So many options and possible variations so I thought I'd go way ahead of the game with this post...
I think Marco will go with this
Leno
Tete Andersen Bassey Robinson
Berge King
Wilson ESR* Iwobi
Muniz
Subs: Lecomte Cuenca Sess Lukic Wilson Chukwueze Kevin Raul Kusi-Asari
* Marco has gone on record as saying he wants to find a way to play King and ESR together and this is the only way I see it happening. I can't see ESR starting on the left with King at 10 once Kevin breaks in to the starting XI.
My preference but don't expect it to transpire this way:
Leno
Tete Anderson Bassey Robinson
Berge Iwobi
Chukwueze King Kevin
Muniz
Subs: Lecomte Cuenca Sess Lukic ESR Wilson Raul Adama Kusi-Asare
Players that can't even get in the match day squad: Castagne Diop Reed TC
I'm curious to see how Iwobi goes at 8 as I suspect he'll get a chance there eventually even if not against Leeds.
Once the signings settle in I expect the first choice front four to be Chukwueze King Kevin and Muniz
The new signings 100% will not be starting until 3-4 sub appearances at least.
So the starting XI will be something similar to Brighton since I'm assuming we won't be playing 5 defenders vs Leeds.
Leno
Tete Andersen Bassey Robinson
Berge Lukic
Chukuweze King Iwobi
Muniz
Wouldn't throw Kevin into the deep end just yet, but Chukuweze is more experienced and a lower profile signing, so will feel less pressure on him, I reckon
If King and ESR are to start together, then either ESR plays out of the left with King as the number 10. Or he'll do something similar when Palhinha left, which will be with Lukic as the defensive midfielder and both ESR and King just ahead of him but dropping in to help, one of King or ESR goes and the other stays back in a three man midfield.
I expect the new signings to start on the bench which is typically what Silva does, but given we have an international break, he may feel differently, time will tell.
I,m not expecting any changes other than Robinson starting - Sess back to the bench and maybe Wilson starting and a reshuffle on the bench
Quote from: Angus Telford on September 04, 2025, 12:24:23 AMLeno
Tete Andersen Bassey Robinson
Berge Lukic
Chukuweze King Iwobi
Muniz
Wouldn't throw Kevin into the deep end just yet, but Chukuweze is more experienced and a lower profile signing, so will feel less pressure on him, I reckon
Chukwueze is on international duty while Kevin is with the squad training for 2 weeks in which we have a couple of BCD friendlies arranged.
Quote from: Thailand Mick on September 04, 2025, 05:08:15 AMQuote from: Angus Telford on September 04, 2025, 12:24:23 AMLeno
Tete Andersen Bassey Robinson
Berge Lukic
Chukuweze King Iwobi
Muniz
Wouldn't throw Kevin into the deep end just yet, but Chukuweze is more experienced and a lower profile signing, so will feel less pressure on him, I reckon
Chukwueze is on international duty while Kevin is with the squad training for 2 weeks in which we have a couple of BCD friendlies arranged.
Chukuweze will still have had a week (1-3 days either side of the internationals) with Silva. And he'll be travelling and playing with Bassey and Iwobi. Don't necessarily see it as a huge factor.
Maybe MS needs to break with his standard routine and bring the new players into the starting lineup. I dont particually see a need for King and ESR to be in the same line up, other than a manager trying to save face over the £35m fee for ESR, would rather players play on merit and in their propoer position, with that in mind King starts over ESR all day. Would like to see Chuck and Kevin come in on the left and right with Muniz up top. Quite like the idea of Berge and Iwobi as I do feel Lukic and Berge is too defensive and it shows in the number of goals scored from CM.
i can see us blowing Leeds away 3 or 4 nil
A Leeds fan at work is very disappointed by their transfer window. He said they are crying out for a striker and other attacking options, but went for none.
So that's a 0-2 loss guaranteed.
Leno
Tete Diop Cuenca Robinson
Lukic
Sess King ESR Kevin
Muniz
Our record after international breaks is awful,we need to use our squad more to prevent burn out which seems a familar theme with Marco's teams. Remember the other players will be on the bench if needed.
Best wait and see if there is a clean bill of health after players have returned from international duty.
Quote from: fulhamfan on September 04, 2025, 08:00:25 AMi can see us blowing Leeds away 3 or 4 nil
Would be great if we can, a good confidence builder
Quote from: Thailand Mick on September 04, 2025, 08:58:31 AMLeno
Tete Diop Cuenca Robinson
Lukic
Sess King ESR Kevin
Muniz
Our record after international breaks is awful,we need to use our squad more to prevent burn out which seems a familar theme with Marco's teams. Remember the other players will be on the bench if needed.
Quite like this, 4-1-4-1 But not sure MS is going to change his formation for anyone
Leno
Tete Andersen Bassey Robinson
Berge Lukic
Wilson ESR Iwobi
Muniz
I think he will rest king if he has played twice already for England under 18s
Team everyone fit and trained at home vs a team likley to sit back ( Brentford)
Leno
Tete Andersen Bassey Robinson
Berge
Chuk King Iwobi Kevin
Muniz
Leno
Tete Anderson Bassey Robinson
Lukic Berge
Wilson King Iwobi
Muniz
Bench
Lecomte Cuenca Castagne Sess Cairney Chuk Jiminez Smith-Rowe Kevin
Silva rarely throws the new guys in unless they've had a long pre-season, which these guys may not have had.
I would imagine but wingers to be starting in 3-4 games time, once they've had a few weeks to learn Silva's ideas and make connections in the side.
It's less about who will start as I think it'll largely stay the same, but more the subs bench and who will be left out.
I think our subs bench will depend on the teams we play, with perhaps more defensive minded options against the top teams?
Nailed on starters are, Leno, Bassey, Andersen, Robinson, Tete, Lukic and Berge - the front line and further forward midfield wise is anyone's guess, as we don't tend to have any consistency with starters there, minus perhaps Iwobi, which I'd imagine would be now a bit more uncertain.
So you're having to pick between King, ESR, Iwobi, Traore, Wilson, Chukwueze, Kevin, Muniz, Jimenez, Kusi Asare for four spots.
so 10 players for 4 spots. I imagine, out of all of them, Kusi-Asare may get the least amount of minutes. I'd like to see more of ESR and Traore.
There's definitely a lot more pace in our front line, and willingness to take on players 1-on-1, which is nice to see.
Generally, I've got a good feeling about this game with the benefit of our established lineup. However, in the back of my mind lurks a darker scenario with DCL scoring his only goal of the season before limping off injured. Positive thoughts.
Quote from: Thailand Mick on September 04, 2025, 08:58:31 AMLeno
Tete Diop Cuenca Robinson
Lukic
Sess King ESR Kevin
Muniz
Our record after international breaks is awful,we need to use our squad more to prevent burn out which seems a familar theme with Marco's teams. Remember the other players will be on the bench if needed.
I completely agree with this line-up, although i suspect we will never see that amount of changes from the typical 11. I feel sorry for Diop and Cuenca. It's not like they are leagues below Andersen and Bassey,but they'll never get much of a chance starting if no injuries or internationals going on. Marco likes his center backs firmly set and playing every game of the season and i think it will take events out of his control to change that.
Oh, i would've put Iwobi or Wilson in for Sess through
Quote from: Jimmy Hill on September 04, 2025, 10:10:45 AMLeno
Tete Andersen Bassey Robinson
Berge Lukic
Wilson ESR Iwobi
Muniz
I think he will rest king if he has played twice already for England under 18s
Team everyone fit and trained at home vs a team likley to sit back ( Brentford)
Leno
Tete Andersen Bassey Robinson
Berge
Chuk King Iwobi Kevin
Muniz
Quote from: Jimmy Hill on September 04, 2025, 10:10:45 AMLeno
Tete Andersen Bassey Robinson
Berge Lukic
Wilson ESR Iwobi
Muniz
I think he will rest king if he has played twice already for England under 18s
Team everyone fit and trained at home vs a team likley to sit back ( Brentford)
Leno
Tete Andersen Bassey Robinson
Berge
Chuk King Iwobi Kevin
Muniz
believe King was on the bench first match, not sure if he came on. The Brentford match is almost identical to what I would play, I had Lukic instead of Berge. I think Marco can rotate King, Iwobi and ESR in those 2 central positions.
Why is it that other clubs can get their new players in the squad/team immediately, but we can't, I guess it's Silva's way of doing things.
Quote from: Volz on September 04, 2025, 11:14:25 AMQuote from: Thailand Mick on September 04, 2025, 08:58:31 AMLeno
Tete Diop Cuenca Robinson
Lukic
Sess King ESR Kevin
Muniz
Our record after international breaks is awful,we need to use our squad more to prevent burn out which seems a familar theme with Marco's teams. Remember the other players will be on the bench if needed.
I completely agree with this line-up, although i suspect we will never see that amount of changes from the typical 11. I feel sorry for Diop and Cuenca. It's not like they are leagues below Andersen and Bassey,but they'll never get much of a chance starting if no injuries or internationals going on. Marco likes his center backs firmly set and playing every game of the season and i think it will take events out of his control to change that.
Oh, i would've put Iwobi or Wilson in for Sess through
Quote from: Volz on September 04, 2025, 11:14:25 AMQuote from: Thailand Mick on September 04, 2025, 08:58:31 AMLeno
Tete Diop Cuenca Robinson
Lukic
Sess King ESR Kevin
Muniz
Our record after international breaks is awful,we need to use our squad more to prevent burn out which seems a familar theme with Marco's teams. Remember the other players will be on the bench if needed.
I completely agree with this line-up, although i suspect we will never see that amount of changes from the typical 11. I feel sorry for Diop and Cuenca. It's not like they are leagues below Andersen and Bassey,but they'll never get much of a chance starting if no injuries or internationals going on. Marco likes his center backs firmly set and playing every game of the season and i think it will take events out of his control to change that.
Oh, i would've put Iwobi or Wilson in for Sess through
[/quote I think the players that are not away on international duty will have 2 weeks to train and work on tactics which is why I would select sess. There is a train of thought that we suffer after the international break because Marco's tactics can be quite complex and need time to work on.
Quote from: alfie on September 04, 2025, 11:23:49 AMWhy is it that other clubs can get their new players in the squad/team immediately, but we can't, I guess it's Silva's way of doing things.
It is his way I guess, for all his good traits he is a stubborn manager
I suspect we'll see a couple of them start in the cup against Cambridge to be honest. If they set that fixture alight they may be in line to start the following game against Villa.
Before then I think we'll definitely see at very least a cameo off the bench for Kevin after the international break. He could even start given he'll have trained with Marco for 2 weeks by the time the Leeds game comes around, if he trains well enough, who knows. Chuk I think might have to wait till the cup to be in contention to start. but maybe gets a bench cameo before then. For who is the question though, Adama?
Jonah we'll see where Marco thinks he's at but maybe sub for the Cambridge game.
It is a must win game you play Kevin and Chukwueze they have been playing had a preseason and are fit . We need to tear into Leeds from the start . Massive game for us we need tempo and drive they both provide this In abundance
Leeds also have VAR. Their most dangerous player!
We need to park excuses such as VAR and get out there and score enough goals to finish them regardless. That starts with our new signings as currently we don't really score much
Quote from: KentFulham on September 04, 2025, 12:50:11 PMWe need to park excuses such as VAR and get out there and score enough goals to finish them regardless. That starts with our new signings as currently we don't really score much
VAR is not an excuse against ManU and Chelsea. It was a fact. . It's screwed us over the last 2 matches. But yeah we should batter Leeds!
We now have a squad full of riches and think only a CDM needed .would like to see
Chuk and Kevin start but think it will be Iwobi and Wilson or Sess that do with sub starts for chuk and Kevin.
Quote from: Super Mick on September 04, 2025, 12:52:28 PMQuote from: KentFulham on September 04, 2025, 12:50:11 PMWe need to park excuses such as VAR and get out there and score enough goals to finish them regardless. That starts with our new signings as currently we don't really score much
VAR is not an excuse against ManU and Chelsea. It was a fact. . It's screwed us over the last 2 matches. But yeah we should batter Leeds!
There will be decisions that go our way too in the season, we need to put games to bed rather than scraping by and being liable for issues, who cares if we have a goal wrongly chalked off if we score three more, we are starting to sound like a bunch of snowflakes over the first few games
Admin will have to merge the new thread with this one - no point having two the same
Both Diop and Castagne have had a small injury and I believe neither played in the BCD friendly, although Marco thinks they will be fit cannot see them being risked.
Quote from: Thailand Mick on September 07, 2025, 12:13:42 PMBoth Diop and Castagne have had a small injury and I believe neither played in the BCD friendly, although Marco thinks they will be fit cannot see them being risked.
Castagne played against litscheinstein
Don't under-estimate Leeds. Their attack is their strongest asset so we need a good defence. We have enough with our usual attack to put their defence uder pressure though. They are not the cannon fodder that some posters think.
Quote from: alfie on September 04, 2025, 11:23:49 AMWhy is it that other clubs can get their new players in the squad/team immediately, but we can't, I guess it's Silva's way of doing things.
Yes it is frustrating, and counterproductive.
Leno
Tete - Diop - Cuenca - Robinson
Lukic/Berge - Cairney
Sessegnon - Smith Rowe - Kevin
Muniz
I quite like the idea of starting an eleven that has had basically two weeks to prepare for this match together. We have a strong squad now that allows Marco that luxury. With the obvious exception of Berge/Lukic, one of them has to start.
If Robinson is still out then Sess moves to left back and Adama takes the right wing role.
I also think this is the type of Premier League game Cairney can still shine in.
Quote from: Thailand Mick on September 07, 2025, 12:13:42 PMBoth Diop and Castagne have had a small injury and I believe neither played in the BCD friendly, although Marco thinks they will be fit cannot see them being risked.
You can see Diop in the QPR goal highlight that's been going around from the BCD friendly and Castagne is on international duty with Belgium where he started and played the full 90 today.
Leeds are a decent outfit, so we'll need to be at our best. I can't see any of the deadline day signings starting this one. Just not Silva's style.
Leno
Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson
Berge, Lukic
Wilson, King, Iwobi
Muniz
Lecomte, Castagne, Cuenca, Sessegnon, TC, ESR, Chukwueze, Kevin, Raul.
Quote from: Thailand Mick on September 07, 2025, 12:13:42 PMBoth Diop and Castagne have had a small injury and I believe neither played in the BCD friendly, although Marco thinks they will be fit cannot see them being risked.
quite surprised to hear that, the quote from Marco said Diop picked up the injury in the cup game and Castagne also had a small injury but he expected both to be fit for the weekend which I wrongly assumed meant they wouldn't play before then.
I reckon we might see 10 or 20 minutes of Kevin and Chukwueze against Leeds if we're lucky and then hopefully Marco will release them in full beast mode the following week to give FC Hounslow the battering they so richly deserve.
Lots of "Marco won't change this, or won't do that" whereas we've seen a different formation for some games already this season.
I'd like to see the new guys getting minutes quickly, at least 30 mins v Leeds.
I'd like to see how we adapt to low block teams that come to the cottage to frustrate. We did really badly against them last season, the difference between Europe and not.
Leno
Tete-Anderson-Bassey-Robinson
Berge-Lukic
ESR
Wilson-Muniz-Kevin
Personally, I think Marco will start Kevin. He will have had 2 weeks of training with the squad, so you could argue he is in better prepared to start than players coming back from international duty.
For the same reason, I would also put in ESR from the start - with King to get minutes coming off the bench.
Chuk would have hardly trained with the squad, but could get some minutes off the bench also.
I think the only other consideration is whether to put Iwobi in as the 8 ahead of Lukic for a home game where we really need to take the initiative.
I'd laugh if Michael Salisbury is the ref for this game....
Fulham v Leeds United
Premier League
Referee: Pawson, Craig
Assistant Referee: Betts, Lee
Assistant Referee: Scholes, Mark
Fourth Official: Smith, Josh
Video Assistant Referee: Tierney, Paul
Additional Video Assistant Referee: Antrobus, Blake
Pawson is a safe pair of hands, one of the better officials .
Quote from: Lordedmundo on September 08, 2025, 02:15:51 PMLeno
Tete-Anderson-Bassey-Robinson
Berge-Lukic
ESR
Wilson-Muniz-Kevin
Personally, I think Marco will start Kevin. He will have had 2 weeks of training with the squad, so you could argue he is in better prepared to start than players coming back from international duty.
For the same reason, I would also put in ESR from the start - with King to get minutes coming off the bench.
Chuk would have hardly trained with the squad, but could get some minutes off the bench also.
I think the only other consideration is whether to put Iwobi in as the 8 ahead of Lukic for a home game where we really need to take the initiative.
King has done nothing to warrant being dropped. ESR should start on the bench
I'll be seriously disappointed if Marco selects Berge AND Lukic in the starting XI.
As Lord states above, we need to be more adventurous at home against the (on-paper, at least) lesser teams
So that's the end of the international break. Any injuries?
I read in another thread that Raul had ice on his knee after being subbed off but hopefully nothing serious
Quote from: Hatch007 on September 10, 2025, 09:58:49 AMI read in another thread that Raul had ice on his knee after being subbed off but hopefully nothing serious
Seen walking albeit a little stiffly after the game... Just a knock hopefully. Probably will be a little uncomfortable and doubt flying will help the swelling but hopefully he's ok for saturday.... If not...First citing of Jonah? Hasn't trained with squad yet so probably too soon.
Quote from: KentFulham on September 08, 2025, 08:48:47 PMQuote from: Lordedmundo on September 08, 2025, 02:15:51 PMLeno
Tete-Anderson-Bassey-Robinson
Berge-Lukic
ESR
Wilson-Muniz-Kevin
Personally, I think Marco will start Kevin. He will have had 2 weeks of training with the squad, so you could argue he is in better prepared to start than players coming back from international duty.
For the same reason, I would also put in ESR from the start - with King to get minutes coming off the bench.
Chuk would have hardly trained with the squad, but could get some minutes off the bench also.
I think the only other consideration is whether to put Iwobi in as the 8 ahead of Lukic for a home game where we really need to take the initiative.
King has done nothing to warrant being dropped. ESR should start on the bench
Rested - not dropped! In my view an 18 year old should not start every game. He has also been away on international duty with the under 19s. I expected him to play twice, but it seems he was sub for the second match yesterday, so maybe he will start Saturday.
I did think ESR may start this one with King on the bench. King need to be carefully managed. He is going to be a big player for us. I think we will see King and ESR together at some point and I agree Iwobi will at some point be given the no 8 role.
Bottom line is Marco has choices all over the pitch, choices that don't ecessarioy weaken us. I wonder who plays left back, Robinson or Sess?
Yet Sess isnt a LB, why would we play him out of position when he is more a threat going forward, he also is better at crossing than Robinson. If King has the energy and desire to play we should let him, agree he will be a big player one day, but it wont be for us, he will be a big player elsewhere
In a training video the club put out a few days ago, Kevin put Tete on his arse when he tried to tackle him, something I have never seen in all the years Tete's been playing for us. I reckon he gets significant mins on saturday because I don't think Leeds have the defence capable of stopping him. I'd also be tempted to play Iwobi in the 8 with King/ESR in front of Iwobi & Berge/Lukic because Leeds are short of CM's due to injury so it's one area of the pitch we need to take control of early doors to dictate the game
Tend to think it's a game where Silva might gamble more. King possibly dropping in to more box to box position and ESR playing as the No10. Would not surprise me if Kevin starts. Hopefully Robinson back as well. Up front they have looked lively but not sure there the strongest especially defensively. Good time to get first win but an air of caution Leeds will also target this game as winnable?
Quote from: KentFulham on September 11, 2025, 09:02:57 AMYet Sess isnt a LB, why would we play him out of position when he is more a threat going forward, he also is better at crossing than Robinson. If King has the energy and desire to play we should let him, agree he will be a big player one day, but it wont be for us, he will be a big player elsewhere
Just because you keep claiming Sess isn't a left back, it doesn't come true. He was signed as a left back, Marco uses him as a left back (and also as a winger), he has played left back a lot in his career. And frankly, he hasn't looked out of place once at left back since he came back.
Quote from: Sting of the North on September 11, 2025, 09:50:13 AMQuote from: KentFulham on September 11, 2025, 09:02:57 AMYet Sess isnt a LB, why would we play him out of position when he is more a threat going forward, he also is better at crossing than Robinson. If King has the energy and desire to play we should let him, agree he will be a big player one day, but it wont be for us, he will be a big player elsewhere
Just because you keep claiming Sess isn't a left back, it doesn't come true. He was signed as a left back, Marco uses him as a left back (and also as a winger), he has played left back a lot in his career. And frankly, he hasn't looked out of place once at left back since he came back.
It's a difficult one isn't it. It's great to have Sess' versatility and quite a lot of us prefer him at LW but I agree he has also done well recently at LB. Trouble is there always seems to be someone ahead of him in both positions which is frustrating for those of us who enjoy watching him.
Personally I think Sess's best position is left wing back. Means that he's not 100% defending, which he's way better at, now he has got a lot stronger and he's getting forward more, which is great as he's got a fantastic delivery.
Quote from: Jim© on September 11, 2025, 01:04:34 PMPersonally I think Sess's best position is left wing back. Means that he's not 100% defending, which he's way better at how he has got a lot stronger and he's getting forward more, which is great as he's got a fantastic delivery.
He's so much better in the final third, when he's asked to go backwards it's always a shame.
His positioning in the final third, getting in front of his man is his best ability, it's instinct for him. It's why he's scored so many one touch finishes or tap-ins
Quote from: Angus Telford on September 04, 2025, 12:24:23 AMLeno
Tete Andersen Bassey Robinson
Berge Lukic
Chukuweze King Iwobi
Muniz
Wouldn't throw Kevin into the deep end just yet, but Chukuweze is more experienced and a lower profile signing, so will feel less pressure on him, I reckon
Isnt chukuweze on duty in nigeria and iwobi ?
Leno
Tete Andersen Bassey Robinson
Lukic Berge King
Wilson Muniz Iwobi
Subs - Lecomte, Castagne, Cuenca, Sessegnon, Cairney, Smith Rowe, Adama, Kevin, Raul
Think it's too soon to start Kevin even though he has been training. Chukwueze and Kusi-Asare will only have had 2 training sessions so I don't even have them making the bench yet. Marco is slow to integrate and we don't have any injuries that would force him to alter that. Next weekend I think will be different though.
Kusi-Asare would make the bench if Raul's knock is worse than anticipated
Quote from: btffc on September 11, 2025, 03:25:33 PMLeno
Tete Andersen Bassey Robinson
Lukic Berge King
Wilson Muniz Iwobi
Subs - Lecomte, Castagne, Cuenca, Sessegnon, Cairney, Smith Rowe, Adama, Kevin, Raul
Think it's too soon to start Kevin even though he has been training. Chukwueze and Kusi-Asare will only have had 2 training sessions so I don't even have them making the bench yet. Marco is slow to integrate and we don't have any injuries that would force him to alter that. Next weekend I think will be different though.
Kusi-Asare would make the bench if Raul's knock is worse than anticipated
Why is it too soon, most other clubs stick new players in from the off.
Quote from: alfie on September 11, 2025, 03:42:22 PMQuote from: btffc on September 11, 2025, 03:25:33 PMLeno
Tete Andersen Bassey Robinson
Lukic Berge King
Wilson Muniz Iwobi
Subs - Lecomte, Castagne, Cuenca, Sessegnon, Cairney, Smith Rowe, Adama, Kevin, Raul
Think it's too soon to start Kevin even though he has been training. Chukwueze and Kusi-Asare will only have had 2 training sessions so I don't even have them making the bench yet. Marco is slow to integrate and we don't have any injuries that would force him to alter that. Next weekend I think will be different though.
Kusi-Asare would make the bench if Raul's knock is worse than anticipated
Why is it too soon, most other clubs stick new players in from the off.
With a full or even partial preseason they do like ESR did last season. Very rarely do players acquired after the season has started get thrown straight into the fire especially when making a significant jump up in level unless injuries force the issue.
I don't think this is the right game to be experimenting with Josh or Alex in the 8 position. Both of them + both of Berge and Lukic were away on international duty. Not only have we not tried that in the PL (apart from a very few times Iwobi played there), but we didn't try it out in training either. Regardless whether you believe that could be something we'll do in the future, I just don't know don't think the moment is right now.
Leno
Tete Andersen Bassey Robinson
Lukic Berge
Wilson/Adama King/ESR Iwobi
Muniz
It's going to be interesting to see who makes the bench. We have 24 players in the squad, so if everyone is fit, 4 miss out. We usually have 1 cb on the bench, and Marco prefers Cuenca to Diop I think, so I think Diop is one of them. We play with one striker, so we don't really need two on the bench and JKA barely had a chance to train with the team so I think he's the second one. Reed is probably the third one, especially for a game like Leeds where we are going to go for all 3 points. And the last one to miss out will probably be one of Adama/Wilson/Sessegnon/Chukwueze
Quote from: Jim© on September 11, 2025, 01:04:34 PMPersonally I think Sess's best position is left wing back. Means that he's not 100% defending, which he's way better at, now he has got a lot stronger and he's getting forward more, which is great as he's got a fantastic delivery.
And thats why I think MS should consider playing both on the left, AR as left back and Sess left wing. It avoid AR crossing and keeps him doing what he is good at, and stops Sess having to track back as much and can also do what he is great at like crossing, scoring, runs etc
Quote from: KentFulham on September 11, 2025, 08:26:41 PMQuote from: Jim© on September 11, 2025, 01:04:34 PMPersonally I think Sess's best position is left wing back. Means that he's not 100% defending, which he's way better at, now he has got a lot stronger and he's getting forward more, which is great as he's got a fantastic delivery.
And thats why I think MS should consider playing both on the left, AR as left back and Sess left wing. It avoid AR crossing and keeps him doing what he is good at, and stops Sess having to track back as much and can also do what he is great at like crossing, scoring, runs etc
Tend to agree with this, I've always said that I think Robinson and Sess could create a great team down the left, I just think they could complement each other well. To do that they need to play regularly together, these great partnerships don't happen over night.
Though in years gone by MacDonald used to be one of the first one on the team sheet for me, I would like any formation with the mouth watering Berge-King option. Makes me hungry just thinking about it.
For all of Leeds weaknesses they definitely have tightened up in the goalkeeper department. I have a hunch that this man will defy us like Pickford has done in the past.We also have a reluctance to shoot. No shots means no deflections.
Quote from: Grassy Noel on September 12, 2025, 07:28:21 AMFor all of Leeds weaknesses they definitely have tightened up in the goalkeeper department. I have a hunch that this man will defy us like Pickford has done in the past.We also have a reluctance to shoot. No shots means no deflections.
I wish we did ping the odd shot, it feels like a long time since a goal from 18+ yards
Are the VAR cables still in one piece?
Quote from: Grassy Noel on September 12, 2025, 07:28:21 AMFor all of Leeds weaknesses they definitely have tightened up in the goalkeeper department. I have a hunch that this man will defy us like Pickford has done in the past.We also have a reluctance to shoot. No shots means no deflections.
Their first choice goalkeeper is injured. I don't think Darlow or Meslier are that good.
Quote from: Twig on September 11, 2025, 09:02:15 PMQuote from: KentFulham on September 11, 2025, 08:26:41 PMQuote from: Jim© on September 11, 2025, 01:04:34 PMPersonally I think Sess's best position is left wing back. Means that he's not 100% defending, which he's way better at, now he has got a lot stronger and he's getting forward more, which is great as he's got a fantastic delivery.
And thats why I think MS should consider playing both on the left, AR as left back and Sess left wing. It avoid AR crossing and keeps him doing what he is good at, and stops Sess having to track back as much and can also do what he is great at like crossing, scoring, runs etc
Tend to agree with this, I've always said that I think Robinson and Sess could create a great team down the left, I just think they could complement each other well. To do that they need to play regularly together, these great partnerships don't happen over night.
surely our left wing is going to only ever really be Kevin and Robinson now, assuming they both perform in the way we think they can? I feel if Marco's been particularly impressed by Kevin's attitude in training during the International break, then he may give him a surprise start.
Quote from: General on September 12, 2025, 08:44:12 AMQuote from: Twig on September 11, 2025, 09:02:15 PMQuote from: KentFulham on September 11, 2025, 08:26:41 PMQuote from: Jim© on September 11, 2025, 01:04:34 PMPersonally I think Sess's best position is left wing back. Means that he's not 100% defending, which he's way better at, now he has got a lot stronger and he's getting forward more, which is great as he's got a fantastic delivery.
And thats why I think MS should consider playing both on the left, AR as left back and Sess left wing. It avoid AR crossing and keeps him doing what he is good at, and stops Sess having to track back as much and can also do what he is great at like crossing, scoring, runs etc
Tend to agree with this, I've always said that I think Robinson and Sess could create a great team down the left, I just think they could complement each other well. To do that they need to play regularly together, these great partnerships don't happen over night.
surely our left wing is going to only ever really be Kevin and Robinson now, assuming they both perform in the way we think they can? I feel if Marco's been particularly impressed by Kevin's attitude in training during the International break, then he may give him a surprise start.
To use a cricket analogy, Sessegnon and Smith-Rowe will be carrying the drinks for the rest of the season,
Tough on Sess but you don't pay £40 million for a left winger to sit on the bench.
Quote from: C Block on September 12, 2025, 09:23:28 AMQuote from: General on September 12, 2025, 08:44:12 AMQuote from: Twig on September 11, 2025, 09:02:15 PMQuote from: KentFulham on September 11, 2025, 08:26:41 PMQuote from: Jim© on September 11, 2025, 01:04:34 PMPersonally I think Sess's best position is left wing back. Means that he's not 100% defending, which he's way better at, now he has got a lot stronger and he's getting forward more, which is great as he's got a fantastic delivery.
And thats why I think MS should consider playing both on the left, AR as left back and Sess left wing. It avoid AR crossing and keeps him doing what he is good at, and stops Sess having to track back as much and can also do what he is great at like crossing, scoring, runs etc
Tend to agree with this, I've always said that I think Robinson and Sess could create a great team down the left, I just think they could complement each other well. To do that they need to play regularly together, these great partnerships don't happen over night.
surely our left wing is going to only ever really be Kevin and Robinson now, assuming they both perform in the way we think they can? I feel if Marco's been particularly impressed by Kevin's attitude in training during the International break, then he may give him a surprise start.
To use a cricket analogy, Sessegnon and Smith-Rowe will be carrying the drinks for the rest of the season,
Tough on Sess but you don't pay £40 million for a left winger to sit on the bench.
We do pay £27m thou!
Quote from: General on September 12, 2025, 08:44:12 AMQuote from: Twig on September 11, 2025, 09:02:15 PMQuote from: KentFulham on September 11, 2025, 08:26:41 PMQuote from: Jim© on September 11, 2025, 01:04:34 PMPersonally I think Sess's best position is left wing back. Means that he's not 100% defending, which he's way better at, now he has got a lot stronger and he's getting forward more, which is great as he's got a fantastic delivery.
And thats why I think MS should consider playing both on the left, AR as left back and Sess left wing. It avoid AR crossing and keeps him doing what he is good at, and stops Sess having to track back as much and can also do what he is great at like crossing, scoring, runs etc
Tend to agree with this, I've always said that I think Robinson and Sess could create a great team down the left, I just think they could complement each other well. To do that they need to play regularly together, these great partnerships don't happen over night.
surely our left wing is going to only ever really be Kevin and Robinson now, assuming they both perform in the way we think they can? I feel if Marco's been particularly impressed by Kevin's attitude in training during the International break, then he may give him a surprise start.
I'd be surprised if he didn't start. We've only been waiting a year or so for this position to be filled and we paid a significant fee. I can't see any point in holding him back.
Quote from: Whitestone on September 12, 2025, 10:19:01 AMQuote from: General on September 12, 2025, 08:44:12 AMQuote from: Twig on September 11, 2025, 09:02:15 PMQuote from: KentFulham on September 11, 2025, 08:26:41 PMQuote from: Jim© on September 11, 2025, 01:04:34 PMPersonally I think Sess's best position is left wing back. Means that he's not 100% defending, which he's way better at, now he has got a lot stronger and he's getting forward more, which is great as he's got a fantastic delivery.
And thats why I think MS should consider playing both on the left, AR as left back and Sess left wing. It avoid AR crossing and keeps him doing what he is good at, and stops Sess having to track back as much and can also do what he is great at like crossing, scoring, runs etc
Tend to agree with this, I've always said that I think Robinson and Sess could create a great team down the left, I just think they could complement each other well. To do that they need to play regularly together, these great partnerships don't happen over night.
surely our left wing is going to only ever really be Kevin and Robinson now, assuming they both perform in the way we think they can? I feel if Marco's been particularly impressed by Kevin's attitude in training during the International break, then he may give him a surprise start.
I'd be surprised if he didn't start. We've only been waiting a year or so for this position to be filled and we paid a significant fee. I can't see any point in holding him back.
Some points would presumably be:
- Silva feels that Kevin has not yet adapted to our tactics, and/or his teammates
- They feel that pressure is relieved by not starting him
- Other players have had a really good training week (and they are alreay used to our system, see above)
I feel that there may be several sensible reasons as to why we wouldn't start Kevin.
Quote from: C Block on September 12, 2025, 09:23:28 AMQuote from: General on September 12, 2025, 08:44:12 AMQuote from: Twig on September 11, 2025, 09:02:15 PMQuote from: KentFulham on September 11, 2025, 08:26:41 PMQuote from: Jim© on September 11, 2025, 01:04:34 PMPersonally I think Sess's best position is left wing back. Means that he's not 100% defending, which he's way better at, now he has got a lot stronger and he's getting forward more, which is great as he's got a fantastic delivery.
And thats why I think MS should consider playing both on the left, AR as left back and Sess left wing. It avoid AR crossing and keeps him doing what he is good at, and stops Sess having to track back as much and can also do what he is great at like crossing, scoring, runs etc
Tend to agree with this, I've always said that I think Robinson and Sess could create a great team down the left, I just think they could complement each other well. To do that they need to play regularly together, these great partnerships don't happen over night.
surely our left wing is going to only ever really be Kevin and Robinson now, assuming they both perform in the way we think they can? I feel if Marco's been particularly impressed by Kevin's attitude in training during the International break, then he may give him a surprise start.
To use a cricket analogy, Sessegnon and Smith-Rowe will be carrying the drinks for the rest of the season,
Tough on Sess but you don't pay £40 million for a left winger to sit on the bench.
I don't think it's that straightforward, there are a lot of games, including cup ties - things are going to be more competitive. Additionally, we've got 5 subs now per game, so most games there'll be rotation with players getting at least 20-30 mins a game depending on how the games are going and who we're facing.
For instance, against Leeds I think we're more likely to see ESR come on with 20-30 mins if he's busting a gut to open up defences. Despite not being a starter he's been one of our most productive forward players so far this season.
For what it's worth, I think Marco is putting him on the bench to challenge him to focus and get sharper and it has nothing to do with his qualities, but more a way of encouraging ESR to go up another level.
The players back from international duty have only had 1 day of training.
Compare that with two weeks for those that stayed which includes Kevin.
I'd be inclined to start Kevin at the cost of perhaps Iwobi who has just got back.
Quote from: C Block on September 12, 2025, 09:23:28 AMQuote from: General on September 12, 2025, 08:44:12 AMQuote from: Twig on September 11, 2025, 09:02:15 PMQuote from: KentFulham on September 11, 2025, 08:26:41 PMQuote from: Jim© on September 11, 2025, 01:04:34 PMPersonally I think Sess's best position is left wing back. Means that he's not 100% defending, which he's way better at, now he has got a lot stronger and he's getting forward more, which is great as he's got a fantastic delivery.
And thats why I think MS should consider playing both on the left, AR as left back and Sess left wing. It avoid AR crossing and keeps him doing what he is good at, and stops Sess having to track back as much and can also do what he is great at like crossing, scoring, runs etc
Tend to agree with this, I've always said that I think Robinson and Sess could create a great team down the left, I just think they could complement each other well. To do that they need to play regularly together, these great partnerships don't happen over night.
surely our left wing is going to only ever really be Kevin and Robinson now, assuming they both perform in the way we think they can? I feel if Marco's been particularly impressed by Kevin's attitude in training during the International break, then he may give him a surprise start.
To use a cricket analogy, Sessegnon and Smith-Rowe will be carrying the drinks for the rest of the season,
Tough on Sess but you don't pay £40 million for a left winger to sit on the bench.
I would play Sess on the right wing. I do not think Wilson plays well went starting but seems to be a perfect super sub. Sess on the other hand is much more talented and has a genuine eye for a goal and has a natural instinct for being in the right place at the right time in the box.
Quote from: Sting of the North on September 12, 2025, 10:34:01 AMQuote from: Whitestone on September 12, 2025, 10:19:01 AMQuote from: General on September 12, 2025, 08:44:12 AMQuote from: Twig on September 11, 2025, 09:02:15 PMQuote from: KentFulham on September 11, 2025, 08:26:41 PMQuote from: Jim© on September 11, 2025, 01:04:34 PMPersonally I think Sess's best position is left wing back. Means that he's not 100% defending, which he's way better at, now he has got a lot stronger and he's getting forward more, which is great as he's got a fantastic delivery.
And thats why I think MS should consider playing both on the left, AR as left back and Sess left wing. It avoid AR crossing and keeps him doing what he is good at, and stops Sess having to track back as much and can also do what he is great at like crossing, scoring, runs etc
Tend to agree with this, I've always said that I think Robinson and Sess could create a great team down the left, I just think they could complement each other well. To do that they need to play regularly together, these great partnerships don't happen over night.
surely our left wing is going to only ever really be Kevin and Robinson now, assuming they both perform in the way we think they can? I feel if Marco's been particularly impressed by Kevin's attitude in training during the International break, then he may give him a surprise start.
I'd be surprised if he didn't start. We've only been waiting a year or so for this position to be filled and we paid a significant fee. I can't see any point in holding him back.
Some points would presumably be:
- Silva feels that Kevin has not yet adapted to our tactics, and/or his teammates
- They feel that pressure is relieved by not starting him
- Other players have had a really good training week (and they are alreay used to our system, see above)
I feel that there may be several sensible reasons as to why we wouldn't start Kevin.
Sometimes players are so good they don't need time to adapt to tactics, perhaps he's got enough about him offensively and defensively for it to be worth it.
He also becomes a relative enigma for Leeds as they've never played against him.
As others have said, he's had two weeks of building relationships with players, including Robinson.
If he's a level above what we've got, then even if other players have good weeks, he could still trump them quality wise.
Dario Srna thinks kevin is strong both offensively and defensively.
Benefit also of Marco being a portuguese speaker, so could take less time to get up to speed, vs - let's say Lukic, who was a Serbian, playing in Italy.
Sure, and I'm not saying that he won't or shouldn't start. Just pointing out that there could well be several perfectly valid reasons to not start him, even though he is expected to eventually be a class above.
There could of course, as you point out General, be equally good reasons to start him. It's an exciting one, for sure.