Our best starting 11 and squad until Jan?

[C Block]

Seems that Palacios has been made the whipping boy after those first two Prem games.
Personally think he's been quite tidy, didn't do much wrong but didn't set the world alight either. Streets ahead (performance wise) of Iwobi and Leno thus far (add in Cuenca after his horror show v CFC).

I've no idea how Berge, Larsson, Charles (and Reed/Iwobi) will fill two spots in the side.
Then there's Angel, Palacios, Bobb, Kevin, King, ESR, Iwobi, Zepa, Sess all vying for 3 spots.
Only clear, nailed on starters I see are Castagne (deserves it, he's in great form), Bassey and Garcia.
Exciting times.

Is not possible for supporters to watch a game and pass judgement without somebody criticising and then accusing you of making a player a scapegoat or whipping boy,
I was at Sunderland and whether you like it or not Palacios was awful, a little boy lost, so far out of his depth,
If he had progressed through the Fulham academy people would be demanding that he was sent to League 1 or League 2 for a season to toughen up and gain experience, Arbeloa at the very least should have taken him off at half time, we've got better players than him to play in that position,
I'm 100% confident that one day he will become a tremendous player, but that "one day" is a little way off yet,
Playing Palacios, King and Bobb in the same side made us a physically weak side, and hopefully it's not repeated against Palace.

[General]

Wondering if our tactics are going to go from a 4-2-3-1 to three at the back (Bassey, Affengruber and Andersen) wing backs, a boosted midfield full of CMs and then using the wing backs as a key driver for attack

Something like this? https://www.lineup-builder.co.uk/lineups/6a9969029eb7463efd51b9d9

I've heard that Arbeloa may see midfielders as conduits for wing backs to get forward for a lot of give and goes, and with the depth we now have in CM and the potential for them to score, then it could work?

For me it's too light up front, but it plays to our potential strengths?

[Bassey the warrior]

Wondering if our tactics are going to go from a 4-2-3-1 to three at the back (Bassey, Affengruber and Andersen) wing backs, a boosted midfield full of CMs and then using the wing backs as a key driver for attack

Something like this? https://www.lineup-builder.co.uk/lineups/6a9969029eb7463efd51b9d9

I've heard that Arbeloa may see midfielders as conduits for wing backs to get forward for a lot of give and goes, and with the depth we now have in CM and the potential for them to score, then it could work?

For me it's too light up front, but it plays to our potential strengths?

I don't see us going to a back three. We have far more midfielders than defenders, just four senior CBs, but 12 senior midfielders (CM, ACM, wingers). That excludes Zepa, 13 if including him.

We're also lacking a pacy right wing back.

[Jim©]

Seems that Palacios has been made the whipping boy after those first two Prem games.
Personally think he's been quite tidy, didn't do much wrong but didn't set the world alight either. Streets ahead (performance wise) of Iwobi and Leno thus far (add in Cuenca after his horror show v CFC).

I've no idea how Berge, Larsson, Charles (and Reed/Iwobi) will fill two spots in the side.
Then there's Angel, Palacios, Bobb, Kevin, King, ESR, Iwobi, Zepa, Sess all vying for 3 spots.
Only clear, nailed on starters I see are Castagne (deserves it, he's in great form), Bassey and Garcia.
Exciting times.

Is not possible for supporters to watch a game and pass judgement without somebody criticising and then accusing you of making a player a scapegoat or whipping boy,
I was at Sunderland and whether you like it or not Palacios was awful, a little boy lost, so far out of his depth,
If he had progressed through the Fulham academy people would be demanding that he was sent to League 1 or League 2 for a season to toughen up and gain experience, Arbeloa at the very least should have taken him off at half time, we've got better players than him to play in that position,
I'm 100% confident that one day he will become a tremendous player, but that "one day" is a little way off yet,
Playing Palacios, King and Bobb in the same side made us a physically weak side, and hopefully it's not repeated against Palace.

I didn't accuse you of that at all, don't take it personally. But there's been a whole load of stuff written about him (Just like you go on to in your post- awful, a little boy lost, out of his depth, send him to league 1 or 2, toughen up, jesus give the lad a break) that I don't feel is merited at all, especially when others around him were way worse. He barely features in anyones' 11 which again I personally find unfair.

[Moussa Dembele the 3rd]

Wondering if our tactics are going to go from a 4-2-3-1 to three at the back (Bassey, Affengruber and Andersen) wing backs, a boosted midfield full of CMs and then using the wing backs as a key driver for attack

Something like this? https://www.lineup-builder.co.uk/lineups/6a9969029eb7463efd51b9d9

I've heard that Arbeloa may see midfielders as conduits for wing backs to get forward for a lot of give and goes, and with the depth we now have in CM and the potential for them to score, then it could work?

For me it's too light up front, but it plays to our potential strengths?

This makes much more sense than what we've been doing.

[Jims Dentist]

we are pinning a lot of hope on Affengruber

I fear he may not be good enough in the air.

[VamosFFC]

Anyone think we'd go with three at the back? Maybe a 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-2.

A back three of Affengruber, Andersen, Bassey with Castagne and Jedi/Sess as wingbacks getting high up the pitch.

[flyingfish]

Seems that Palacios has been made the whipping boy after those first two Prem games.
Personally think he's been quite tidy, didn't do much wrong but didn't set the world alight either. Streets ahead (performance wise) of Iwobi and Leno thus far (add in Cuenca after his horror show v CFC).

I've no idea how Berge, Larsson, Charles (and Reed/Iwobi) will fill two spots in the side.
Then there's Angel, Palacios, Bobb, Kevin, King, ESR, Iwobi, Zepa, Sess all vying for 3 spots.
Only clear, nailed on starters I see are Castagne (deserves it, he's in great form), Bassey and Garcia.
Exciting times.

Is not possible for supporters to watch a game and pass judgement without somebody criticising and then accusing you of making a player a scapegoat or whipping boy,
I was at Sunderland and whether you like it or not Palacios was awful, a little boy lost, so far out of his depth,
If he had progressed through the Fulham academy people would be demanding that he was sent to League 1 or League 2 for a season to toughen up and gain experience, Arbeloa at the very least should have taken him off at half time, we've got better players than him to play in that position,
I'm 100% confident that one day he will become a tremendous player, but that "one day" is a little way off yet,
Playing Palacios, King and Bobb in the same side made us a physically weak side, and hopefully it's not repeated against Palace.

I didn't accuse you of that at all, don't take it personally. But there's been a whole load of stuff written about him (Just like you go on to in your post- awful, a little boy lost, out of his depth, send him to league 1 or 2, toughen up, jesus give the lad a break) that I don't feel is merited at all, especially when others around him were way worse. He barely features in anyones' 11 which again I personally find unfair.

From what I understand he mostly played in Castilla not the main team so the majority of his experience is equivalent to league 1. I think there a real questions to be asked about if he is persistently started here

[@jolslover]

Jeez Palacios was one of our best players in pre-season and everyone was raving about him

He's adjusting to the pace and physiciality of the prem but is clearly a good player

So strange everyone has given up on him after two games especially when there were plenty of players just as bad

[Snibbo]

I really like the idea of 3 centrebacks. At least until the new players are bedded in and the new tactics are absorbed.

[SuffolkWhite]

New manager and new players require time, he won't know his best team yet and may have to change tactics as yet with the players he has.

10 games and see where we are.

[WolverineFFC]

Jeez Palacios was one of our best players in pre-season and everyone was raving about him

He's adjusting to the pace and physiciality of the prem but is clearly a good player

So strange everyone has given up on him after two games especially when there were plenty of players just as bad

With Palacios, I believe he has now played more minutes of 1st team football with FFC in 2 games than his entire last season at Madrid. I think it's reasonable to question whether he is the best choice in the starting 11 with that limited track record. Especially when you consider Sess, Iwobi, Kevin, and the most obvious ESR are all available in that position too. His situation reminds me of Josh King from last year. A bright talent who is not yet ready to handle a starting 11 position.

Regardless, I think criticism of Palacios at this point is probably less about the player and more a criticism of the manager's decisions.

[C Block]

Jeez Palacios was one of our best players in pre-season and everyone was raving about him

He's adjusting to the pace and physiciality of the prem but is clearly a good player

So strange everyone has given up on him after two games especially when there were plenty of players just as bad

With Palacios, I believe he has now played more minutes of 1st team football with FFC in 2 games than his entire last season at Madrid. I think it's reasonable to question whether he is the best choice in the starting 11 with that limited track record. Especially when you consider Sess, Iwobi, Kevin, and the most obvious ESR are all available in that position too. His situation reminds me of Josh King from last year. A bright talent who is not yet ready to handle a starting 11 position.

Regardless, I think criticism of Palacios at this point is probably less about the player and more a criticism of the manager's decisions.

Exactly this, well said, and as you say Smith-Rowe for Palacios tomorrow please.

[Thailand Mick]

Seems that Palacios has been made the whipping boy after those first two Prem games.
Personally think he's been quite tidy, didn't do much wrong but didn't set the world alight either. Streets ahead (performance wise) of Iwobi and Leno thus far (add in Cuenca after his horror show v CFC).

I've no idea how Berge, Larsson, Charles (and Reed/Iwobi) will fill two spots in the side.
Then there's Angel, Palacios, Bobb, Kevin, King, ESR, Iwobi, Zepa, Sess all vying for 3 spots.
Only clear, nailed on starters I see are Castagne (deserves it, he's in great form), Bassey and Garcia.
Exciting times.

Is not possible for supporters to watch a game and pass judgement without somebody criticising and then accusing you of making a player a scapegoat or whipping boy,
I was at Sunderland and whether you like it or not Palacios was awful, a little boy lost, so far out of his depth,
If he had progressed through the Fulham academy people would be demanding that he was sent to League 1 or League 2 for a season to toughen up and gain experience, Arbeloa at the very least should have taken him off at half time, we've got better players than him to play in that position,
I'm 100% confident that one day he will become a tremendous player, but that "one day" is a little way off yet,
Playing Palacios, King and Bobb in the same side made us a physically weak side, and hopefully it's not repeated against Palace.

Seems that Palacios has been made the whipping boy after those first two Prem games.
Personally think he's been quite tidy, didn't do much wrong but didn't set the world alight either. Streets ahead (performance wise) of Iwobi and Leno thus far (add in Cuenca after his horror show v CFC).

I've no idea how Berge, Larsson, Charles (and Reed/Iwobi) will fill two spots in the side.
Then there's Angel, Palacios, Bobb, Kevin, King, ESR, Iwobi, Zepa, Sess all vying for 3 spots.
Only clear, nailed on starters I see are Castagne (deserves it, he's in great form), Bassey and Garcia.
Exciting times.

Is not possible for supporters to watch a game and pass judgement without somebody criticising and then accusing you of making a player a scapegoat or whipping boy,
I was at Sunderland and whether you like it or not Palacios was awful, a little boy lost, so far out of his depth,
If he had progressed through the Fulham academy people would be demanding that he was sent to League 1 or League 2 for a season to toughen up and gain experience, Arbeloa at the very least should have taken him off at half time, we've got better players than him to play in that position,
I'm 100% confident that one day he will become a tremendous player, but that "one day" is a little way off yet,
Playing Palacios, King and Bobb in the same side made us a physically weak side, and hopefully it's not repeated against Palace.

I appreciate we all have different opinions on players and when at games thing can seem totally different. I have for my sins just sat and watched the full game again, for me Palacios upto the 60 minute was our third best player behind King and Bassey. He only gave the ball away 3 times up to his booking, the first time was on 15 minutes when he tried to drag back the ball and spin in center midfield which would have completely opened up our right wing for a counter attack. He was always looking for the ball and making himself available in good positions. The handball he got penalised for in the Sunderland box wasn't correct it hit above the sleeve line on his shoulder. I'm not here to bash players but Garcia on the other hand had a stinker along with Bobb.

[FFC007]

Magath tried all the youngsters in his terrible regime and we could have easily lost our championship status thanks to his incompetence had he not been swiftly ejected.

I don't see AA in the same mould, but he needs to be very careful throwing the youngsters in at the deep end.

[@jolslover]

Seems that Palacios has been made the whipping boy after those first two Prem games.
Personally think he's been quite tidy, didn't do much wrong but didn't set the world alight either. Streets ahead (performance wise) of Iwobi and Leno thus far (add in Cuenca after his horror show v CFC).

I've no idea how Berge, Larsson, Charles (and Reed/Iwobi) will fill two spots in the side.
Then there's Angel, Palacios, Bobb, Kevin, King, ESR, Iwobi, Zepa, Sess all vying for 3 spots.
Only clear, nailed on starters I see are Castagne (deserves it, he's in great form), Bassey and Garcia.
Exciting times.

Is not possible for supporters to watch a game and pass judgement without somebody criticising and then accusing you of making a player a scapegoat or whipping boy,
I was at Sunderland and whether you like it or not Palacios was awful, a little boy lost, so far out of his depth,
If he had progressed through the Fulham academy people would be demanding that he was sent to League 1 or League 2 for a season to toughen up and gain experience, Arbeloa at the very least should have taken him off at half time, we've got better players than him to play in that position,
I'm 100% confident that one day he will become a tremendous player, but that "one day" is a little way off yet,
Playing Palacios, King and Bobb in the same side made us a physically weak side, and hopefully it's not repeated against Palace.

Seems that Palacios has been made the whipping boy after those first two Prem games.
Personally think he's been quite tidy, didn't do much wrong but didn't set the world alight either. Streets ahead (performance wise) of Iwobi and Leno thus far (add in Cuenca after his horror show v CFC).

I've no idea how Berge, Larsson, Charles (and Reed/Iwobi) will fill two spots in the side.
Then there's Angel, Palacios, Bobb, Kevin, King, ESR, Iwobi, Zepa, Sess all vying for 3 spots.
Only clear, nailed on starters I see are Castagne (deserves it, he's in great form), Bassey and Garcia.
Exciting times.

Is not possible for supporters to watch a game and pass judgement without somebody criticising and then accusing you of making a player a scapegoat or whipping boy,
I was at Sunderland and whether you like it or not Palacios was awful, a little boy lost, so far out of his depth,
If he had progressed through the Fulham academy people would be demanding that he was sent to League 1 or League 2 for a season to toughen up and gain experience, Arbeloa at the very least should have taken him off at half time, we've got better players than him to play in that position,
I'm 100% confident that one day he will become a tremendous player, but that "one day" is a little way off yet,
Playing Palacios, King and Bobb in the same side made us a physically weak side, and hopefully it's not repeated against Palace.

I appreciate we all have different opinions on players and when at games thing can seem totally different. I have for my sins just sat and watched the full game again, for me Palacios upto the 60 minute was our third best player behind King and Bassey. He only gave the ball away 3 times up to his booking, the first time was on 15 minutes when he tried to drag back the ball and spin in center midfield which would have completely opened up our right wing for a counter attack. He was always looking for the ball and making himself available in good positions. The handball he got penalised for in the Sunderland box wasn't correct it hit above the sleeve line on his shoulder. I'm not here to bash players but Garcia on the other hand had a stinker along with Bobb.

Something I saw on twitter showing his game vs. Sunderland - doesn't look like a little kid or a league 1 level footballer.
https://x.com/newballers7/status/2094305669159518540

Not suggesting he had a good game, but he has 100% been scapegoated. He tries to make things happen whenever he gets on the ball and that's more than I can say for Smith-Rowe.

[Chi_FFC]

Something I saw on twitter showing his game vs. Sunderland - doesn't look like a little kid or a league 1 level footballer.
https://x.com/newballers7/status/2094305669159518540

He doesn't look particularly good here...and this is a highlight (not an all touches) video! I mean they're so desperate to fill out 90 seconds they include a fairly poor, easily cut out pass. And look, I don't think it's fair to scapegoat him. Plenty of unimpressive performances over our first 180 PL minutes this season. He's young and I hope he develops into a star. I just think that he was fairly clearly the weakest link among the attacking players over the first two matches (thought he struggled with the pace and physicality of the game) and there's a fairly ready made solution in the team that would improve two positions...replace Palacios with Iwobi and put Charles where Iwobi was playing.