Starting 11

[clerkenwell.claret]

At this moment in time, with our current squad, who would be your starting 11? And the subs?

[CoolClaret]

Something like

4-2-3-1:

----------Trafford
Walker-Tuanzebe-Esteve-Hartman
---------Cullen-Laurent
Edwards-Hannibal-Anthony
---------Flemming

Or 3-4-2-1:

---------Trafford
----Tuanzebe-Esteve-Humphreys
Walker--Cullen-Laurent---Hartman
----Hannibal----Anthony
--------Flemming

Subs:

Weiß
Roberts
Humphreys/Pires
Worrall
Ramsey
Tchaouna
Amdouni
JBL
Foster

Maybe even Flemming and Amdouni as the two '10s' in the 3 at the back formation, but then we'd need a new striker leading the line...

We're desperately short of midfield options.

[Funkydrummer]

Anybodies guess really at the moment.

So many combinations/choices.

Very hard to call.

I'll wait a bit before showing my hand.

[LincsWoldsClaret]

-I’ll play -

---------Trafford
Walker-Worrall-Esteve-Humphries
---------Cullen-Laurent
Edwards-Hannibal-Anthony
---------Flemming

[wadeswondergoal]

Something like

4-2-3-1:

----------Trafford
Walker-Tuanzebe-Esteve-Hartman
---------Cullen-Laurent
Edwards-Hannibal-Anthony
---------Flemming

Or 3-4-2-1:

---------Trafford
----Tuanzebe-Esteve-Humphreys
Walker--Cullen-Laurent---Hartman
----Hannibal----Anthony
--------Flemming

Subs:

Weiß
Roberts
Humphreys/Pires
Worrall
Ramsey
Tchaouna
Amdouni
JBL
Foster

Maybe even Flemming and Amdouni as the two '10s' in the 3 at the back formation, but then we'd need a new striker leading the line...

We're desperately short of midfield options.

You must despise Edwards you’ve left him out entirely of your second team

[Vino blanco]

If we start the PL campaign with Laurent in midfield and a front three of Edwards, Flemming and Anthony, we we struggle from game one.

[billyhamilton82]

4-2-3-1:

----------Trafford
Walker-Tuanzebe-Esteve-Hartman
---------Cullen-Hannibal
Edwards- JBL -Anthony
---------Flemming


Weiß
Roberts/Pires
Humphreys
Ramsey
Tchaouna
Amdouni
Laurent
Foster
Koleosho

As far a I can understand, because of the the squad flexibilty we only need Humphreys and a LB/RB on the bench because Tuanzebe can cover at RB, Walkker can cover at RCB and Humphreys can cover LCB and LB and RCB/RB if required.

This gives us the option of having an extra forward player on the bench.

[ksrclaret]

So, so difficult to call with so many players on the books.

Right now I'd go with:

Trafford
Walker - Tuanzebe - Esteve - Hartman
Cullen - Laurent
JBL - Hannibal - Anthony
Flemming

[kaptin1]

Wonder what Roberts is thinking having signed a contract extension only to then see us sign Walker and Tuanzebe who can both play in his position?

[BleedingClaret]

Anybodies guess really at the moment.

So many combinations/choices.

Very hard to call.

I'll wait a bit before showing my hand.

Agreed

[BleedingClaret]

We've a lack of an attacking threat if we pick a team with solider defensive players like Laurent before Hannibal but even then is the more attacking option a direct goal threat.
We need an out and out centre forward in the Vardy mould.
It really is a hard team to pick at present, hard to pick a defensively strong team that has enough attacking threat, hard to pick an attacking team that doesn't look a little lightweight.
But maybe that's also a good thing, in that we look like we have the options and that also covers injuries to some degree too

[BleedingClaret]

Something like

4-2-3-1:

----------Trafford
Walker-Tuanzebe-Esteve-Hartman
---------Cullen-Laurent
Edwards-Hannibal-Anthony
---------Flemming

Or 3-4-2-1:

---------Trafford
----Tuanzebe-Esteve-Humphreys
Walker--Cullen-Laurent---Hartman
----Hannibal----Anthony
--------Flemming

Subs:


Weiß
Roberts
Humphreys/Pires
Worrall
Ramsey
Tchaouna
Amdouni
JBL
Foster

Maybe even Flemming and Amdouni as the two '10s' in the 3 at the back formation, but then we'd need a new striker leading the line...

We're desperately short of midfield options.

I've always thought if you play a back 3 with 2 attacking players that you can trust to drop into a 5 defensively but are good enough attacking, it can work if you basically pick 5 defenders and the outer 2 aren't really attacking players then you just get pegged back
As you say a proper Centre Forward is ideal for this as you free a player from a back 4
But like i say if it's really a back 5, I'd rather go 442 or 451

[Newcastleclaret93]

4-2-3-1:

----------Trafford
Walker-Tuanzebe-Esteve-Hartman
---------Cullen-Hannibal
Edwards- JBL -Anthony
---------Flemming


Weiß
Roberts/Pires
Humphreys
Ramsey
Tchaouna
Amdouni
Laurent
Foster
Koleosho

As far a I can understand, because of the the squad flexibilty we only need Humphreys and a LB/RB on the bench because Tuanzebe can cover at RB, Walkker can cover at RCB and Humphreys can cover LCB and LB and RCB/RB if required.

This gives us the option of having an extra forward player on the bench.

I think this is as close to the starting eleven as anyone can predict. Except Laurent for JBL (move Hannibal up)

Il be surprised if we venture much further from this.

[Newcastleclaret93]

-I’ll play -

---------Trafford
Walker-Worrall-Esteve-Humphries
---------Cullen-Laurent
Edwards-Hannibal-Anthony
---------Flemming

I think Parker will to

[CoolClaret]

I've always thought if you play a back 3 with 2 attacking players that you can trust to drop into a 5 defensively but are good enough attacking, it can work if you basically pick 5 defenders and the outer 2 aren't really attacking players then you just get pegged back
As you say a proper Centre Forward is ideal for this as you free a player from a back 4
But like i say if it's really a back 5, I'd rather go 442 or 451

Yeah that can happen - there are many variations of it and adjustments that can be made (wide cbs or wingbacks coming into midfield, varying players rotating out wide etc)

All depends on if you're controlling midfield as well, lose that and you'll get pegged back no matter what.

My preferred formation is a variation of 4-4-2/4-2-3-1 as well, but we do have the personnel to play three at the back. I'd be interested to see Flemming and Amdouni/Ramsey/Brownhill (please sign) playing there centrally off a proper number 9.

[BleedingClaret]

----------------------Trafford ------------------------
------------Walker - Esteve - Hartman------------
JBL ---- Hannibal - Cullen - Laurent - Anthony
-------------------- Flemming -----------------------

38 x 0.0's keeps us up!

Is it 9 Subs - from this list
Weiss GK
Roberts RB - in a back 4 or as a wing back in a 5 more defensive than a 3
Tuanzebe CB RB - Can play in an attack minded 3 with a true winger tracking back or transition to a 4
Humphreys CB LB - Can play in an attack minded 3 with a true winger tracking back or transition to a 4
Pires LB - in a back 4 or as a wing back in a 5 more defensive than a 3
Ramsey CM or 10
Edwards Winger
Koleosho Winger
Tachouna Winger
Amdouni 10
Foster 9 or 10

We are clearly Short of an out & out No 9 Vardy-esque and a dominate CM - Berge-esque

[BleedingClaret]

Yeah that can happen - there are many variations of it and adjustments that can be made (wide cbs or wingbacks coming into midfield, varying players rotating out wide etc)

All depends on if you're controlling midfield as well, lose that and you'll get pegged back no matter what.

My preferred formation is a variation of 4-4-2/4-2-3-1 as well, but we do have the personnel to play three at the back. I'd be interested to see Flemming and Amdouni/Ramsey/Brownhill (please sign) playing there centrally off a proper number 9.

Always liked 442 but that needs either Amdouni or Foster (or both together) to come good to pair with Flemming as the 9 to Flemming's 10
4231 Needs an out and out No 9 - Can't play it IMO if you're playing Flemming isolated, We played Wood & Barnes in a 442, 1 of those in a 4231 is just run into the ground

[billyhamilton82]

I honestly can't see Laurent starting games in the PL.

We are stacked in the 10 position and Hannibal will always get in before Laurent.

[Newcastleclaret93]

I honestly can't see Laurent starting games in the PL.

We are stacked in the 10 position and Hannibal will always get in before Laurent.

Laurent doesn’t play in the 10 position

[morninbob]

Trafford

Walker humphries esteve
Anthony Cullen Hannibal Hartman
Amdouni Edwards
Foster

Subs
Keeper
Roberts
Tuanzebe
Laurant
Tchouana
JBL
Ramsay
Tresor
Flemming

[willsclarets]

The signing of laurent for 500k was a masterstroke in the Championship. But the thought of him starting with Cullen (who is very stretched as a prem midfielder himself) in centre midfield is a tad terrifying.

[Boss Hogg]

4-2-3-1:

----------Trafford
Walker-Tuanzebe-Esteve-Hartman
---------Cullen-Hannibal
Edwards- JBL -Anthony
---------Flemming


Weiß
Roberts/Pires
Humphreys
Ramsey
Tchaouna
Amdouni
Laurent
Foster
Koleosho

As far a I can understand, because of the the squad flexibilty we only need Humphreys and a LB/RB on the bench because Tuanzebe can cover at RB, Walkker can cover at RCB and Humphreys can cover LCB and LB and RCB/RB if required.

This gives us the option of having an extra forward player on the bench.

The team above for me as it stands.

[BleedingClaret]

----------------------Trafford ------------------------
------------Walker - Esteve - Hartman------------
JBL ---- Hannibal - Cullen - Laurent - Anthony
-------------------- Flemming ----------------------
--------------------- Foster --------------------------

Need to learn to count, my excuse, interrupted by the missus, her fault
whole idea of my back 3 was to get 2 up top, a 9 & a 10

[Mattster]

Trafford
Tuanzebe Worrall Esteve
Walker Cullen Laurent Hartman
Edwards Amdouni
Foster

With what we have we'd have to start Laurent in midfield, any pair that didn't include him would be completely overrun because it'd be too lightweight. Gone for Foster over Flemming because would lack pace otherwise.

But hope we sign at least one big, athletic midfielder to take place of Laurent. And a dominant centre back to take the place of Worrall.

[billyhamilton82]

Laurent doesn’t play in the 10 position

No, but Hannibal does and has been.

Personally I would play Hannibal in DM and bring in another number10 before Laurent starting a PL game.

Nothing against Laurent but Hannibal is much more mobile and quicker which will be required at this level.

Laurent comes on with 15-20 to go to shore it up.

[1914tyrone]

Trafford
Walker Tuanzebe Esteve Hartman
Cullen Hannibal
Amdoumi
Tchuoana Flemming Anthony

[Nonayforever]

Trafford
Walker Tuanzebe Esteve Humphreys
Cullen Hannibal Laurent
Anthony Fleming JBL

I'm quietly confident that we will stay up this time round.

[Scott Arfield's Swag]

GK - Trafford

RCB - Walker
CB - Esteve
LCB - Humphries

RWB - Roberts
LWB - Hartmann

CM - Cullen
CM - Hannibal

RF - Edwards
CF - Flemming
LF - Anthony

[willsclarets]

I don't know whether it's an issue of trust or playing style, but for whatever reason Parker didn't like Hannibal in that spot next to Cullen. I agree with others he'd be good in there, but it's hard to see Parker going with it given he was reluctant in the championship.

[CyrilEbokiPoh]

GK - Trafford

RCB - Walker
CB - Esteve
LCB - Humphries

RWB - Roberts
LWB - Hartmann

CM - Cullen
CM - Hannibal

RF - Edwards
CF - Flemming
LF - Anthony

This is the team we would / should play if we started tomorrow.

[123EasyasBFC]

Based off today’s game, I’d would say if we had to play spurs tomorrow the starting 11 would be

Weiss

Roberts Walker Worral Esteve Hartman

Cullen Hannibal

Edwards Bruun Larsen Anthony

[Bosscat]

I think I will let Scott pick them

[ksrclaret]

Based off today’s game, I’d would say if we had to play spurs tomorrow the starting 11 would be

Weiss

Roberts Walker Worral Esteve Hartman

Cullen Hannibal

Edwards Bruun Larsen Anthony

There was a lot of debate on here two years ago that our PL team was actually weaker than our Championship team. It really did polarise the message board.

Looking at what you've written out there, I'd imagine there would be a similar debate this time around unless we add a couple of big signings (I'm sure we'll be doing our very best to make it happen). The team we finished the Championship with (below) shades it for me, despite the massive upgrades at full back.

Trafford
Roberts Egan-Riley Esteve Pires
Cullen Brownhill
Edwards Hannibal Anthony
Flemming

[RVclaret]

Presuming a team, just 2 games into pre season, that played 45 min each, with some players sitting it out for precaution, will be the exact one that takes on Spurs in a month… is a bit of a mind-stretch.

[willsclarets]

It's an absolute crapshoot at the moment I'd say, in terms of formation and personnel. There's probably 4 or 5 you would bet your bottom dollar on, and that's about it.

[Cooclaret]

Wonder what Roberts is thinking having signed a contract extension only to then see us sign Walker and Tuanzebe who can both play in his position?

I’m ecstatic. But, I do think we might be changing formation to a three.

[Dodobdobodobo]

Trafford
Roberts
Walker
Ekdal
Esteve
Humphries
Cullen
Laurent
JBL
Anthony
Hannibal

Weiss
Tuanzebe
Worrall
Touchama
Bauress
Ramsay
Tresor
Barnes
Koleosho

[dougcollins]

I know we're not England, but playing KW in a three there didn't turn out so well.

[Newcastleclaret93]

If we are going five at the back (which it appears we are).

Il probably go something like

Weiss
Roberts, Walker, Worrall, Esteve, Hartmann
Cullen, Laurent
Edwards, Foster, Anthony


Think it shows we need to do a fair bit of business between now and the end of the window

[jrgbfc]

Wonder what Roberts is thinking having signed a contract extension only to then see us sign Walker and Tuanzebe who can both play in his position?

Roberts must have known if we got promoted he's unlikely to be starting. Never looked up to it at that level.

[willsclarets]

If we are going five at the back (which it appears we are).

Il probably go something like

Weiss
Roberts, Walker, Worrall, Esteve, Hartmann
Cullen, Laurent
Edwards, Foster, Anthony


Think it shows we need to do a fair bit of business between now and the end of the window

Out of that 11, ideally I'd hope we weren't starting with Weiss, Roberts (this might be slightly harsh), Worrall, Laurent and Foster.

And personally I think we already have better in the squad, disregarding Traff for obvious reasons; Humphreys and/or Tuanzebe, Hannibal and Flemming. But we definitely need a CM, hopefully a striker, a new GK if Trafford goes and many players off the books or out on loan. Most of the business is outgoing I think, with a few quality additions and a lot of work to do fitting our best players into a system that works.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Out of that 11, ideally I'd hope we weren't starting with Weiss, Roberts (this might be slightly harsh), Worrall, Laurent and Foster.

And personally I think we already have better in the squad, disregarding Traff for obvious reasons; Humphreys and/or Tuanzebe, Hannibal and Flemming. But we definitely need a CM, hopefully a striker, a new GK if Trafford goes and many players off the books or out on loan. Most of the business is outgoing I think, with a few quality additions and a lot of work to do fitting our best players into a system that works.

I do totally understand where your coming from but my thoughts on Foster, Laurent, Worrall

Are because of the style of play.

Cullen will need athleticism next to him to help break up play (so I think Laurent starts currently).

Worrall for defending in a low block.

Foster to play on the counter

[Roosterbooster]

I know we're not England, but playing KW in a three there didn't turn out so well.

Of all the things Southgate did, I thought playing KW as a CB was one shining light. His recovery pace was like a secret weapon. It was Southgate's inability to take the game to the opposition, opting in stead to to just try and counter the oppostion's strengths, that ultimately cost him.

Problem for us now, is that I think KW doesn't have that pace. He's not slow. But 5 years ago he was faster than anyone else, and wasn't even trying

[Roosterbooster]

As for our starting XI - not a clue

I dont know what Parker will go with
And I have no idea what I'd go with

[willsclarets]

I'm not convinced with us playing wingbacks considering all the out and out wingers we have brought in, even for the bench. I'll stick with 4231. I think Hannibal works alongside Cullen if he keeps his discipline. He's not the biggest, but he's an excellent presser of the ball. I've gone with Edwards in the 10, as I think he lacks a bit of pace to be out wide, but his short passing in tight spaces is excellent. Koleosho looked good in the U21s Euros, and a left side of him/Hartmann looks very dangerous and pacy. It means Anthony moves back to the right, but I think he's still very effective there. Was going to go with Foster for physicality, but I just think Flemming gets you more goals.

Weiss (Trafford)

Walker, Tuanzebe, Esteve, Hartmann
Cullen, Hannibal
Anthony, Edwards, Koleoesho
Flemming


I think this 11 has the most ability, but I would definitely like the option of a Laurent replacement which gives you a few more options. As much as I like Laurent in the Champ, he's just not got the first touch or passing ability for the premier league imo.

[BleedingClaret]

I'm not convinced with us playing wingbacks considering all the out and out wingers we have brought in, even for the bench. I'll stick with 4231. I think Hannibal works alongside Cullen if he keeps his discipline. He's not the biggest, but he's an excellent presser of the ball. I've gone with Edwards in the 10, as I think he lacks a bit of pace to be out wide, but his short passing in tight spaces is excellent. Koleosho looked good in the U21s Euros, and a left side of him/Hartmann looks very dangerous and pacy. It means Anthony moves back to the right, but I think he's still very effective there. Was going to go with Foster for physicality, but I just think Flemming gets you more goals.

Weiss (Trafford)

Walker, Tuanzebe, Esteve, Hartmann
Cullen, Hannibal
Anthony, Edwards, Koleoesho
Flemming


I think this 11 has the most ability, but I would definitely like the option of a Laurent replacement which gives you a few more options. As much as I like Laurent in the Champ, he's just not got the first touch or passing ability for the premier league imo.

In a 4231
I'm doing this instead

Weiss (Trafford)

Walker, Tuanzebe, Esteve, Hartmann
Cullen, Laurent
JBL, Edwards, Anthony
Flemming

Start with the more solid Laurent bring Hannibal on
You mention skill & ability JBL way in front of Koleosho, who you can bring on or even play up top straight through the middle
Agree 100% on Edwards

[willsclarets]

In a 4231
I'm doing this instead

Weiss (Trafford)

Walker, Tuanzebe, Esteve, Hartmann
Cullen, Laurent
JBL, Edwards, Anthony
Flemming

Start with the more solid Laurent bring Hannibal on
You mention skill & ability JBL way in front of Koleosho, who you can bring on or even play up top straight through the middle
Agree 100% on Edwards

Yep can see the arguments for those changes particularly JBL (though I disagree he's way in front of Koleosho - I just think Luca had a bad season) I'm perhaps being harsh on Laurent, but I can see him giving the ball away in the prem in horrible positions with a bad touch or pass. And we know those get punished.

[RVclaret]

Based on my assumptions on the 3-4-2-1 / 5-4-1 that will be the ‘base’ system (other variations within a game are possible when in possession, eg the right ‘wing back’ here sits a bit, forming a back 4, with Hartman / Pires tasked with pushing higher and joining attacks more, we saw this exact system v Southampton in the cup and v Luton on the opening day). Plenty of options in attacking areas, haven’t got space to add Ramsey/Tchaouna/Tresor on there. If you play Hannibal in the left attacking midfield role, with a new CM, you get extra legs for midfield, same with Ramsey.

[billyhamilton82]

If we are going five at the back (which it appears we are).

Il probably go something like

Weiss
Roberts, Walker, Worrall, Esteve, Hartmann
Cullen, Laurent
Edwards, Foster, Anthony


Think it shows we need to do a fair bit of business between now and the end of the window

Agree with that team as we stand currently but (I hope) we will definitely learn by our mistake with Trafford and purchase an experienced Premier League goalkeeeper, Weiss definitely won't be starting.

A matter of opinion but my changes would be:

Humphreys is two footed and I would put in as the middle CD in a 3.

I also think we require a more combative and fast right full back in the 352 system and that would have to be Tuanzebe, or even swap Walker and Tuanzebe.

Hannibal as the more mobile DM alongside Cullen which is required as without a "10" the midfield will have to cover much more ground.

Our recruitment has been excellent and its obvious the next three transfers are incredibly important as it improves the spine of the team.

3-5-2

------------------------Weiss (NEW)

-----------Walker----Humphreys----Esteve

Tuanzebe-------------------------------------Hartmann

-----------------Cullen --- Hannibal (NEW)

Edwards--------------------------------------- Anthony

----------------------Foster (NEW)



4-4-2

------------------------Weiss (NEW)

-----------Walker----Tuanzebe----Esteve---Hartmann

----------------------Cullen --- Hannibal (NEW)

------------------------------JBL

Edwards--------------------------------------- Anthony

----------------------------Foster (NEW)

Essentially as a 442 we arguably have more attacking threat playing with an extra forward although the full backs will be more defensively minded.

The key is that we have options and some of the mistakes made by VK have been learned from, basically we have sorted the defence out and signed players that fit the system(s)

We now need to finish the window with a flourish and add some more genine quality in key areas.

[taio]

Trafford
Tuanzebe Walker Esteve Hartman
Cullen Laurent
Larsen Hannibal Anthony
Flemming