I imagine Henderson will go but will only be used off the bench.
Dier playing again (at Bayern) might put him in the frame as he can cover at both centre back and defensive midfield. Same goes for Joe Gomez, who can cover at centre back and full back.
Biggest worries are in defence. Left back position is weak and Stones and Maguire aren't really the kind of defenders you want if you're under pressure. We need to aim to control games with the ball to stifle the opposition. I'm expecting us to play slow and steady possession, while waiting to picking our moments to attack carefully.
You do tend to post the odd whimsical non-specific comment @mooneyman ! That last sentence is a case in point. I’m on record, controversially, as having found Palmer less engaging than most players in a fairly recent post-match interview. But I’ve no idea why City “let him go”. Do you know?
Whatever my reservations about the lad’s personal qualities (and notwithstanding my personal lack of love for Chelsea football club), I think he is much more than “a good player”. He does tend to operate quite often on the right and would therefore be one of the options if Bukayo Saka is unavailable following the surgery which I read recently he is shortly due to undergo.
I agree, Foden and Bellingham first names on the sheet for me, followed by Kane, like him or not, he scores goals. Let's be honest, our main problem area is defence
What a great batch of young players Southgate has at his disposal - Foden, Bellingham, Palmer, Rice, Saka, Gordon, Eze, Mainoo, Branthwaite, Guehi and Alexander-Arnold. There are probably more. Hopefully he will let them loose this time around.
The "Will McKenna stay or go?" threads on the Ipswich forum make for interesting reading. I personally hope he stays as that is their best crack at staying up, but there are always fans who can never understand why someone would leave their club because "he has a good thing going here" and are shocked and disgusted when the manager then leaves for a better opportunity on more money. I think the most danger comes from Brighton, as I could see their model having an appeal to someone like McKenna, and it would be more of a natural stepping stone (not in club size, but PL stability) to build towards a big six job in the future. Surely Man United and/or Chelsea might be a little too early in his career arc?
It will definitely be fascinating to see what he decides.
@Shev I too hope he stays, especially as he beat the likes of Pep & Arteta to become LMA Manager of the Year. He has done a cracking job with the tractor boys.
The Ipswich forum has basically descended into hysteria, with all kinds of pearl clutching over the idea of McKenna gaining interest from larger clubs.
Are we the only fanbase who has ever actually understood why our manager left for a higher opportunity?
King hell that winds me up. Worst form of football nepotism. Gets the job on name alone. At Derby everyone knows Rosenior did the good work. At Birmingham he was a disaster and DC United won't be building statues of him.
Anyone know a way you can switch off those dull and boring pundits and just listen to the crowd on ITV or BBC whilst waiting for the FA cup final to start?
Comments
Mainoo should 100% go. I'd probably start him.
I imagine Henderson will go but will only be used off the bench.
Dier playing again (at Bayern) might put him in the frame as he can cover at both centre back and defensive midfield. Same goes for Joe Gomez, who can cover at centre back and full back.
Biggest worries are in defence. Left back position is weak and Stones and Maguire aren't really the kind of defenders you want if you're under pressure. We need to aim to control games with the ball to stifle the opposition. I'm expecting us to play slow and steady possession, while waiting to picking our moments to attack carefully.
You do tend to post the odd whimsical non-specific comment @mooneyman ! That last sentence is a case in point. I’m on record, controversially, as having found Palmer less engaging than most players in a fairly recent post-match interview. But I’ve no idea why City “let him go”. Do you know?
Whatever my reservations about the lad’s personal qualities (and notwithstanding my personal lack of love for Chelsea football club), I think he is much more than “a good player”. He does tend to operate quite often on the right and would therefore be one of the options if Bukayo Saka is unavailable following the surgery which I read recently he is shortly due to undergo.
Glad I'm keeping you amused!
I agree, Foden and Bellingham first names on the sheet for me, followed by Kane, like him or not, he scores goals. Let's be honest, our main problem area is defence
Arsenal bridesmaids again @flymofrank , shame really.
What a great batch of young players Southgate has at his disposal - Foden, Bellingham, Palmer, Rice, Saka, Gordon, Eze, Mainoo, Branthwaite, Guehi and Alexander-Arnold. There are probably more. Hopefully he will let them loose this time around.
As long as he doesn’t let them lose.
😂
Pochettino leaving Chelsea by mutual consent.
Silly season has begun.
Blooms already up to 34th longest tenure of the 92 despite being just a year and 90 days on the job (he was ahead of Poch anyway).
The "Will McKenna stay or go?" threads on the Ipswich forum make for interesting reading. I personally hope he stays as that is their best crack at staying up, but there are always fans who can never understand why someone would leave their club because "he has a good thing going here" and are shocked and disgusted when the manager then leaves for a better opportunity on more money. I think the most danger comes from Brighton, as I could see their model having an appeal to someone like McKenna, and it would be more of a natural stepping stone (not in club size, but PL stability) to build towards a big six job in the future. Surely Man United and/or Chelsea might be a little too early in his career arc?
It will definitely be fascinating to see what he decides.
@Shev I too hope he stays, especially as he beat the likes of Pep & Arteta to become LMA Manager of the Year. He has done a cracking job with the tractor boys.
Leverkusen massively up against it to finish the season unbeaten, 0-2 to Atalanta already in the Europa final.
Atalanta seem to be really performing in this competition.
Ademola Lookman with both goals.
Didn't see that one coming at all..
Darrell Clarke leaves Cheltenham for Barnsley.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cn33g80ppepo
Great manager, but still surprising!
The Ipswich forum has basically descended into hysteria, with all kinds of pearl clutching over the idea of McKenna gaining interest from larger clubs.
Are we the only fanbase who has ever actually understood why our manager left for a higher opportunity?
There were plenty of Wycombe fans saying it would all go sour and being disappointed in him though.
well speaking of disappointing managers…
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cw44xx1w1d8o
Surprised the Yes vote on the Argyle forum has gone over 20%, but there you go.
Tony Crow?
They are trying to mimick his likely win percentage.
Rooney confirmed as Plymouth manager.
If we could hold a moment's silence for their fans.
What a great day this is turning out to be. Welcome back to management Rooney.
https://youtu.be/HNBCVM4KbUM
King hell that winds me up. Worst form of football nepotism. Gets the job on name alone. At Derby everyone knows Rosenior did the good work. At Birmingham he was a disaster and DC United won't be building statues of him.
Absolutely gobsmacked that's he's got another Championship job. Madness
Does anyone else think he looks like Desperate Dan now? Too many cow pies!
Anyone know a way you can switch off those dull and boring pundits and just listen to the crowd on ITV or BBC whilst waiting for the FA cup final to start?
He looks fatter than Steve Evans