Formations

You need to squeeze Gilliead into that midfield as well. Anyone that thinks he's not going to be in Hughes' mind as a starter is kidding themselves.

 

I'm worried about that also but struggle to see either MacDonald, Walker, Pattison or Smallwood here to be on the bench.

 

Hughes and Sparks have both spoken about how they want to be able to flip between formations more this season than last so it’s difficult to say just like it’s difficult to pick a first choice XI until the transfer window shuts and the squad is complete.
I’d imagine that the minimum still to come in will be a LB and a couple of wingers with a few departures likely too.

 

I think we're more likely to see two up top this season, as it's going to be hard to replace Banks and Wright. There is no point playing 451/433 if we don't have quality wide men.

And, so far, we don't have quality wide men.

442 diamond is a possibility without causing too much disruption to our tactics, could even go 3 at the back in a 352/3412.

 

Its a clean slate and if he earns that starting role in pre season and his performances then no problem from me.

 

443 looks odds on at the moment with the players we have got.

 

What do you mean where are the wing backs? Oggy and Oduor both play L/R wingbacks at their respective clubs.

You can’t fit 20 players into a starting 11, so not sure why you are trying to do so. If we are to improve then some of last years squad won’t play as often….It’s that simple. That’s called progression, surely.

 

At the moment yes, however not banking on it yet as there are at least three more to come in.

 

He never gives less than 100%, always looks busy and is one of the fittest members of the squad so there's every chance he earns that starting place. What worries me is if we start with the same central pairing of him and Smallwood it will mean we have learnt nothing from last season. It's either or for me but not both together.

 

Smallwood and Gilliead were not a 'pairing' when Clayton was available. They were a trio and McDonald will assume that role you would think. There is also Pattison to consider.

I wouldn't be worried - the club seem to have addressed the CM shortcomings with their recruitment.

 

You think??? I see 1, maybe 2 at the most.

We might bring a left back or a winger in but I dont see much more than that.

 

An extra player! A grand idea. Surprised nobody has tried that already.

 

Nope, that is eleven outfield players
You mean 4-3-3

 

At home I’d prefer if we played 2 up front and so more attack minded.
Happy to play one up front away from home, it seemed to work last season.
Behind that there’s lots of options depending upon whose available and who the opposition is.

 

Agreed, expecting a few more loanees from higher up the leagues,but crossing fingers that they are more like Banks and less like Costelloe,Nevers and Bola

 

Boom!

 

The have been brought in to do a job, what that job is MH knows. That doesn’t detract from my point though..Remember Curle had Odour playing centre back? Nobody thinks he’s coming in to play alongside Stubbs etc.

 

We shall see Serge. I reckon three 2 loans and a signing, IF at least two are shipped out.