Monday night signifies the start of a new campaign and gives us the opportunity to set things right. Opening with arguably the toughest/joint toughest fixture in the Championship for me is a blessing in disguise. It's our chance to make an immediate impact and send a clear message to the league: we're back, and we're here to dominate once again.

That being said, how do you think we will line up (how will Scott Parker line us up) and how would you line us up?

How I think we will lineup:

----------Hladky
Roberts-O'Shea-Esteve-Pires
------Brownhill-Cullen
Koleosho-Odobert-Zaroury
----------Foster

How i'd line us up:

---------Traff(yes srs)
Vitinho-O'Shea-Esteve-Pires
----------Cullen
----Massengo-Brownhill
-Benson---------------Koleosho
----------Foster

Over to you, lets have a great season... UTC!!

The Burnley Express are predicting:

Hladky
Roberts O'Shea Esteve Vitinho
Brownhill-Cullen
Koleosho Amdouni Odobert
Foster

claretskeith wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 10, 2024 11:24 am

The Burnley Express are predicting:

Hladky
Roberts O'Shea Esteve Vitinho
Brownhill-Cullen
Koleosho Amdouni Odobert
Foster

Interesting - I didn't think Amdouni would be back into contention so quickly. Not a big fan of Vitinho at left back but that is a strong team for this level.

Not what I think we will play (as I think it will be same as your first prediction)but I’d play

Trafford
Roberts OShea Esteve Pires
Cullen Berge
Brownhill
Odobert. Koleosho
Foster

That’s providing Berge and OShea heads are in the game.

If Berge is available:

-----Hladky/Trafford
Roberts O'Shea Esteve Pires
--------Cullen Berge
Koleosho Brownhill Odobert
-------------Foster


Strong team that. If Koleosho or Berge aren't fir and JBG is, bring JBG into that position. Amdouni also an option off the right in the Championship. I suspect once he's fully back up to speed he'll slot in as an advanced 10/second striker, but in games like Luton away I think we'll need the extra steel in midfield (and there is an argument whilst Koleosho is only a bit better, I think there's a doubt about whether against a good team like Luton you can carry two players from wide who don't defend, which Benson, Amdouni and Odobert don't).

KlyBfc wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 10, 2024 11:26 am

Not what I think we will play (as I think it will be same as your first prediction)but I’d play

Trafford
Roberts OShea Esteve Pires
Cullen Berge
Brownhill
Odobert. Koleosho
Foster

That’s providing Berge and OShea heads are in the game.

I'd definitely include Berge in the lineup if he's fit but I believe he's carrying a minor injury that might rule him out - this is separate from the ongoing speculation about his potential transfer.

claretskeith wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 10, 2024 11:24 am

The Burnley Express are predicting:

Hladky
Roberts O'Shea Esteve Vitinho
Brownhill-Cullen
Koleosho Amdouni Odobert
Foster

I think it will be something like this. I may put Pires in at LB and I’m just not sure about Amdouni and may even prefer JBG there. At some point early this season we may see Massengo alongside Cullen if Berge is off. The above is not a bad side at all at this level though.

CoolClaret wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 10, 2024 11:28 am

I'd definitely include Berge in the lineup if he's fit but I believe he's carrying a minor injury that might rule him out - this is separate from the ongoing speculation about his potential transfer.

Similar to Tarkys toe injury i bet that magically cleared up as soon as the transfer window closed.

—————————Hladky
Roberts——O’Shea— Esteve—Vitinho
——————-Cullen—Massengo
Koleosho——-Brownhill———Odobert
—————-———Foster

I think Vitinho will start for his experience in this fixture and match the pace of Ogbene on that side. Also basing off pre season, Trafford hasn’t started the last 2 first 11 friendlies so hard to see him starting here, JBG and Berge didn’t play a minute in the two last friendlies & hadn’t been in full training in Spain. If either are fit then swap with Massengo.

RVclaret wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 10, 2024 11:54 am

—————————Hladky
Roberts——O’Shea— Esteve—Vitinho
——————-Cullen—Massengo
Koleosho——-Brownhill———Odobert
—————-———Foster

I think Vitinho will start for his experience in this fixture and match the pace of Ogbene on that side. Also basing off pre season, Trafford hasn’t started the last 2 first 11 friendlies so hard to see him starting here, JBG and Berge didn’t play a minute in the two last friendlies & hadn’t been in full training in Spain. If either are fit then swap with Massengo.

Also wouldn’t be massively surprised if Jay Rod starts in the 10 off Lyle, add some physicality to central areas, obvious experience and his height / aerial ability may be needed at set pieces.

Boss Hogg wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 10, 2024 11:37 am

I think it will be something like this. I may put Pires in at LB and I’m just not sure about Amdouni and may even prefer JBG there. At some point early this season we may see Massengo alongside Cullen if Berge is off. The above is not a bad side at all at this level though.

I think Amdouni is very different to an Amdouni in the Premier League due to the significant drop in opposition. I think he'll do well. JBG certainly a solid option from the bench.

If we take Parker’s press conference as factual r.e fitness, then I would be starting Gudmundsson and Berge. Berge may well be leaving but until he does he’s earning our money and should play - just like Szmodics last night. Same goes for O’Shea:

————————-Hladky
Roberts——O’Shea—Esteve——Pires
———————Cullen—Berge
Gudmunsson—Brownhill——Koleosho
——————————Foster

jedi_master wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 10, 2024 1:07 pm

If we take Parker’s press conference as factual r.e fitness, then I would be starting Gudmundsson and Berge. Berge may well be leaving but until he does he’s earning our money and should play - just like Szmodics last night. Same goes for O’Shea:

————————-Hladky
Roberts——O’Shea—Esteve——Pires
———————Cullen—Berge
Gudmunsson—Brownhill——Koleosho
——————————Foster

I like the look of this team, strong and balanced too. We will lose some but we do have some very good players especially at this level.

Hlady
Roberts OShea Esteve Pires
Cullen Berge Brownhill
Koleosho Foster Odobert

We’ve signed a left back, let’s use him. Can’t be arsed with this shoehorning Vitinho into the team.

Could this be the first season when our opening day squad could technically contain multiple players that could be off before the window closes ?
This isn’t having a go at players but in theory the likes of Steve /Traff/Amdouni /Zaroury / Berge ,Roberts , O’Shea ? etc could be off . While it would be great to keep most of these , it’s understandable to get the best deal . Im sure SP will have this in mind for the starting XI though .

It will be a bit ridiculous if we go into a new season continuing to have to play a right footer at left back.

Steve-Harpers-perm wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 10, 2024 3:19 pm

It will be a bit ridiculous if we go into a new season continuing to have to play a right footer at left back.

I wasn’t even aware our previous longstanding left back even had a right foot ? ( cracking defender though was Charlie )!

........Hladky

Roberts..O'Shea..Esteve..Pires

....Berge (if fit)/Brownhill..Cullen

JBG..........Rodriguez.......Koleosho/Odobert

................Foster

Strong, experienced and lots of quality. With great options from the bench. No need to take risks on day 1.

- - - - - - - - - - Hladky - - - - - - - - - -

Vitinho - O'shea - Esteve - Pires

- - - - - - - Cullen - Brownhill - - - - -

Benson - - - - JBG - - - - - Odobert

- - - - - - - - - - - Foster - - - - - - - - - -


Assuming Berge is injured.

Hladky
Roberts OShea Esteve Pires
Cullen Brownhill
Koleosho Odobert Zaroury
Foster

I don’t think Berge will play as he will be off soon.

This first game is difficult. Having only seen one game in Pre-season, and so many unresolved squad issues. Plus, I believe the regulations state 7 players in the squad must be "homegrown" (I think JBG possibly counts as he played in Chelsea's academy for 3+ years?) If Trafford and Berge are held out, then Green* and Massengo on the bench with Hladky and Houdini starting.
If fit and available (homegrown *), I'd go for:
GK Trafford* RD Vitinho LD Pires CD O'Shea* & Esteve CM Cullen* & Berge AM/F Brownhill* RW Koleosho LW Odobert CF Foster.
Subs: GK Hladky: Sambo, Beyer, Roberts*, JBG*, Rodriguez*, Houdini, Zaroury, Benson

I notice most putting Pires in, but I didn't see much of him as only managed to see the half the friendly game - what are people's thought on him?

Hanoverusaclaret wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 10, 2024 3:57 pm

This first game is difficult. Having only seen one game in Pre-season, and so many unresolved squad issues. Plus, I believe the regulations state 7 players in the squad must be "homegrown" (I think JBG possibly counts as he played in Chelsea's academy for 3+ years?) If Trafford and Berge are held out, then Green* and Massengo on the bench with Hladky and Houdini starting.
If fit and available (homegrown *), I'd go for:
GK Trafford* RD Vitinho LD Pires CD O'Shea* & Esteve CM Cullen* & Berge AM/F Brownhill* RW Koleosho LW Odobert CF Foster.
Subs: GK Hladky: Sambo, Beyer, Roberts*, JBG*, Rodriguez*, Houdini, Zaroury, Benson

Green and JBG are not homegrown.

RVclaret wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 10, 2024 4:03 pm

Green and JBG are not homegrown.

I'm going to start calling you HGclaret

You seem to have this on the brain.

claretskeith wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 10, 2024 3:58 pm

I notice most putting Pires in, but I didn't see much of him as only managed to see the half the friendly game - what are people's thought on him?

Looked solid against Cadiz, played last season (with them) in the Spanish top flight and comes from a club (Santos) that's produced some truly great players, oh and he's erm... left footed.

Not to mention he's also 6ft and looks pretty quick/springy. Just think we have him, why not see what he's about?

Oh and from a selfish pov, I'd like to have the two samba boys at fullback - the new Carlos & Cafu.

claretskeith wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 10, 2024 3:58 pm

I notice most putting Pires in, but I didn't see much of him as only managed to see the half the friendly game - what are people's thought on him?

I know it was only a half a game but he looked very good, and hopefully has impressed Parker in pre season enough to warrant a start. The option is Vitinho, personally despite many appearances over two seasons does not impress me as an out and out left back. For me Vitinho is at best a utility player, and very useful to the squad for that reason, but a specialist in none

claretskeith wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 10, 2024 3:58 pm

I notice most putting Pires in, but I didn't see much of him as only managed to see the half the friendly game - what are people's thought on him?

I like left footers playing at left back.

warksclaret wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 10, 2024 4:51 pm

I know it was only a half a game but he looked very good, and hopefully has impressed Parker in pre season enough to warrant a start. The option is Vitinho, personally despite many appearances over two seasons does not impress me as an out and out left back. For me Vitinho is at best a utility player, and very useful to the squad for that reason, but a specialist in none

Personally, I see Vitinho's best position as attacking-right. Where we happen to be pretty well stocked.

claretskeith wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 10, 2024 4:53 pm

Personally, I see Vitinho's best position as attacking-right. Where we happen to be pretty well stocked.

But he has v poor final ball
That's why he is limited as a right back- by far his best position because of his pace

Hladkey
Vitiniho O'Shea esteve pires
Cullen Berge Brownhill
Jbg foster odebert

nil_desperandum wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 11, 2024 11:47 am

But he has v poor final ball
That's why he is limited as a right back- by far his best position because of his pace

Nothing like by far his best position. He's good at tracking back, so he can do a job. But he's nothing like a defender. He's an attacking player.

If we play Vitineo as either full back at Luton we are in for a disappointing night. They will target him at the back post.

Vitinho's movement and ability to find/sense space are top-drawer.

I thought he played well as a right mid/right wing and formed a good relationship with Assignon towards the end of last season - alas after we finally found a good balance VK chopped and changed once again.

Who knows, he may end up in a similar role as last season with Sambo over/underlapping him.

Some fans are overtly worried about our defence, we won't be playing as expansive of a system as we attempted last season and are playing against teams that are nowhere near as good. We will be fine.

claretskeith wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 11, 2024 12:05 pm

Nothing like by far his best position. He's good at tracking back, so he can do a job. But he's nothing like a defender. He's an attacking player.

A bad one

If Trafford has not been sold why would he not play ? Same goes for O’Shea and Berge unless of course they are all “ injured “

morninbob wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 11, 2024 11:50 am

Hladkey
Vitiniho O'Shea esteve pires
Cullen Berge Brownhill
Jbg foster odebert

Pretty close to the side I’m imagining SP to put out , it’s a real tough one with at least 2 of those players possibly leaving , but we need to put out the best team we can .

FCBurnley wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 11, 2024 2:20 pm

If Trafford has not been sold why would he not play ? Same goes for O’Shea and Berge unless of course they are all “ injured “

If he’s not committed to the club I wouldn’t play him. From what I’ve heard, he wants out. If that’s the case, he doesn’t play for me.

Hladky

Roberts - O'Shea - Esteve - Pires

Brownhill - Cullen

Koleosho - Amdouni - Odobert

Foster

This was the line up exactly 12 months ago today against City.

J Trafford
C Roberts
A Al Dakhil
D O'Shea
L Beyer (Benson)
Vitinho
L Koleosho (Larsen)
S Berge (Brownhill)
J Cullen (c)
L Foster (Redmond)
M Amdouni (Zaroury)

Amazing to think and it must be a positive that the team against Luton won't be that much different.

The only player to leave off tht list (SO FAR) is Larsen.

nil_desperandum wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 11, 2024 11:47 am

But he has v poor final ball
That's why he is limited as a right back- by far his best position because of his pace

I think we agree to disagree. Even if we go from 'his best position'

Sorry, but his best position isn't right back.

Amdouni has posted from this dressing room. Looks like the one at the training ground? Not sure whether that means he's travelling with the team or not...

Wouldn't they normally have set off by now?

ArmchairDetective wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 12, 2024 12:14 pm

Wouldn't they normally have set off by now?

Why would he be in the dressing room if he isn't in the squad. He'd be at home with his pipe and slippers.

claretskeith wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 12, 2024 12:16 pm

Why would he be in the dressing room if he isn't in the squad. He'd be at home with his pipe and slippers.

Fitness training?

I don't know, I've never been in a professional sports team claretskeith

ArmchairDetective wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 12, 2024 12:18 pm

Fitness training?

I don't know, I've never been in a professional sports team claretskeith

Haha, get yourself a VR headset - perfect for the armchair

Looks like we still have spin the wheel from the SD era

Amdouni obviously not in the squad, or is he posting an old pic to confuse the Luton spies?

What I will say is that all of the suggested teams look more than enough - on paper - to win this league.

claretskeith wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 12, 2024 12:20 pm

Haha, get yourself a VR headset - perfect for the armchair

I'd pay good money for that

billyhamilton82 wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 12, 2024 12:31 pm

Looks like we still have spin the wheel from the SD era

Amdouni obviously not in the squad, or is he posting an old pic to confuse the Luton spies?

Doesn't look an old pic looking at the time on the clock on the wall... Photo taken a minute or two before he posted it.

billyhamilton82 wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 12, 2024 12:31 pm

Looks like we still have spin the wheel from the SD era

Amdouni obviously not in the squad, or is he posting an old pic to confuse the Luton spies?

Looks like a Manuel Benson sized paddling pool just underneath too. Glad he's being looked after