I think Nolan will play it safe. That means 4-4-2, with hardworking, reliable players like Stead and Hewitt starting.
Hopefully Dongda can find himself on the bench quite early on in the season and we'll go from there, if he's on the fringes once the season starts we'll know he's got something special imo. I think it may be a bit soon to be expecting too much of him though
I think Nolan will play it safe. That means 4-4-2, with hardworking, reliable players like Stead and Hewitt starting.
Have to agree with a couple of others on this topic that KN has a tendency to play safe. He will start with Stead over Dennis, Duffy over Brisley and so on.
It's too early for us to try and pick a team as fans because we are not intimately invested in the players the way KN and his coaching/fitness staff are through working with them every day. They get to see things we don't that will have an impact on the decisions they make regarding team selection.
I also agree that based on his pre season appearances so far DONGA HE looks like he could be a real talent, but it would be wrong to rush things with him at this stage.
The thing that is irritating me a little is the conundrum over Husin. I honestly believe there is a truly talented footballer in there somewhere, unfortunately the only position he is really suited to is that of Vaughan's. I really hope he doesn't get overlooked as the season goes on. Mind you I would venture that Vaughan will be crocked by October anyway.
I can not honestly believe some of the opinions on here. Tootle had a tough game on Saturday, he was definitely playing with fatigue, blowing out of his backside after about half an hour.
Hewitt was one of our best players last season, and looked very good on Saturday. Breaking play up and passing with composure.
Dongde He certainly looks a good prospect. However, I saw no evidence of a final ball, whether a pass, cross or shot on Saturday. He certainly plays with confidence. Is he ready? For me not yet.
4th August line up..
Fitz
Toots
Hall
Duffy
Jones
Kellett
Vaughan
Hewitt
Boldewijn
Stead
Hemmings
Assuming everyone is fit, Dennis and Hemmings will start ahead of Stead.
Ross
Tootle Hall Duffy Jones
Enzio Hewitt Vaughan Thomas
Dennis Hemmings
Keeper is my only worry.
Tootle and Jones more than league 2 capable, save for Jones being injury prone and no obvious back up (Kellett?)
Hall was a level above against Leicester and will keep Brisley out of the side with those performances. Cant see him being here for a season to sit on the bench.
Hewitt will be the legs to Vaughans quality, and Eznio and Thomas are both capable of unlocking teams.
Dennis and Hemmings more than capable of scoring their share, with Stead and Allesandra, Campbel, all decent back ups.
Kellett in reserve is a good option for a few positions, and I honestly think, once fit, Patching will be right in their to push Hewitt aside.
Every line up listed has Boldewijn in it?
He was terrible Saturday.
He may well have been. However, I can’t see us investing big money in a player only to bench him.
He looks a confidence player to me.