Starting 11 - who misses out?

[Martin Alvito]

I think you can accomplish all of that while just dropping one of the 10s masquerading as 8s and playing a real right wing.

Hopefully we're in the start of an era (despite not having a true DM) of playing a proper 4-3-3.

I think we can agree that, whatever happens, we need to be playing three through the middle even if we're sketch at the 6 as a result.

I think we can also agree that our best assets are up top at the moment, and that sitting them when they're all healthy is a bad plan, which means we're locked into 4-3-3 as a first XI.

 

[Tipp blue]

Fully fit, I'd go for:

Pickford
Patterson Mina Godfrey Myko
Allan Doucoure
Rich Alli Gray
DCL

Subs: Begovic, Coleman, Keane, VdB, Gordon, Townsend, Dobbin. Gordon first off the bench every game, rotating with Gray/Rich.

Don't want to see Rondon, Iwobi, Delph, Tosun, Lonergan or Kenny in any match day squads.

Allan hasn't been great lately, maybe get VDB in there instead.

 

[chippy1722]

It’s nice to be able to ask this question, it also means we might have a decent bench too.
I think we might actually have enough to play different players and systems depending on the opposition, instead of same old against everyone.

 

[TheBigIguana]

Allan hasn't been great lately, maybe get VDB in there instead.

At least Allan tackles things when he's out of position. Those two in a midfield we might as well toss a couple in our own net off the start just to get it over with.

 

[MisterJ]

Think we'll play a 433 most of the time but I know Frank likes to use a diamond at times too so it gives us a lot more options and flexibility. Wouldn't be surprised to see this at times with the width coming from the full backs. Unfortunately it takes out arguably our two best players this season though in Gray and Gordon:

View attachment 154404

Why are we Arsenal?

 

[diggerdestroyer]

Probably whoever is out injured or suspended. I really doubt we will have many issues with selection. We have a full squad about once every 2 years.

This is a very valid point. Firstly the above. Teams very rarely have a fit starting 11. If we do great and that leads to the second point. A fit player or 2 of real quality on the bench will be a real bonus. Bringing on the likes of a hungry gordon, a fit doucoure or allan for 20 or 30 minutes will make such a difference.

I think Doucoure could also sit in place of Allan if necessary in EGWtiffee team above which would be my preferred starting 11. Doucoure has legs and can cover ground. He would need to be disciplined but could definately do the job there.

 

[HokieToffee]

----------------Pickford-----------------
Coleman---Keane---Mina----Godfrey
-----------------------------------------
------------------Allan-----------------
------------VdB-------------------------
--------------------Alli-----------------
Gray------------------------------Richy
------------------DCL------------------

 

[twoblue]

There is way too much focus on this. How many times have we started with the same 11 in years? It will change week to week and we will have a decent bench for a change

Imagine having someone on the bench capable of changing a game… how many years has it been?

 

[Johnnytotal]

Frank loves Gomes.

1st name on the team sheet.

 

[Tipp blue]

----------------Pickford-----------------
Coleman---Keane---Mina----Godfrey
-----------------------------------------
------------------Allan-----------------
------------VdB-------------------------
--------------------Alli-----------------
Gray------------------------------Richy
------------------DCL------------------

So a 4-1-1-1-2-1 formation... do you play championship manager? ?

 

[DL100]

I’d drop DCL for Newcastle. He’s not fully fit, I’d bring him on with 20 mins left if needed.

Front 3 of Gordon, Gray and Richie as Striker.

Alli as a no10

Allan and VDB in midfield.

Back 4 of Coleman, Mina, Keane, Godfrey

Or maybe play a mid 3 of Allan, Gomes and VDB & a Front 3 of Alli, Gray and Richy. ?‍?‍

 

[irishtony1878]

With the existing squad, Lampard 4-3-3 and the 4 new additions how do you think we’ll line up the next 18 games with a fully fit squad?

Pickford

Patterson Mina Godfrey Mykolenko

Allan

VDB Alli

Richarlison DCL Gray

Subs
Gordon
Doucoure ?
Townsend
Gomes

We will get spanked with that midfield and defence.
We might score more, but we will concede a few.

 

[Dddddd]

----------------Pickford-----------------
Coleman---Keane---Mina----Godfrey
-----------------------------------------
------------------Allan-----------------
------------VdB-------------------------
--------------------Alli-----------------
Gray------------------------------Richy
------------------DCL------------------

Swap vdb for Doucoure and I’m there with you

 

[Abertonian]

I have a suspicion he will play Gomes far more than we expect.

 

[terryefc]

Godfrey cannot head the ball so would be useless as a CB.
He'll play LB and Coleman RB with Mina and Keane in the middle.
Patterson and Myk will have to prove themselves - and Branthwaite is ready to step in if Mina is injured or Keane has a mare.
Whilst Doucoure is injured he can play Allan VDB Dele Gray Richy and DCL - but Allan and VDB would have to be disciplined in holding the middle.
Once Doucs is back he'll play with Allan and VDB with alternate forward formations of Dele Gray and Richy and Gordon.
Makes a change having a selection headache.