(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HSBBF9OXQAUeFFv?format=jpg&name=900x900)
I like it.
I like it, shape will be interesting to see. If we push Robinson and Castagne high then I'd like to see Berge almost split the CBs and we quickly fall back to a back 3 out of possession with Charles more central. Iwobi playing less wide and providing support to the midfield.
As long as the tactics do change a bit then I think this is a first positive step towards adaptation. Hopefully I'm not wishful thinking only
Am I seeing this right? Iwobi on the wings and no Palacios? He must be reading this forum.
Sess not even on the bench?
Well, he's picked the team that the majority of supporters were suggesting. Let's see if it works.
Thanks SerbianLad. COYW! ::scarf::
Best lineup so far, in my opinion. And the most balanced.
I like the look that, very intrigued to see how Affengruber does, hopefully he's got decent pace, and more importantly anticipation.
Arbeloa has realised the Iwobi experiment isn't working, something to be fair that Silva didn't.
Credit for putting Tete on the bench, who can step in if our right wing is as open as last time.
Whilst I'd love a point, the most important thing is to show improvement defensively without sacrificing our attack like the Sunderland game.
I just don't get what he sees in Castagne over Tete.
That being said, hope Castagne proves me wrong today and puts in a top performance.
This line up needed to be more solid now it's down to the players selected ,Berge making up to 3 accross the back line.
Leno needs a good game as well.
Quote from: WolverineFFC on September 12, 2026, 02:00:36 PMI just don't get what he sees in Castagne over Tete.
That being said, hope Castagne proves me wrong today and puts in a top performance.
Tim's form at the end of last season and start of this,you don't drop a man,because you like someone else.
Is Sess injured? Otherwise not sure why he wouldn't be on the bench.
Good team otherwise. COYW! ::scarf::
Leno keeping his place?
Think Lecomte deserved a start.
Unless he is injured, I'd have preferred Sess to be at least on the bench. He is an intelligent footballer who can be deployed defensively or offensively
This was pretty much what I was thinking, but without giving Affengruber such a high pressure debut. From what I've watched, I really like him, so this inclusion makes things just that more interesting. Cannot wait!
He's shut a few people up in the sense that he's proved he's not consumed by favouritism by dropping Palacios.
Quote from: WolverineFFC on September 12, 2026, 02:00:36 PMI just don't get what he sees in Castagne over Tete.
That being said, hope Castagne proves me wrong today and puts in a top performance.
It's the attacking qualities, he has better movement. To be fair he's looked great going forward, less so defending.
Quote from: Matt10 on September 12, 2026, 02:12:05 PMThis was pretty much what I was thinking, but without giving Affengruber such a high pressure debut. From what I've watched, I really like him, so this inclusion makes things just that more interesting. Cannot wait!
Hopefully Affengruber meets the moment.
****! Bartola starting, I thought he was injured. Probably explains why Andersen was benched, can you imagine him up against Isak then having to cover against Barcola. Looks like Berge is on the right pivot but I'd argue it should be the more mobile Charles.
Quote from: Coastwalker on September 12, 2026, 02:06:56 PMQuote from: WolverineFFC on September 12, 2026, 02:00:36 PMI just don't get what he sees in Castagne over Tete.
That being said, hope Castagne proves me wrong today and puts in a top performance.
Tim's form at the end of last season and start of this,you don't drop a man,because you like someone else.
I don't see the form you speak of. In fact the opposite. 3 goals from the right side of your defense, feels like the fullback would bare some of that responsibility.
I want to be wrong though. Just not seeing the choice.
Quote from: Bassey the warrior on September 12, 2026, 02:15:11 PMQuote from: WolverineFFC on September 12, 2026, 02:00:36 PMI just don't get what he sees in Castagne over Tete.
That being said, hope Castagne proves me wrong today and puts in a top performance.
It's the attacking qualities, he has better movement. To be fair he's looked great going forward, less so defending.
I know that is the theory but for me the supposed offensive attacking quality does not justify the defensive difference.
Its about the best bench we have had for ages as well
Iwobi to be hooked at half time..
You heard it here first.
I assume Sess is injured as he really should be starting. Bobb doesn't deserve to start. As bad as Leno has been our back up is even worse which is why Leno is starting.
Not looking forward to this game at all, but you never know.
Like others I'm puzzled by Sess' absence. Personally I would prefer him starting over Jedi, he carries more goal threat and links well with his winger, Iwobi in thus case.
Quote from: St Eve on September 12, 2026, 02:37:16 PMI assume Sess is injured as he really should be starting. Bobb doesn't deserve to start. As bad as Leno has been our back up is even worse which is why Leno is starting.
Not looking forward to this game at all, but you never know.
Bobb is our only first-team out-and-out right winger. So who else should take his place/
Quote from: FFC007 on September 12, 2026, 02:30:47 PMIwobi to be hooked at half time..
You heard it here first.
And we will say why the hell wasn't Sess on the bench??
Maybe if Sess is not fully fit, he is keeping him for Tuesday?
Quote from: St Eve on September 12, 2026, 02:37:16 PMI assume Sess is injured as he really should be starting. Bobb doesn't deserve to start. As bad as Leno has been our back up is even worse which is why Leno is starting.
Not looking forward to this game at all, but you never know.
I don't think Lacomte is that bad. If he's going to drop Leno it will be after the Manure game.
We will see Lacomte on Tuesday. Let's hope he lives up to the hype that he is better than Leno. From what I have seen of him in Cup games he is pretty shaky.
Whatever you think of Leno, if Lecomte was better Silva and AA would have picked him by now
Man. Still with the complaints.
Other than Angel being on the bench instead of Zepa, the only real problem I have is Castagne over Tete.
Palacios isn't starting, S. Charles in the #8 role...I'm excited.
On a separate note, I just heard Henderson not in the Palace squad today. If only he wasn't in their squad last week.......
Quote from: WolverineFFC on September 12, 2026, 02:00:36 PMI just don't get what he sees in Castagne over Tete.
That being said, hope Castagne proves me wrong today and puts in a top performance.
And I cannot get what he sees in Robinson.
re our new centre back, we need to cut him some slack. Hangeland had a mare of a first game - the rest is history, possibly our best ever in that role.
I would have chosen the experienced Andersen for this game against such a dangerous attack rather than throwing Affengruber in at the deep end for a debut with other defenders he has never played with, but I hope it works out. I also would have left out Bobb from the starting XI and perhaps tried Kevin on the right or played Smith-Rowe instead, but maybe Oscar will finally start to deliver.
Bobb is always looking for the perfect shot instead of just SHOOTING THE BALL.
Quote from: The Cravenette on September 12, 2026, 02:42:20 PMMaybe if Sess is not fully fit, he is keeping him for Tuesday?
That can be the only explanation as otherwise he should be at least in todays match day squad.
::scarf::
Good 1st half...
We have not been blown away and have kept Liverpool quiet for the most part.
Not missing Andersen at all....
Bobb struggling today
.. Josh has been excellent
Big 2nd half coming
..
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on September 12, 2026, 03:20:15 PMQuote from: The Cravenette on September 12, 2026, 02:42:20 PMMaybe if Sess is not fully fit, he is keeping him for Tuesday?
That can be the only explanation as otherwise he should be at least in todays match day squad.
I reckon you're correct about Tuesday but who would you leave out for him to be on the bench today? It's a tough call.