I'd go for an unchanged 11:
Leno
Tete Diop Bassey Robinson
Andreas Lukic
Adama ESR Iwobi
Muniz
Bench:Benda, Andersen, Castagne, Cuenca, Berge, Cairney, Wilson, Stansfield, Raul.
This is sort of a combination of what I'd want and what I think Marco will do. Out of all 5 starters from today's 11 that made their debut, Andersen is probably closest to starting, but I think Diop has been immense and probably our most solid defender in the first two games so I wouldn't drop him. Bassey has been a bit shaky, but I prefer a left footer on the left and a right footer on the right. Sess isn't better than Robinson, or at least not at the moment. Berge didn't seem completely fit so I'd keep Andreas in the 8 role, especialy considering the fact that I thought he looked much more comfortable there against Leicester than in the opening game or the Hoffenheim friendly. Cuenca looked good, but Bassey was our best defender last season and I wouldn't bench him after 2 games that were a bit below his usual standard.
I'd probably swap King for Raul on the bench, but I think Marco will keep Raul in the matchday squad for sure.
Some good players are going to be left out of the match day squad, that's for sure.
Loving our depth now and still one more to come in
I'd start Andersen over Diop. Harsh I know but Andersen is a class above him and we need his ball playing in the back. Keep the other 10
Berge is clearly not match fit and I'm not sure he ever takes the 6 from Lukic the way he has been playing.
Quote from: btffc on August 27, 2024, 11:08:07 PMI'd start Andersen over Diop. Harsh I know but Andersen is a class above him and we need his ball playing in the back. Keep the other 10
Berge is clearly not match fit and I'm not sure he ever takes the 6 from Lukic the way he has been playing.
Once he reaches his top form, I'd start him together with Lukic with one of Andreas/Adama/Iwobi/ESR making way. I just think Lukic-Berge double pivot would offer us most protection, while also giving us enough going forward.
I do not disgree with the OP in that line up and bench is most likely.
However, after last night I would be tempted to put King on the bench instead of Cairney.
For this match I would keep the starting 11 from Saturday it might also be a good idea to have a behind close door friendly to give some of those players that performed poorly last night some match practice. Going forward I would like to see Marco incorporate more changes throughout the season now we have a squad of players all of similar quality. Maybe rotate two starting eleven players each game (we would still have the other players on the bench if their replacements were having a bad game).I see that Pep was doing it last season to keep his players fresh and the benefits are the other players getting regular game time and more accustomed to playing with different players.
My Parrot tells me it is too early to pick a team to play Ipswich Town.
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on August 28, 2024, 08:12:30 AMMy Parrot tells me it is too early to pick a team to play Ipswich Town.
Indeed. As they say in Suffolk 'always watch the weather before choosing your tractor.'
I do not remember us being in this position before. The depth of the squad is immense. The fact that someone mentioned leaving TC out completely says everything. Very exciting season ahead I think
Quote from: btffc on August 27, 2024, 11:08:07 PMI'd start Andersen over Diop. Harsh I know but Andersen is a class above him and we need his ball playing in the back. Keep the other 10
Berge is clearly not match fit and I'm not sure he ever takes the 6 from Lukic the way he has been playing.
Personally i think that's more than harsh. Diop has defended better than his partner (who's had some calamitous moments) . I think it sends out a bad message if you just kick a player onto the bench despite them playing well. Then you've got an annoyed player (perhaps with mates) who feels like the squad isn't fair. Whereas if you make that new player fight and wait to get into the team, it'll lead to more competition and harmony in the squad. As i said, if someone in the back 4 deserved to lose their place of late, it'd be Bassey.
Unchanged for me but bring in Andersen for Diop. It needs to happen at some point and I feel this is a fixture that is a good opportunity for integration. Berge to come on after c50-60 mins.
Quote from: Jim© on August 28, 2024, 09:41:16 AMQuote from: btffc on August 27, 2024, 11:08:07 PMI'd start Andersen over Diop. Harsh I know but Andersen is a class above him and we need his ball playing in the back. Keep the other 10
Berge is clearly not match fit and I'm not sure he ever takes the 6 from Lukic the way he has been playing.
Personally i think that's more than harsh. Diop has defended better than his partner (who's had some calamitous moments) . I think it sends out a bad message if you just kick a player onto the bench despite them playing well. Then you've got an annoyed player (perhaps with mates) who feels like the squad isn't fair. Whereas if you make that new player fight and wait to get into the team, it'll lead to more competition and harmony in the squad. As i said, if someone in the back 4 deserved to lose their place of late, it'd be Bassey.
I agree with this completely. Bassey has performed significantly worse than Diop, and if Andersen was to come in, I'd bring him on for Bassey. Diop played well at lcb before. Not sure about Andersen. Does anyone remember which one of Andersen/Tosin played at lcb when they started together in Andersen's previous spell at the club?
Quote from: Angus Telford on August 28, 2024, 10:10:29 AMSilva's changes are generally on the slow side. Can't see him changing the CB pairing in a winning team, especially when Diop played well as others have said. I also don't think there's a massive difference between Andersen and Diop's respective talent levels anyway, maybe Andersen is a shade ahead but not much more than that IMO.
What Andersen offers far, far ahead of Diop is his range of passing, as displayed for our second goal last night. We have pacey forward players who like to get in behind, so I feel that having a CB that can play that long ball in over the top (as well as those short passing triangles at the back) gives us an extra dimension to our play.
The main downside to Andersen is he's quite slow.
Quote from: Jim© on August 28, 2024, 09:41:16 AMQuote from: btffc on August 27, 2024, 11:08:07 PMI'd start Andersen over Diop. Harsh I know but Andersen is a class above him and we need his ball playing in the back. Keep the other 10
Berge is clearly not match fit and I'm not sure he ever takes the 6 from Lukic the way he has been playing.
Personally i think that's more than harsh. Diop has defended better than his partner (who's had some calamitous moments) . I think it sends out a bad message if you just kick a player onto the bench despite them playing well. Then you've got an annoyed player (perhaps with mates) who feels like the squad isn't fair. Whereas if you make that new player fight and wait to get into the team, it'll lead to more competition and harmony in the squad. As i said, if someone in the back 4 deserved to lose their place of late, it'd be Bassey.
Could not agree more. I will actually go so far to say that I will be disappointed in Marco if he slots in Andersen before Diop after the performances lately from the latter. What kind of signal would that send, "you've been flawless but this other guy is going to be in front regardless of what you do".
On the other hand I want Reed and Wilson out of the squad after yesterday.
Reed offers nothing that someone else on the team can't do better. On top of that he is a confidence player and need a number of starts to get warm, and why would he get that with this competition? Whenever he comes in as a sub I see him running around in circles 90% of the time, contributing to nothing. Good servant, great spells, especially in Championship, but now we need an upgrade.
Wilson is a bit the same, except he has never shown a string of solid performances. He is too lightweight a winger for PL, and his toolbox seems so frustratingly limited. And again, he does nothing that isn't done better by someone else in the team.
Quote from: Angus Telford on August 28, 2024, 10:10:29 AMSilva's changes are generally on the slow side. Can't see him changing the CB pairing in a winning team, especially when Diop played well as others have said. I also don't think there's a massive difference between Andersen and Diop's respective talent levels anyway, maybe Andersen is a shade ahead but not much more than that IMO.
For me Andersen is better as he provides the precise long range ball which Diop doesn't have in his locker, he also seems less prone to errors and his positioning is better. On the other hand Diop is quicker, but we don't play a high line so we're less vulnerable to the counter.
Quote from: SerbianLad on August 28, 2024, 10:04:50 AMQuote from: Jim© on August 28, 2024, 09:41:16 AMQuote from: btffc on August 27, 2024, 11:08:07 PMI'd start Andersen over Diop. Harsh I know but Andersen is a class above him and we need his ball playing in the back. Keep the other 10
Berge is clearly not match fit and I'm not sure he ever takes the 6 from Lukic the way he has been playing.
Personally i think that's more than harsh. Diop has defended better than his partner (who's had some calamitous moments) . I think it sends out a bad message if you just kick a player onto the bench despite them playing well. Then you've got an annoyed player (perhaps with mates) who feels like the squad isn't fair. Whereas if you make that new player fight and wait to get into the team, it'll lead to more competition and harmony in the squad. As i said, if someone in the back 4 deserved to lose their place of late, it'd be Bassey.
I agree with this completely. Bassey has performed significantly worse than Diop, and if Andersen was to come in, I'd bring him on for Bassey. Diop played well at lcb before. Not sure about Andersen. Does anyone remember which one of Andersen/Tosin played at lcb when they started together in Andersen's previous spell at the club?
Tosin played lcb.
Cheers
@Bassey the warrior. Then in a hypothetical Diop and Andersen pairing, I'd put Diop at lcb and Andersen at rcb. Still, I'd go with Diop and Bassey for the next game at least.
Bassey seems to have this love in thing with the fans some players have. Maybe its because he is active on the fulham socials with Iwobi etc, but he has had significantly more clangers than diop, yet many fans would throw diop to the wolves and not touch Bassey.
Then we will hear ' oh but diop makes me nervous' ..... ok? Where are all his clangers?
Strange.
Quote from: Bassey the warrior on August 28, 2024, 10:32:50 AMQuote from: SerbianLad on August 28, 2024, 10:04:50 AMQuote from: Jim© on August 28, 2024, 09:41:16 AMQuote from: btffc on August 27, 2024, 11:08:07 PMI'd start Andersen over Diop. Harsh I know but Andersen is a class above him and we need his ball playing in the back. Keep the other 10
Berge is clearly not match fit and I'm not sure he ever takes the 6 from Lukic the way he has been playing.
Personally i think that's more than harsh. Diop has defended better than his partner (who's had some calamitous moments) . I think it sends out a bad message if you just kick a player onto the bench despite them playing well. Then you've got an annoyed player (perhaps with mates) who feels like the squad isn't fair. Whereas if you make that new player fight and wait to get into the team, it'll lead to more competition and harmony in the squad. As i said, if someone in the back 4 deserved to lose their place of late, it'd be Bassey.
I agree with this completely. Bassey has performed significantly worse than Diop, and if Andersen was to come in, I'd bring him on for Bassey. Diop played well at lcb before. Not sure about Andersen. Does anyone remember which one of Andersen/Tosin played at lcb when they started together in Andersen's previous spell at the club?
Tosin played lcb.
No way should Diop be dropped to make way for Andersen. Has Marco considered playing Andersen as a number 6 where his ability to beat the hard press with his passing ability would be invaluable? My guess is that Andersen is not signed up for such a move.
Quote from: Sammyffc on August 28, 2024, 10:38:08 AMBassey seems to have this love in thing with the fans some players have. Maybe its because he is active on the fulham socials with Iwobi etc, but he has had significantly more clangers than diop, yet many fans would throw diop to the wolves and not touch Bassey.
Then we will hear ' oh but diop makes me nervous' ..... ok? Where are all his clangers?
Strange.
Sunderland at home last year springs immediately to mind. I'm sure others can be highlighted.
For the record I don't think Diop is a bad defender, I just think Bassey is better.
Quote from: SerbianLad on August 28, 2024, 10:37:41 AMCheers @Bassey the warrior. Then in a hypothetical Diop and Andersen pairing, I'd put Diop at lcb and Andersen at rcb. Still, I'd go with Diop and Bassey for the next game at least.
Diop didn't look very comfortable at lcb last season. Surely Cuenca gets the nod if we drop Bassey?
In any case we have three Premier League cb's and one promising cb in Cuenca, albeit he's largely untested against good Premier League sides.
Quote from: Grassy Noel on August 28, 2024, 10:40:02 AMQuote from: Bassey the warrior on August 28, 2024, 10:32:50 AMQuote from: SerbianLad on August 28, 2024, 10:04:50 AMQuote from: Jim© on August 28, 2024, 09:41:16 AMQuote from: btffc on August 27, 2024, 11:08:07 PMI'd start Andersen over Diop. Harsh I know but Andersen is a class above him and we need his ball playing in the back. Keep the other 10
Berge is clearly not match fit and I'm not sure he ever takes the 6 from Lukic the way he has been playing.
Personally i think that's more than harsh. Diop has defended better than his partner (who's had some calamitous moments) . I think it sends out a bad message if you just kick a player onto the bench despite them playing well. Then you've got an annoyed player (perhaps with mates) who feels like the squad isn't fair. Whereas if you make that new player fight and wait to get into the team, it'll lead to more competition and harmony in the squad. As i said, if someone in the back 4 deserved to lose their place of late, it'd be Bassey.
I agree with this completely. Bassey has performed significantly worse than Diop, and if Andersen was to come in, I'd bring him on for Bassey. Diop played well at lcb before. Not sure about Andersen. Does anyone remember which one of Andersen/Tosin played at lcb when they started together in Andersen's previous spell at the club?
Tosin played lcb.
No way should Diop be dropped to make way for Andersen. Has Marco considered playing Andersen as a number 6 where his ability to beat the hard press with his passing ability would be invaluable? My guess is that Andersen is not signed up for such a move.
Andersen is too slow for number 6 in my opinion. He's a better rcb than Diop but will need to wait his turn.
My preferred squad for Ipswich:
Leno
Tete Diop Bassey Robinson
Lukic Pereira
ESR
Iwobi Muniz Stansfield
Bench:Benda, Andersen, Castagne, Cuenca, Berge, Cairney, Traore, King, Raul.
Tempted to put Berge in for Lukic just because I think he will offer a new dimension for us on counters but same reason as for keeping Diop I don't think it's fair to swap Lukic at this time.
Can never imagine Stansfield starting but one can hope.
And I want Iwobi on his best side to see what him and Tete can come up with, I have a good feeling about their potential chemistry, hoping to see some of the same quick exchanges that Tete and BDR had at their best together.
Quote from: Sammyffc on August 28, 2024, 10:38:08 AMBassey seems to have this love in thing with the fans some players have. Maybe its because he is active on the fulham socials with Iwobi etc, but he has had significantly more clangers than diop, yet many fans would throw diop to the wolves and not touch Bassey.
Then we will hear ' oh but diop makes me nervous' ..... ok? Where are all his clangers?
Strange.
Bassey was superb last season, probably my second POTS, just behind Robinson.
Quote from: Volz on August 28, 2024, 10:57:58 AMMy preferred squad for Ipswich:
Leno
Tete Diop Bassey Robinson
Lukic Pereira
ESR
Iwobi Muniz Stansfield
Bench:Benda, Andersen, Castagne, Cuenca, Berge, Cairney, Traore, King, Raul.
Tempted to put Berge in for Lukic just because I think he will offer a new dimension for us on counters but same reason as for keeping Diop I don't think it's fair to swap Lukic at this time.
Can never imagine Stansfield starting but one can hope.
And I want Iwobi on his best side to see what him and Tete can come up with, I have a good feeling about their potential chemistry, hoping to see some of the same quick exchanges that Tete and BDR had at their best together.
Stansfield? Just because he played well last night? Steady on now.
Quote from: Neutral Zone Ultra on August 28, 2024, 10:42:20 AMQuote from: Sammyffc on August 28, 2024, 10:38:08 AMBassey seems to have this love in thing with the fans some players have. Maybe its because he is active on the fulham socials with Iwobi etc, but he has had significantly more clangers than diop, yet many fans would throw diop to the wolves and not touch Bassey.
Then we will hear ' oh but diop makes me nervous' ..... ok? Where are all his clangers?
Strange.
Sunderland at home last year springs immediately to mind. I'm sure others can be highlighted.
For the record I don't think Diop is a bad defender, I just think Bassey is better.
Diop's clanger at our first home game last year against Brentford sticks in my memory/gut because it went on to be a 3-0 home rout.
I think that they have their own styles of clangers. Bassey makes impetuous clangers whereas Diop's arise from dithering. Maybe fans prefer action to inertia and cut Bassey more slack than Diop.
But certainly clangers by CDs get punished more than clangers by full backs. Robinson is one lucky guy.
Quote from: Bassey the warrior on August 28, 2024, 11:00:27 AMQuote from: Volz on August 28, 2024, 10:57:58 AMMy preferred squad for Ipswich:
Leno
Tete Diop Bassey Robinson
Lukic Pereira
ESR
Iwobi Muniz Stansfield
Bench:Benda, Andersen, Castagne, Cuenca, Berge, Cairney, Traore, King, Raul.
Tempted to put Berge in for Lukic just because I think he will offer a new dimension for us on counters but same reason as for keeping Diop I don't think it's fair to swap Lukic at this time.
Can never imagine Stansfield starting but one can hope.
And I want Iwobi on his best side to see what him and Tete can come up with, I have a good feeling about their potential chemistry, hoping to see some of the same quick exchanges that Tete and BDR had at their best together.
Stansfield? Just because he played well last night? Steady on now.
No, no, because I fail to see a massively better alternative. I feel Iwobi is limited there despite his goal, and who else are we realistically putting there at this point?
Quote from: Bassey the warrior on August 28, 2024, 10:54:38 AMQuote from: SerbianLad on August 28, 2024, 10:37:41 AMCheers @Bassey the warrior. Then in a hypothetical Diop and Andersen pairing, I'd put Diop at lcb and Andersen at rcb. Still, I'd go with Diop and Bassey for the next game at least.
Diop didn't look very comfortable at lcb last season. Surely Cuenca gets the nod if we drop Bassey?
In any case we have three Premier League cb's and one promising cb in Cuenca, albeit he's largely untested against good Premier League sides.
I think he did fine. He did much better at lcb than Tosin ever did, or than Bassey and Ream at rcb.
As I said, I'd stick with Bassey and Diop for now, but if Andersen was to be put in the starting 11 at this point in time, I'd prefer it if Bassey was dropped than Diop.
Also, and this isn't in response to you but rather to some fans I've seen online, who played better last season was is irrelevant. At the moment Diop is performing at a higher level than any of our centrebacks and should keep his place. In my opinion at least.
Quote from: Volz on August 28, 2024, 11:02:32 AMQuote from: Bassey the warrior on August 28, 2024, 11:00:27 AMQuote from: Volz on August 28, 2024, 10:57:58 AMMy preferred squad for Ipswich:
Leno
Tete Diop Bassey Robinson
Lukic Pereira
ESR
Iwobi Muniz Stansfield
Bench:Benda, Andersen, Castagne, Cuenca, Berge, Cairney, Traore, King, Raul.
Tempted to put Berge in for Lukic just because I think he will offer a new dimension for us on counters but same reason as for keeping Diop I don't think it's fair to swap Lukic at this time.
Can never imagine Stansfield starting but one can hope.
And I want Iwobi on his best side to see what him and Tete can come up with, I have a good feeling about their potential chemistry, hoping to see some of the same quick exchanges that Tete and BDR had at their best together.
Stansfield? Just because he played well last night? Steady on now.
No, no, because I fail to see a massively better alternative. I feel Iwobi is limited there despite his goal, and who else are we realistically putting there at this point?
Iwobi did well against Leicester and seems to have good chemistry with ESR. He'll keep his place and rightly so. Stansfield will need to impress off the bench if he's to usurp him.
Quote from: SerbianLad on August 28, 2024, 11:05:48 AMQuote from: Bassey the warrior on August 28, 2024, 10:54:38 AMQuote from: SerbianLad on August 28, 2024, 10:37:41 AMCheers @Bassey the warrior. Then in a hypothetical Diop and Andersen pairing, I'd put Diop at lcb and Andersen at rcb. Still, I'd go with Diop and Bassey for the next game at least.
Diop didn't look very comfortable at lcb last season. Surely Cuenca gets the nod if we drop Bassey?
In any case we have three Premier League cb's and one promising cb in Cuenca, albeit he's largely untested against good Premier League sides.
I think he did fine. He did much better at lcb than Tosin ever did, or than Bassey and Ream at rcb.
As I said, I'd stick with Bassey and Diop for now, but if Andersen was to be put in the starting 11 at this point in time, I'd prefer it if Bassey was dropped than Diop.
Also, and this isn't in response to you but rather to some fans I've seen online, who played better last season was is irrelevant. At the moment Diop is performing at a higher level than any of our centrebacks and should keep his place. In my opinion at least.
Fair enough but I'd keep Bassey in.
We don't spend millions on a cb without intending to play him. Andersen IMO is a considerable upgrade on Diop (not to say Diop isn't a fine cb in his own right, just that Andersen is better). Andersen is a commanding figure at the back, good in the air, excellent distribution and a leader on the field. Not sure Berge looked entirely fit last night. He might have to wait his turn. Sessegnon seems to be a back up to Robinson. Given that Robinson is rarely injured (one hopes) Sess might have to wait some time for a premier start. Benda and Cuenca looked to be more than adequate back ups. Castagne unlucky to be dropped but we are lucky to have two such excellent rb. King at only 17 a star in the making.
Quote from: Bassey the warrior on August 28, 2024, 10:55:54 AMQuote from: Grassy Noel on August 28, 2024, 10:40:02 AMQuote from: Bassey the warrior on August 28, 2024, 10:32:50 AMQuote from: SerbianLad on August 28, 2024, 10:04:50 AMQuote from: Jim© on August 28, 2024, 09:41:16 AMQuote from: btffc on August 27, 2024, 11:08:07 PMI'd start Andersen over Diop. Harsh I know but Andersen is a class above him and we need his ball playing in the back. Keep the other 10
Berge is clearly not match fit and I'm not sure he ever takes the 6 from Lukic the way he has been playing.
Personally i think that's more than harsh. Diop has defended better than his partner (who's had some calamitous moments) . I think it sends out a bad message if you just kick a player onto the bench despite them playing well. Then you've got an annoyed player (perhaps with mates) who feels like the squad isn't fair. Whereas if you make that new player fight and wait to get into the team, it'll lead to more competition and harmony in the squad. As i said, if someone in the back 4 deserved to lose their place of late, it'd be Bassey.
I agree with this completely. Bassey has performed significantly worse than Diop, and if Andersen was to come in, I'd bring him on for Bassey. Diop played well at lcb before. Not sure about Andersen. Does anyone remember which one of Andersen/Tosin played at lcb when they started together in Andersen's previous spell at the club?
Tosin played lcb.
No way should Diop be dropped to make way for Andersen. Has Marco considered playing Andersen as a number 6 where his ability to beat the hard press with his passing ability would be invaluable? My guess is that Andersen is not signed up for such a move.
Andersen is too slow for number 6 in my opinion. He's a better rcb than Diop but will need to wait his turn.
If Anderson is too slow for no 6 then from what I have see so far of Berge we are heading into trouble.
Quote from: Grassy Noel on August 28, 2024, 11:12:07 AMQuote from: Bassey the warrior on August 28, 2024, 10:55:54 AMQuote from: Grassy Noel on August 28, 2024, 10:40:02 AMQuote from: Bassey the warrior on August 28, 2024, 10:32:50 AMQuote from: SerbianLad on August 28, 2024, 10:04:50 AMQuote from: Jim© on August 28, 2024, 09:41:16 AMQuote from: btffc on August 27, 2024, 11:08:07 PMI'd start Andersen over Diop. Harsh I know but Andersen is a class above him and we need his ball playing in the back. Keep the other 10
Berge is clearly not match fit and I'm not sure he ever takes the 6 from Lukic the way he has been playing.
Personally i think that's more than harsh. Diop has defended better than his partner (who's had some calamitous moments) . I think it sends out a bad message if you just kick a player onto the bench despite them playing well. Then you've got an annoyed player (perhaps with mates) who feels like the squad isn't fair. Whereas if you make that new player fight and wait to get into the team, it'll lead to more competition and harmony in the squad. As i said, if someone in the back 4 deserved to lose their place of late, it'd be Bassey.
I agree with this completely. Bassey has performed significantly worse than Diop, and if Andersen was to come in, I'd bring him on for Bassey. Diop played well at lcb before. Not sure about Andersen. Does anyone remember which one of Andersen/Tosin played at lcb when they started together in Andersen's previous spell at the club?
Tosin played lcb.
No way should Diop be dropped to make way for Andersen. Has Marco considered playing Andersen as a number 6 where his ability to beat the hard press with his passing ability would be invaluable? My guess is that Andersen is not signed up for such a move.
Andersen is too slow for number 6 in my opinion. He's a better rcb than Diop but will need to wait his turn.
If Anderson is too slow for no 6 then from what I have see so far of Berge we are heading into trouble.
Benefit of the doubt for me in that he's lacking fitness.
Quote from: Bassey the warrior on August 28, 2024, 11:07:08 AMQuote from: Volz on August 28, 2024, 11:02:32 AMQuote from: Bassey the warrior on August 28, 2024, 11:00:27 AMQuote from: Volz on August 28, 2024, 10:57:58 AMMy preferred squad for Ipswich:
Leno
Tete Diop Bassey Robinson
Lukic Pereira
ESR
Iwobi Muniz Stansfield
Bench:Benda, Andersen, Castagne, Cuenca, Berge, Cairney, Traore, King, Raul.
Tempted to put Berge in for Lukic just because I think he will offer a new dimension for us on counters but same reason as for keeping Diop I don't think it's fair to swap Lukic at this time.
Can never imagine Stansfield starting but one can hope.
And I want Iwobi on his best side to see what him and Tete can come up with, I have a good feeling about their potential chemistry, hoping to see some of the same quick exchanges that Tete and BDR had at their best together.
Stansfield? Just because he played well last night? Steady on now.
No, no, because I fail to see a massively better alternative. I feel Iwobi is limited there despite his goal, and who else are we realistically putting there at this point?
Iwobi did well against Leicester and seems to have good chemistry with ESR. He'll keep his place and rightly so. Stansfield will need to impress off the bench if he's to usurp him.
But I don't want him to usurp Iwobi, sooner the opposite, I want Iwobi on his best side, I also believe that the Robinson/Stansfield relationship can become something great in the future.
Quote from: Neutral Zone Ultra on August 28, 2024, 11:16:21 AMQuote from: Grassy Noel on August 28, 2024, 11:12:07 AMQuote from: Bassey the warrior on August 28, 2024, 10:55:54 AMQuote from: Grassy Noel on August 28, 2024, 10:40:02 AMQuote from: Bassey the warrior on August 28, 2024, 10:32:50 AMQuote from: SerbianLad on August 28, 2024, 10:04:50 AMQuote from: Jim© on August 28, 2024, 09:41:16 AMQuote from: btffc on August 27, 2024, 11:08:07 PMI'd start Andersen over Diop. Harsh I know but Andersen is a class above him and we need his ball playing in the back. Keep the other 10
Berge is clearly not match fit and I'm not sure he ever takes the 6 from Lukic the way he has been playing.
Personally i think that's more than harsh. Diop has defended better than his partner (who's had some calamitous moments) . I think it sends out a bad message if you just kick a player onto the bench despite them playing well. Then you've got an annoyed player (perhaps with mates) who feels like the squad isn't fair. Whereas if you make that new player fight and wait to get into the team, it'll lead to more competition and harmony in the squad. As i said, if someone in the back 4 deserved to lose their place of late, it'd be Bassey.
I agree with this completely. Bassey has performed significantly worse than Diop, and if Andersen was to come in, I'd bring him on for Bassey. Diop played well at lcb before. Not sure about Andersen. Does anyone remember which one of Andersen/Tosin played at lcb when they started together in Andersen's previous spell at the club?
Tosin played lcb.
No way should Diop be dropped to make way for Andersen. Has Marco considered playing Andersen as a number 6 where his ability to beat the hard press with his passing ability would be invaluable? My guess is that Andersen is not signed up for such a move.
Andersen is too slow for number 6 in my opinion. He's a better rcb than Diop but will need to wait his turn.
If Anderson is too slow for no 6 then from what I have see so far of Berge we are heading into trouble.
Benefit of the doubt for me in that he's lacking fitness.
Agree, he's not played this season. He'll improve with more minutes.
Quote from: Mullers OG on August 28, 2024, 11:09:28 AMWe don't spend millions on a cb without intending to play him. Andersen IMO is a considerable upgrade on Diop (not to say Diop isn't a fine cb in his own right, just that Andersen is better). Andersen is a commanding figure at the back, good in the air, excellent distribution and a leader on the field. Not sure Berge looked entirely fit last night. He might have to wait his turn. Sessegnon seems to be a back up to Robinson. Given that Robinson is rarely injured (one hopes) Sess might have to wait some time for a premier start. Benda and Cuenca looked to be more than adequate back ups. Castagne unlucky to be dropped but we are lucky to have two such excellent rb. King at only 17 a star in the making.
That doesn't mean that he should be a starter straight away. And if you looked in the past how Marco handled this situation, they usually waited for a little while. Leno,Diop,Bassey,Iwobi, Lukic and Adama are all regular starters this season, but they all waited for their chance at first.
No changes please. Against Liverpool and City, Ipswich's left back looked a bit vulnerable, so Adama will have a shot there. And their goalie is dodgy too, so hopefully Muniz can get about him and pressurise.
Feel good about this game. They'll be excited because it's their first 'winnable' game on paper, but I think they'll learn a bit about this league.
Quote from: SerbianLad on August 28, 2024, 11:18:55 AMQuote from: Mullers OG on August 28, 2024, 11:09:28 AMWe don't spend millions on a cb without intending to play him. Andersen IMO is a considerable upgrade on Diop (not to say Diop isn't a fine cb in his own right, just that Andersen is better). Andersen is a commanding figure at the back, good in the air, excellent distribution and a leader on the field. Not sure Berge looked entirely fit last night. He might have to wait his turn. Sessegnon seems to be a back up to Robinson. Given that Robinson is rarely injured (one hopes) Sess might have to wait some time for a premier start. Benda and Cuenca looked to be more than adequate back ups. Castagne unlucky to be dropped but we are lucky to have two such excellent rb. King at only 17 a star in the making.
That doesn't mean that he should be a starter straight away. And if you looked in the past how Marco handled this situation, they usually waited for a little while. Leno,Diop,Bassey,Iwobi, Lukic and Adama are all regular starters this season, but they all waited for their chance at first.
Agree with Mullers, Andersen has not been bought to sit on the bench, will play Saturday and could be captain with his organization skills.
All the promoted sides will offer more this season than last. Ipswich have had two opening fixtures that no club would want so will look on this as a three pointer. I don't see why Diop should be dropped. He has been the standout centre half in the opening two matches for me without being spectacular.
But with one or maybe two more additions. The squad is looking good. If we don't sell anybody. I am hoping we don't diminish the present squad. Then like Leicester, the Ipswich game should be a good marker for us.
Leno
Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson
Andreas, Lukic
Adama, ESR, Iwobi
Muniz
Benda, Castagne, Diop, Sessegnon, Berge, TC, Wilson, Stansfield, Raul
Quote from: Neutral Zone Ultra on August 28, 2024, 10:42:20 AMQuote from: Sammyffc on August 28, 2024, 10:38:08 AMThen we will hear ' oh but diop makes me nervous' ..... ok? Where are all his clangers?
Sunderland at home last year springs immediately to mind. I'm sure others can be highlighted.
For the record I don't think Diop is a bad defender, I just think Bassey is better.
We didn't play Sunderland at home last season? Perhaps you mean Sheff Utd when he just stopped running as he was injured and missed 2 months? Not a clanger really. As many have said, drop Diop and I'd be slightly disappointed with Marco.
For me away to Ipswich
Leno
Tete Andersen Bassey Robinson
Lukic Berge
Iwobi Pereira ESR
Muniz
Subs - Benda Cuenca Castagne Cairney Reed Wilson Adama Jimenez Stansfield
I suspect Silva will be his usual cautious self when it comes to the starting XI and repeat the Man U & Leicester starters. The changes will be on the bench.
Probably how it will carry on until the International break unless someone is injured, has a howler of a game or Ipswich turn us over.
Quote from: Jim© on August 28, 2024, 01:21:50 PMQuote from: Neutral Zone Ultra on August 28, 2024, 10:42:20 AMQuote from: Sammyffc on August 28, 2024, 10:38:08 AMThen we will hear ' oh but diop makes me nervous' ..... ok? Where are all his clangers?
Sunderland at home last year springs immediately to mind. I'm sure others can be highlighted.
For the record I don't think Diop is a bad defender, I just think Bassey is better.
We didn't play Sunderland at home last season? Perhaps you mean Sheff Utd when he just stopped running as he was injured and missed 2 months? Not a clanger really. As many have said, drop Diop and I'd be slightly disappointed with Marco.
Technically two seasons ago yeah, meant calendar year. Here's the link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/64348182
While I think Silva does move slower in integrating new players, he'd be hard-pressed not to insert Andersen into the fold. That combo of Andersen-Bassey needs to work now, and what better team to try it on than Ipswich. I think Berge impressed last night as well, but Lukic hasn't done anything remotely concerning - so it's a tough call there. In addition, Iwobi and ESR are pairing up so well, while Pereira is setting everyone up. I think Berge will have to come in late to get completely up to speed.
Leno
Tete Andersen Bassey Jedi
Pereira Lukic
Adama ESR Iwobi
Muniz
I don't think Berge should even be in the team. That show v Birmingham was atrocious, brutal. Not sure what all the hype was about, hope he is much better than he showed last night. Clearly not fit, shouldn't see the pitch (or the bench) v Ipswich....
Quote from: WindyCity on August 28, 2024, 03:52:06 PMI don't think Berge should even be in the team. That show v Birmingham was atrocious, brutal. Not sure what all the hype was about, hope he is much better than he showed last night. Clearly not fit, shouldn't see the pitch (or the bench) v Ipswich....
Think this pretty harsh, he's gotta get minutes to get fit...he was clearly knackered after a while, has had zero pre season. But don't think he was atrocious remotely. Did some good bits did some not so good bits. I'd bench him and bring him on at 65mins if we're comfortable.
Someone made a point earlier that Stansfield cant seriously be considered a starter based on his one goal performance last night and that he would need to prove himself off the bench first. Surely to prove yourself off the bench you need to be off the bench playing?
Secondly, Stansfield has more than one goal under his belt. He scored something like 13 for Birmingham last year , which isnt that far off Mitros tally when we were in the championship, and remember the chorus of experts who continually told us that Mitro wouldnt repeat in the premier league?
I thought Stansfield looked more a premier league player than most of our regulars last night.
Berge was bad last night but on a rewatch he showed a lot of promise than I originally thought. In the first half, twice he won back possession and immediately hit a through ball to a forward. Both just missed but that kind of progressive vision and desire is something we have needed in the midfield. Then on two other occasions he received the ball deep, saw space in front of him and drove the ball forward 20+ yards. Another ability our midfield doesn't have much of though Lukic has shown a little of this lately.
He is definitely lacking fitness and sharpness but those moments showed me he can be really good.
Quote from: Cobh Fulham Fan on August 28, 2024, 04:39:25 PMSomeone made a point earlier that Stansfield cant seriously be considered a starter based on his one goal performance last night and that he would need to prove himself off the bench first. Surely to prove yourself off the bench you need to be off the bench playing?
Secondly, Stansfield has more than one goal under his belt. He scored something like 13 for Birmingham last year , which isnt that far off Mitros tally when we were in the championship, and remember the chorus of experts who continually told us that Mitro wouldnt repeat in the premier league?
I thought Stansfield looked more a premier league player than most of our regulars last night.
Mitro in full seasons in the championship for us scored 26 and 43 goals so Jay is nowhere near those numbers?
Quote from: Cobh Fulham Fan on August 28, 2024, 04:39:25 PMSomeone made a point earlier that Stansfield cant seriously be considered a starter based on his one goal performance last night and that he would need to prove himself off the bench first. Surely to prove yourself off the bench you need to be off the bench playing?
Secondly, Stansfield has more than one goal under his belt. He scored something like 13 for Birmingham last year , which isnt that far off Mitros tally when we were in the championship, and remember the chorus of experts who continually told us that Mitro wouldnt repeat in the premier league?
I thought Stansfield looked more a premier league player than most of our regulars last night.
He deserves minutes because he took his opportunity last night. POM.
So next step is to take his next opportunity - which should be in minutes off the bench.
So for me personally that means he should leap the queue over Raul to play up top for 20-30mins in the next game and see how he gets on (especially if we're comfortably ahead by that point) If he takes that chance, then same again in the next game. If he is bagging goals and our main striker isn't - or if we're not scoring goals as a team facilitated by Muniz doing other things weel (even if he personally isn't scoring) - then he starts to knock on that door and it'd be up to him to take THAT next opportunity if it arises.
If Marco prefers to stick with bringing on Raul, then perhaps he comes on at LW again for Iwobi at the same point of the game.
I'd like to see Andersen in for Diop (unchanged otherwise) but given Marco's history/the fact we're coming off a win I suspect it will be the same 11 from Leicester. Andersen/Bassey is clearly going to be our preferred pairing going forward as Joachim is a better defender, much better passer and MUCH less error prone than Diop so as far as I'm concerned there's no sense in waiting another week (or two) to trot them out together.
I think it's tough to take anything from the underwhelming midfield performances last night after we went up 2-0.
The urgency of a league game was absent, likely at the instruction of the manager, and we were facing an energetic side keen to get back in the game. I'll wait a bit to pass judgement on the midfielders.
Did anyone else notice TC carry the ball from the defensive third to the attacking through their team three times in the second half? It's probably not something he would even try against PL opposition and it's almost as if he was making a point after his lackluster first half.
Ipswich have just been knocked out on penalties 4-2 by AFC Wimbledon. So will need a boost against us.
Quote from: Lighthouse on August 28, 2024, 09:52:09 PMIpswich have just been knocked out on penalties 4-2 by AFC Wimbledon. So will need a boost against us.
Started a number of new signings including Clarke and Phillips as well so there lineup will be interesting too. Personally, I wouldn't drop Lukic or Diop. It's there position to lose and unless both have been shocking in training, I think both will start. I certainly didn't see enough from Berge to dislodge Lukic but as others have said, he needs minutes in the legs so I'd imagine he comes in at 60-70 mins.
Against Ipswich I think Marco will stick with the same starting XI that faced Leicester and bring Andersen and Berge on to the next for Sess and Reed
Quote from: WindyCity on August 28, 2024, 03:52:06 PMI don't think Berge should even be in the team. That show v Birmingham was atrocious, brutal. Not sure what all the hype was about, hope he is much better than he showed last night. Clearly not fit, shouldn't see the pitch (or the bench) v Ipswich....
Do not despair, Berge will come good, be rest assured he will make an impact when his conditioning has improved.
It's a long season and our depth in strength shall be severely tested over the coming months by injuries, illness, loss of form and any suspensions.
Therefore it is one game at a time, look no further.
Ipswich Town stand between Fulham and three precious points, so Silva has to pick a team that will save his life.
Including match winning subs, and match saving subs.
Quote from: Lighthouse on August 28, 2024, 09:52:09 PMIpswich have just been knocked out on penalties 4-2 by AFC Wimbledon. So will need a boost against us.
Yeh, rough start to the season for them so they'll be desperate for a win at home this week.
Let's hope we're well up for it and put that to bed categorically. Looking forward to this one and only down the road from the Mr's family so making a weekend of it!
Quote from: jayffc on August 29, 2024, 09:29:26 AMQuote from: Lighthouse on August 28, 2024, 09:52:09 PMIpswich have just been knocked out on penalties 4-2 by AFC Wimbledon. So will need a boost against us.
Yeh, rough start to the season for them so they'll be desperate for a win at home this week.
Let's hope we're well up for it and put that to bed categorically. Looking forward to this one and only down the road from the Mr's family so making a weekend of it!
They made about 10 changes but included new signings, a bit like us, so we'll have to see the difference in approach to new signings between McKenna and Silva. Where abouts are the family from Jay? (DM me if private) as my family still live in and around Suffolk, namely Woodbridge, and Rendlesham.
Happy to meet up with any of you on the board on Saturday.
The pub opposite the train station is the away pub, I'll be in there from 12.30 ish.
There are other pubs about, but most have bouncers, so if your wearing your colours you may not get in.
Quote from: SuffolkWhite on August 29, 2024, 10:13:04 AMHappy to meet up with any of you on the board on Saturday.
The pub opposite the train station is the away pub, I'll be in there from 12.30 ish.
There are other pubs about, but most have bouncers, so if your wearing your colours you may not get in.
Sadly I can't make it this weekend but would of loved to!
Quote from: FFC1987 on August 29, 2024, 09:37:05 AMQuote from: jayffc on August 29, 2024, 09:29:26 AMQuote from: Lighthouse on August 28, 2024, 09:52:09 PMIpswich have just been knocked out on penalties 4-2 by AFC Wimbledon. So will need a boost against us.
Yeh, rough start to the season for them so they'll be desperate for a win at home this week.
Let's hope we're well up for it and put that to bed categorically. Looking forward to this one and only down the road from the Mr's family so making a weekend of it!
They made about 10 changes but included new signings, a bit like us, so we'll have to see the difference in approach to new signings between McKenna and Silva. Where abouts are the family from Jay? (DM me if private) as my family still live in and around Suffolk, namely Woodbridge, and Rendlesham.
They're Stowmarket way! I'd DM but after ya sent me a sincerely nice DM a while back I think ya accidentally blocked me from responding as when I went to reply to it it gave me a "block" message, been meaning to tell you that sorry I forgot ha!
Quote from: jayffc on August 29, 2024, 10:17:03 AMQuote from: FFC1987 on August 29, 2024, 09:37:05 AMQuote from: jayffc on August 29, 2024, 09:29:26 AMQuote from: Lighthouse on August 28, 2024, 09:52:09 PMIpswich have just been knocked out on penalties 4-2 by AFC Wimbledon. So will need a boost against us.
Yeh, rough start to the season for them so they'll be desperate for a win at home this week.
Let's hope we're well up for it and put that to bed categorically. Looking forward to this one and only down the road from the Mr's family so making a weekend of it!
They made about 10 changes but included new signings, a bit like us, so we'll have to see the difference in approach to new signings between McKenna and Silva. Where abouts are the family from Jay? (DM me if private) as my family still live in and around Suffolk, namely Woodbridge, and Rendlesham.
They're Stowmarket way! I'd DM but after ya sent me a sincerely nice DM a while back I think ya accidentally blocked me from responding as when I went to reply to it it gave me a "block" message, been meaning to tell you that sorry I forgot ha!
Had no idea! :slap: Fixed! (definitely an accident, no idea how that happened)
Used to play in and against Stowmarket a lot back in the day. Mens side at the time were in the league below so was mainly the odd cup game.
Anderson's pass to Stansfield was a bit of a clincher. We need more of that. Sorry Issa. There will be other opportunities.
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on August 29, 2024, 09:16:07 AMQuote from: WindyCity on August 28, 2024, 03:52:06 PMI don't think Berge should even be in the team. That show v Birmingham was atrocious, brutal. Not sure what all the hype was about, hope he is much better than he showed last night. Clearly not fit, shouldn't see the pitch (or the bench) v Ipswich....
Do not despair, Berge will come good, be rest assured he will make an impact when his conditioning has improved. It's a long season and our depth in strength shall be severely tested over the coming months by injuries, illness, loss of form and any suspensions.
Therefore it is one game at a time, look no further.
Ipswich Town stand between Fulham and three precious points, so Silva has to pick a team that will save his life. Including match winning subs, and match saving subs.
Thx for the post Woolly and I certainly hope you're right. Fingers crossed he comes good and can be a useful piece in staying in this league, mid table or above.
There have been times in the past when you might look at this game (Ipswich) as a banana skin waiting to happen. I think MS has come a long way since taking over, and will have the lads properly motivated and looking at following the game plan chosen. Every game in this league is tough, regardless the opposition. This is a game FFC really needs to put away and take care of business. COYW!
Quote from: FFC1987 on August 29, 2024, 08:52:41 AMQuote from: Lighthouse on August 28, 2024, 09:52:09 PMIpswich have just been knocked out on penalties 4-2 by AFC Wimbledon. So will need a boost against us.
Started a number of new signings including Clarke and Phillips as well so there lineup will be interesting too. Personally, I wouldn't drop Lukic or Diop. It's there position to lose and unless both have been shocking in training, I think both will start. I certainly didn't see enough from Berge to dislodge Lukic but as others have said, he needs minutes in the legs so I'd imagine he comes in at 60-70 mins.
If Angus is humble bragging it, not bad for an armchair supporter hey!