK said post match that he likes his subs to make an impact v tiring defenders

Vitinho has more pace than JBG so is a more likely second half player. JBG is a good first half option as his experience helps to cool things down

I agree. I'd just have Vitinho ahead of Churlinov if it was between them for the left/ring wing spot.

[burnley007]

Would Foster play out wide? Or Obafemi?

[jedi_master]

Thought he did ok at Ipswich and should have had an assist or two for Jay. Looked brighter than Tella, that day for example, and we know how good Tella has been! Stoke he was poor although it was his first appearance for 3 months wasn't it? Get what you're saying, just feel there is a player there and if he doesn't feature with our two main wingers out then you start to wonder.

Yeah not writing him off at all, just clearly needs a run of games and is unlikely to get it this season as far as we can currently see.

R.e Millwall, I think we should freshen things up a little if Tella is injured - it's perhaps time for Twine to get a start in the league for me, as I prefer Vitinho as a substitute if he's going to play wide. Twine has been hit and miss so far but hasn't had the luxury of a start with our first team (particularly Cullen and Brownhill) around him. JBG to come on in the second half if we need to change it up:

Muric
Roberts Ekdal Taylor Maatsen
Brownhill Cullen Cork
Twine Barnes Zaroury

I know Twine is more of a ten/off the left and cutting in type of player from his time at MK Dons so I'd foresee this as a fluid front three rather than ring fenced as such. Keen to see more of Obafemi also but Barnes height and nous will be needed in both boxes in a game like this.

[Colburn_Claret]

Muric

Roberts
Ekdal
Al-Dhakil/Taylor
Maatsen

Brownhill
Cullen

JBG
Twine
Zaroury

Barnes

Tella needs resting, even if he is ok.
Vitinho, Foster, Obafemi lots of options for an impact sub if needed.

[burnley007]

Muric

Roberts
Ekdal
Al-Dhakil/Taylor
Maatsen

Brownhill
Cullen

JBG
Barnes
Zaroury

Foster

[dibraidio]

If Tella is missing:
Muric
Roberts Ekdal Taylor Maatsen
Brownhill Cullen Cork
JBG Barnes Zaroury

Zaroury should be fresh after only playing 42 minutes on Saturday.
Churlinov has been a bit underwhelming, he's created some chances and almost had a few goals and assists but nothing seems to come off for him. The fact that he's been mostly restricted to cup games lately is a clear sign that he's dropped down the pecking order.
If Tella, Benson and Jay are all out it's pretty amazing that we still have JBG, Barnes, Zaroury, Churlinov, Twine, Foster, Obafemi and even Dervisoglu to play in those attacking positions.

[claretonthecoast1882]

Muric
Roberts Ekdal Taylor Maatsen
Brownhill Cullen Cork
Vitinho Barnes Zaroury

Back 4 and mid 3 pick themselves but have some hesitation in JBG playing 3 games in a week so gone for Vitinho

[Quickenthetempo]

Barnes slows us down too much for my liking. I know he has cult hero status for scoring against Rovers and sticks a decent pen away, but the wide men have no option to play forward when they get the ball. They have to recycle the ball like Dwight got so much stick for.
Against Watford Zaroury broke down the left and Barnes was 20 yards behind him, so it was wasted with nobody able to get in the box.

Take it to them Burnley

[ClaretTony]

Don't think he's started once for there to be an again?

But is that because of something that's happened or just your hunch?

Stoke and he was awful

[ClaretTony]

Barnes slows us down too much for my liking. I know he has cult hero status for scoring against Rovers and sticks a decent pen away, but the wide men have no option to play forward when they get the ball. They have to recycle the ball like Dwight got so much stick for.
Against Watford Zaroury broke down the left and Barnes was 20 yards behind him, so it was wasted with nobody able to get in the box.

Take it to them Burnley

Barnes outstanding again at Luton but he's playing a deep role with Tella in front of him at Luton.

[Devils_Advocate]

Barnes outstanding again at Luton but he's playing a deep role with Tella in front of him at Luton.

He wasn't outstanding and when he came deep to collect the ball he either was dispossessed, struggled to get control and ended up passing backwards and killing the momentum or when he did try and play it quickly to the people running past them it was nearly always misplaced.

He battled hard and worked hard like he always does but in terms of his deep role our attack pretty much broke down every time it went into him around the middle of the pitch with his back to goal.

I'd keep him in the team because he has had a couple of great games recently and Foster and Obifemi haven't showed enough to say they would offer us anything more but as it stands Barnes is one of the weaker links in our current team

[RVclaret]

He wasn't outstanding and when he came deep to collect the ball he either was dispossessed, struggled to get control and ended up passing backwards and killing the momentum or when he did try and play it quickly to the people running past them it was nearly always misplaced.

He battled hard and worked hard like he always does but in terms of his deep role our attack pretty much broke down every time it went into him around the middle of the pitch with his back to goal.

I'd keep him in the team because he has had a couple of great games recently and Foster and Obifemi haven't showed enough to say they would offer us anything more but as it stands Barnes is one of the weaker links in our current team

Agree 100%. Can’t fathom how anyone could see that as outstanding. But each to their own.

[EarbyClaret]

Barnes has to start this one - there may be the opportunity to rotate for the following games but his physical presence in that role will be key tomorrow

As others have said the team effectively picks itself with the exception of who starts on the right. if JBG is OK I'd start with him and look to introduce Vitinho on around 60 minutes

Despite the likely absence of 5 regulars a place on the bench is not a given for any of our squad players. I'd like to see Churlinov named so we have the option to withdraw Zaroury at some point

[Quickenthetempo]

We had a long range free kick and penalty on target in 98 mins of football, in which they had a man less for 17 or so.
He puts effort in does Ash but we need more output there in my opinion.

[HiThere]

Agree 100%. Can’t fathom how anyone could see that as outstanding. But each to their own.

I only saw the first half as I gave up on the stream so can only comment on that half. But in the first half I don't think he did well. Maybe he improved second half. I'd still start him though vs Millwall.

[claretspice]

No idea how he played at Luton as I wasn't there, but Barnes was excellent against Norwich and Preston and pretty good against Watford until he got sucked into some silly stuff. So either way he deserves his place at Millwall - which is fortunate because we'll need him to help deal with set plays (I know not everyone thinks this should be a factor, but to my mind it has to be because we've got to be able to combat the threat the opposition will pose).

JBG has likewise been excellent recently and needs to start, and his minutes have been carefully managed in the two previous games so I'd hope he's good to go.

In form, experienced and good players. Not to be underestimated.

[LaLigaClaret]

I think Barnes has been really important for us lately and I am a fan however I think he needs to be rested as we have had a lot of games with more coming up. Millwall played at 100 mph against Sheff Utd and I think they will try that approach again on Tuesday. They appear to be very physical and Cooper will get into a battle with a striker so I would play Obafemi for an hour or so as he is quicker than Barnes and can hold the ball up. It would be good if he could move Cooper about using his pace allowing our wingers to get behind the defence and to try and cut the ball back to the likes of Brownhill etc rather than try to put in crosses for Obafemi. Then we could bring on Barnes later to replace Obafemi up front. We could bring on JBG and Churlinov to replace Zaroury and Vitinho as well if Tella does not play. Very important we try to dominate possession as much as possible to take the sting out of their attack. I think we will do a much better job than Sheff Utd.

[summitclaret]

If there wherever 3 games in a row where Ash must start it's the last 2 and tomorrow. All 3 were always going to be physically tough.

[quoonbeatz]

One of our best players on Saturday was Barnes, he's playing well at the minute and was the player we needed up top against Luton. He should absolutely start there again against Millwall.

[Taffy on the wing]

Muric
Roberts
Ekdal
Taylor
Maatsen
Cork
Cullen
Brownhill
Twine
Zaroury
Barnes

Twine time for me, if Tella is not fit.

I'd like to see him start a game too.......but aren't Millwall essentially a team of thugs? (like Luton), If so we might not see him or Zaroury until later on.
It will be an interesting team sheet for sure.

[blake's wand]

Have we played with anyone other than Barnes/J-Rod in the CF position this season? Both very similar players and come deep rather than stretch it, so hard to blame Barnes for any lack of movement/playing on the shoulder. We haven't played like that all season have we?

[Vegas Claret]

lets hope Millwall have a better pitch than Luton did

[Pickles]

Have we played with anyone other than Barnes/J-Rod in the CF position this season? Both very similar players and come deep rather than stretch it, so hard to blame Barnes for any lack of movement/playing on the shoulder. We haven't played like that all season have we?

Fairly certain Tella's played through the middle once or twice. But a feature of the way we play is to have the striker drop deep with the wingers running past. Very similar to how Spurs play with Kane.

[Taffy on the wing]

Just watched highlights of them vs Sheffield utd.........some big units on that team.

[claretspice]

Have we played with anyone other than Barnes/J-Rod in the CF position this season? Both very similar players and come deep rather than stretch it, so hard to blame Barnes for any lack of movement/playing on the shoulder. We haven't played like that all season have we?

Unsuccessfully at Sheffield United when Tella was up front, and more successfully in the second half come back at Sunderland, again with Tella up front.

But as someone has said, particularly when JBG has played 10, Tella has had a lot of licence to run behind Barnes. Was very noticeable at Norwich and against Preston, but it has been a general feature.