Match Thread Bradford City V Wycombe Wanderers Saturday 2nd August 2024 3.00pm (Now with The Voice review)

So given that Sarcevic, Kavanagh, Humphrys, Touray and Joe Wright were on the bench does that mean they won't start or that GA doesn't trust them?

Come on, let's be serious here. That line up against an amateur side means absolutely zero in terms of who will start against Wycombe.

 

Yeh Byrne will make the 18, just not mine.

 

Yes a decent start point , but Neufville for Halliday and Bobby to be on the bench

“ Fill in” ….We have tried Halliday and Richards in the back three before and it never worked . Not sure why it would work in a league above.

Neufville to start for me as he’s more pace than Halliday, something we will need in spades. Bobby could see himself on the bench .

 

Well you confidently managed just 8 speculating on the other 3 showing how difficult it is going to be to decide the starting 11. And it's a much harder starting 11 to predict than last year-so I think progress has definitely been made. There is so much competition all over the pitch. Not sure 50% (of what?) will get the exact 11 correct either?

 

In fairness your post that I replied to stated that you could only name 2 guaranteed starters for the first game. That's the part I questioned, especially given that the keeper is absolutely nailed on!

I do agree with your post above that there's much needed competition though. It's good to see.

 

In fairness you replied saying that most could name 9-then you name 8. And I see that you have avoided answering the 50% assertion-which I thought was a bit silly too.

 

Fair enough, I'll throw Neufville in as the ninth.

Have a think and let me know when you've worked out which outfield player you're going with.

 

Alot of assumptions that Bobby drops to the bench and I have no idea why. Its almost like its a foregone conclusion.

 

No it’s not a foregone conclusion at all but it’s a strong possibility . Him and Humphrey’s vying for the same position . ( Assumes we play a similar formation) . “Cover for each position” quoted GA….One of two will miss out or be on the bench , which is anyone’s logical conclusion.

 

Swann and Kav and Humphrey’s as the top 3 perhaps?

 

Pre Oldham guess.....could change after and Huntington may sign up.

Walker
Neufville
Touray
Pennington
Wright
Tilt
Power
Pattison
Sarcevic
Pointon
Humphrys

Hilton, Halliday, Richards, Metcalfe, Lapslie, Kavanagh, Swann

Unavailable - Baldwin, Byrne, Kelly, Wright, Cook
Stands - Hadi, Goodman, Leigh, Oduor, Ibbitson

 

That's what I'd prefer, personally.

That's the most attacking 3, but also quite an athletic 3. They should all be able to contribute elsewhere, because let's face it, it's a tough game and we're gonna have to graft, graft, graft.

Might sound harsh, but the player I wouldn't start is Bobby. Let's give him some time to acclimatize to a much higher level. His talents might be best used off the bench initially, unless GA specifically identifies the need for a left wing option (for me, he's still pretty much a left winger).

 

Swan for Pointon and it sounds good

 

Sounds like we can add Kav to the unavailable list, possibly Pattison too. GA thinks Leigh will be fine for the weekend.

 

This time next week we'll be talking of promotion or relegation such is the over dramatic life of your average football fan and i can't wait. Personally haven't taken much much notice of pre season as i'm still dining out on what happened at the end of last season, i'm not sure how we will line up next week but expect Alexander has most of the names already pencilled in. Will have to get used to what looks like being a much different starting 11 from last season but i think GA will stick with the same formula.

 

I think baring anymore injuries there is only 3 places that are still up in there.

Who plays RWB Halliday or Neufville it really is a toss of a coin on that.

Who plays alongside Power Pattison or Metcalf as I don't see Leigh getting ahead of either despite looking alright there pre season. My head would say Pattison if fit as Alexander alludes to Metcalf still a couple of weeks having only joined Thursday behind but he played really well yesterday at Oldham and think he will definitely get plenty of game time this season.

And who plays left of the front 3 I would say Pointon should however Swan has looked very lively in last couple of pre season games he took his goal well against Boro and is quite quick on the front foot so I would guess he just pinches the spot next week.

So here's what I expect.


Walker

Pennington RCB
Wright CB
Tilt LCB

RWB Neufville (hardest call of the lot ahead of Halliday)
LWB Touray


CM Power (captain)
CM Pattison

RSF Sarcevic
CF Humphrys
LSF Swan


Subs.

Hilton
Byrne if fit
Halliday
Richards
Lapsile
Metcalf
Pointon


Still feel we need that extra forward in this week.

 

Neufville has to be a starter, the lad has the look of a league 1 standard player.

 

My team for Wycombe:


———————Walker ——————-

Neufville Tilt Wright Pennington Touray

—————Power—Sarcevic————-

——— —- Humphrys Pointon————-

———————-Swan————————

Going off Alexander’s comments yesterday Metclafe might take a bit of time to get up to speed with his fitness and to adapt to our style of play, so I wouldn’t throw him into the deep end just yet. Humphrys has spoken on numerous occasions about dropping deeper so he can find pockets of space and take players on, so we might as well start him as an AM to begin with. Think Swan will surprise a few people this season too and deserves his chance.

Overall, fairly happy with the starting 11 but the bench options are looking a little sparse. Don’t think we can afford too many more injuries given the long list of players who are already unavailable.

 

From what I have seen and reports read, no way will Neufville be left out for Brad if both are fit, I just can’t see it, but hey dafter things have happened?