Much as I like that selection @Malone, I agree with @ReturnToSenda about your reversal of positions of Forino and Tafazolli. Also, I don’t think Lewis Wing or Anis Mehmeti will start just yet and, again, I agree with @ReturnToSenda that McCleary should play in front of Obita. They have a great understanding based on the years spent together at Reading and McCleary’s corners from the left are nearly always spot on.
It’s different opinions as @ReturnToSenda says, but I really can’t see us getting anywhere with Wheeler at RB and Grimmer at CB. If we are serious about competing at the top we at least need another proper CB.
Let’s hope so @eric_plant. He flattered to deceive a bit during the last few months of last season but I noticed in February or thereabouts that he was playing with black tape or strapping on his right (?) leg and he may well have been struggling a bit with an ongoing injury.
Absolutely, the arm/shirt pull by a midfielder to stop a counter attack is used very much by Man City and Liverpool. I'm in favour of the kind of ruling which applies in basketball so that (if I'm correct) after a certain number of innocuous team fouls the next one given away is punished by a penalty. It would certainly curtail teams just varying the player who commits the foul.
I don't necessarily disagree, although I don't think anyone's suggested playing Wheeler at RB? Only RWB, where he'd be great defensively but not the best option going forward. It's a shame Kaikai isn't comfortable there as he's our best right-footed crosser.
I have a small feeling that the reason why we haven't seen Mehmeti could be due to him having quiet trials with clubs above us. Gareth is a manager who will never stand in the way of a player when an opportunity comes knocking
Lots of different skills involved but he can cross and shoot and head the ball at the back post from an Obita cross better than most right backs. Also excellent at hassling people.
Positional sense defensively, actually tackling and one on one pace against a tricky winger tbc probably, not a bad option though as he's unlikely to be first choice for long unless he impresses
As for that Mehmeti twaddle above, you don't leave one of your best players out of pre-season match fitness work because of secretive interest, how exactly would that benefit any team supposedly poised to make us an offer, let alone us.
Does it? I could see it if a player was approaching the end of their contract, but he's got another year left on his! I don't think 'try before you buy' is a thing in professional football. Anyway, as I say, he's been heavily involved in pre-season.
Does anyone else think the Couhigs have been extremely quiet since the Wembley final? Not that I have any issue with them as I feel they have been superb for the club. However, there doesn’t seem to much coming out of either Rob or Pete in the build up to the season over the last few weeks.
Comments
I can’t get over the fact he plays for us.
That third paragraph disappointed me @Glenactico. Is that sort of cynicism really so rife?
Much as I like that selection @Malone, I agree with @ReturnToSenda about your reversal of positions of Forino and Tafazolli. Also, I don’t think Lewis Wing or Anis Mehmeti will start just yet and, again, I agree with @ReturnToSenda that McCleary should play in front of Obita. They have a great understanding based on the years spent together at Reading and McCleary’s corners from the left are nearly always spot on.
It’s different opinions as @ReturnToSenda says, but I really can’t see us getting anywhere with Wheeler at RB and Grimmer at CB. If we are serious about competing at the top we at least need another proper CB.
Prepare for incoming insults 🤕🤕.
Look at our attacking options…we’ll just outscore everyone.
Totally agree.
Seconded.
I just have a feeling that this is going to be an enormous season for Mehmeti and we'll be fighting off potential suitors come January
Just have a hunch he is going to tear the league apart this season.
Let’s hope so @eric_plant. He flattered to deceive a bit during the last few months of last season but I noticed in February or thereabouts that he was playing with black tape or strapping on his right (?) leg and he may well have been struggling a bit with an ongoing injury.
Insults or disagreement? I don't think anyone actually insults anyone else on here!
Maybe ‘insults’ was a little strong in this case.
Absolutely, the arm/shirt pull by a midfielder to stop a counter attack is used very much by Man City and Liverpool. I'm in favour of the kind of ruling which applies in basketball so that (if I'm correct) after a certain number of innocuous team fouls the next one given away is punished by a penalty. It would certainly curtail teams just varying the player who commits the foul.
I don't necessarily disagree, although I don't think anyone's suggested playing Wheeler at RB? Only RWB, where he'd be great defensively but not the best option going forward. It's a shame Kaikai isn't comfortable there as he's our best right-footed crosser.
Did you get that the wrong way round with Wheeler?
No - look at how well he did playing as effectively an auxiliary LB to protect JJ the other season
I have a small feeling that the reason why we haven't seen Mehmeti could be due to him having quiet trials with clubs above us. Gareth is a manager who will never stand in the way of a player when an opportunity comes knocking
Eh? He played in the most recent friendly and has been pictured throughout pre-season. Plus clubs don't take players contracted elsewhere on trial.
you what ? most ludicrous thing I have heard on here !
Are you sure about that??? It happens more often than you reckon
He has been smiling a lot in the photos...
Coming from you, I take that as a compliment however I still have more lessons to learn from you
I really wasn't doing much more than just typing the centre backs in quickly :D
The important thing is...whoever turns out on Saturday...we will be watching our team play football again!
I know you're getting a little giddy, but out of interest what makes you feel more optimistic about this season than last?
Bearing in mind we finished 6th getting into the play offs late doors?
A couple of the stronger teams have gone, but it's to be seen how our goalie and centre back trade offs pan out?
Don't get me wrong, I'm still looking forward to a play off battle, but automatics surely requires a bit more strengthening?
Still not quite sure if you're a banter poster or not, with posts like this.
Do you think we'd be letting a star youngster go and have trials elsewhere!? If they want him, they can pony up major wad!
With the season back in full-flow and the rollercoaster ride starting again
Lots of different skills involved but he can cross and shoot and head the ball at the back post from an Obita cross better than most right backs. Also excellent at hassling people.
Positional sense defensively, actually tackling and one on one pace against a tricky winger tbc probably, not a bad option though as he's unlikely to be first choice for long unless he impresses
As for that Mehmeti twaddle above, you don't leave one of your best players out of pre-season match fitness work because of secretive interest, how exactly would that benefit any team supposedly poised to make us an offer, let alone us.
Does it? I could see it if a player was approaching the end of their contract, but he's got another year left on his! I don't think 'try before you buy' is a thing in professional football. Anyway, as I say, he's been heavily involved in pre-season.
Does anyone else think the Couhigs have been extremely quiet since the Wembley final? Not that I have any issue with them as I feel they have been superb for the club. However, there doesn’t seem to much coming out of either Rob or Pete in the build up to the season over the last few weeks.