(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HVZTf6xXkAAfJC-?format=jpg&name=900x900)
Berge benched?
Interesting....
There has to be a good reason Berge is on the bench surely? Utter madness if not IMO
I thought Larsson was injured?
COYW! :claping20hands: ::scarf::
I actually hope there's some kind of physical reason for Berge starting on the bench because if there isn't this is another very poor decision from AA.
Clearly Palacios is out of favour..
As for ESR... he's probably on the ship out list
No Smith-Rowe again, that was money well spent 😞
I'd have played the same team but Bergeball isn't exactly dynamic. Apart from Berge's sideways passing, tempo, chance creation, pressing, finishing, work rate, energy, crossing, urgency, running off the ball, runs in behind, aerial duels, risk-taking, tactical flexibility, intensity, shooting and tackling he actually plays quite well.
Larsson looked all over the place in his cameo v United.
If Bassey goes charging forward for one of his bull in the china shop bursts, Larsson needs to be alert.
If Berge is fully fit then it's absolute madness for him not to start, he's been excellent over the last couple of weeks. If he has picked up a knock then it makes sense for him to be on the bench rather than risked.
Quote from: FFC007 on October 24, 2026, 01:54:37 PMLarsson looked all over the place in his cameo v United.
If Bassey goes charging forward for one of his bull in the china shop bursts, Larsson needs to be alert.
Could be one of those guys who just seem to play better when they start, like Sasa was for us. Remember how ordinary his cameos were off the bench?
I don't necessarily agree with the call (unless Sander is carrying a knock), but I think Arbeloa's logic is that he wants a bit of a box crasher from midfield. Hugo can do that, Sander not so much.
We'll see how it goes
Quote from: FFC007 on October 24, 2026, 01:51:13 PMClearly Palacios is out of favour..
As for ESR... he's probably on the ship out list
ESR is just recovering from a knock.
Quote from: FFC007 on October 24, 2026, 01:51:13 PMClearly Palacios is out of favour..
As for ESR... he's probably on the ship out list
Who would you drop for Palacios?
Berge is "unwell". Figured as much. Would have been madness not to start him otherwise.
https://x.com/jackellyffc/status/2113978838703288499?s=20
Either Sander is carrying a knock, or he wants someone a bit more dynamic going forward, whilst Charles sits in front of the back four. Considering Berge's attacking record, i can see what he's going with, but i just hope Larsson does his bit defensively and it doesn't come back to bite us.
Nvm i just saw the above post, that makes sense. Hopefully Larsson can show us what he's got.
never understood why you'd put someone on the bench who was too unwell to start - surely he'd then be too unwell to come on!
If he's fit enough to sit on the bench...
Quote from: TheManOnTheBus on October 24, 2026, 02:17:59 PMnever understood why you'd put someone on the bench who was too unwell to start - surely he'd then be too unwell to come on!
Eh, maybe that player can't start and give you 60 minutes, but could give you ~20.
Quote from: alfie on October 24, 2026, 02:00:24 PMQuote from: FFC007 on October 24, 2026, 01:51:13 PMClearly Palacios is out of favour..
As for ESR... he's probably on the ship out list
ESR is just recovering from a knock.
Self inflicted,kicking the dressing room door in at Ipswich.
Quote from: Chi_FFC on October 24, 2026, 02:19:47 PMQuote from: TheManOnTheBus on October 24, 2026, 02:17:59 PMnever understood why you'd put someone on the bench who was too unwell to start - surely he'd then be too unwell to come on!
Eh, maybe that player can't start and give you 60 minutes, but could give you ~20.
Quite possibly yes but it's not really Berge's role coming off the bench for the last 10 or 20 mins. Ah well, let hope we're so well in control that the issue is moot.
Cairney's the one to come off the bench in the last 20....as against Hull. Hopefully we'll be ahead by then
Quote from: Twig on October 24, 2026, 02:30:08 PMQuote from: Chi_FFC on October 24, 2026, 02:19:47 PMQuote from: TheManOnTheBus on October 24, 2026, 02:17:59 PMnever understood why you'd put someone on the bench who was too unwell to start - surely he'd then be too unwell to come on!
Eh, maybe that player can't start and give you 60 minutes, but could give you ~20.
Quite possibly yes but it's not really Berge's role coming off the bench for the last 10 or 20 mins.
Eh, he'd be a great option to have coming off the bench late in a game we're leading.
Dumb. Why break up a successful midfield partnership.
Team that can't convert chances drops midfielder who spurns shooting opportunities. Seems worth a try. We need to find out what Larsson is about.
Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on October 24, 2026, 02:38:57 PMDumb. Why break up a successful midfield partnership.
Berge is unwell and obviously not fit to start, end of.
Quote from: sarnian on October 24, 2026, 02:41:01 PMQuote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on October 24, 2026, 02:38:57 PMDumb. Why break up a successful midfield partnership.
Berge is unwell and obviously not fit to start, end of.
Ok didn't know that
Quote from: FFC007 on October 24, 2026, 01:54:37 PMLarsson looked all over the place in his cameo v United. If Bassey goes charging forward for one of his bull in the china shop bursts, Larsson needs to be alert.
My feelings as well, just from his brief outings, Larsson doesn't look ready for PL competition. Thought he has looked miffed, out of control, not really sure where he needs to be. Hope I'm wrong about my analysis and perhaps I wasn't seeing his value. Regardless, fingers crossed he has a solid outing. Too bad Berge can't start due to some sort of unwellness issue.
Edit...Just saw that Larsson was a bit of a doubt coming into this game. Recovering from a groin issue. This also adds concern for our midfield setup starting this game. Ouch
Quote from: C Block on October 24, 2026, 01:51:29 PMNo Smith-Rowe again, that was money well spent 😞
Didn't AA say he had an injury in his press conference?
Quote from: cookieg on October 24, 2026, 02:47:02 PMQuote from: C Block on October 24, 2026, 01:51:29 PMNo Smith-Rowe again, that was money well spent 😞
Didn't AA say he had an injury in his press conference?
Something that has always bugged me, people making negative comments with knowing the facts for a decision.
Quote from: cookieg on October 24, 2026, 02:47:02 PMQuote from: C Block on October 24, 2026, 01:51:29 PMNo Smith-Rowe again, that was money well spent 😞
Didn't AA say he had an injury in his press conference?
No, he said everyone was fit and available.
Quote from: C Block on October 24, 2026, 05:24:10 PMQuote from: cookieg on October 24, 2026, 02:47:02 PMQuote from: C Block on October 24, 2026, 01:51:29 PMNo Smith-Rowe again, that was money well spent 😞
Didn't AA say he had an injury in his press conference?
No, he said everyone was fit and available.
AA said ESR had a minor issue but trained. Maybe he decided to err on the side of caution.