Tactically, what will we do differently on Saturday?

[Zippity]

Given the personnel, can we do much differently in terms of shape? If we go 4 at the back I'd like it to be Lewis, Fernandez, Schar and Manquillo. That would allow Hayden and Longstaff to shield them and Willock to break forward to support Miggy and ASM either side of Wilson.

What I do think we'll see is more of an attempt to play and to get forward by moving the ball quickly as opposed to just twatting it long.

Plus, I'm confident that, whoever he chooses, Howe will have picked them because he thinks they can do the job he's asking of him.

Not expecting miracles-we all knew fatso's way of running the club (into the ground) would catch up with us again and this squad is the one to do it but I am expecting to see an improvement in movement and tactics.

Can't wait, man.

[Jammy89]

Technically, I'm not sure.

However, I do think fitness levels will be up and players will know what they are meant to do at x point.

[MagpieKit]

We should’ve been playing 4231 for the last 2 and a bit years, we have the personal to play that position.

What I’m expecting on Saturday is a fitter squad and increased confidence after 2 good weeks training. Is that enough for 3 points? Possibly.

[Alberts__Lob]

Well if Super Joe isn't in the team then we stand a chance.

There should be a good atmosphere in the stadium what with it being Eddie's first game but i'm expecting an anti-climax and a 2-2 draw or something. Hope i'm wrong like but that first half against Brighton was truly horrendous and it might take a while for Eddie to get his ideas/methods across

Starting Schar and/or Fernandez could help us as Lascelles and Clark have been a liability at the back

Looking forward to the match though and hoping we get the first goal as our record of coming from behind is really poor

[toptoon]

Well the first difference in tactics I’m expecting to see is that we have some for a change.
I expect to see the (very obvious) tactic to use at St James of starting fast to get the crowd behind the team. From the snippets of info I’ve heard from training I expect more movement off the ball and more passing along the floor.
I agree, though, we can’t expect miracles in the first game.

[Alberts__Lob]

Well the first difference in tactics I’m expecting to see is that we have some for a change.
I expect to see the (very obvious) tactic to use at St James of starting fast to get the crowd behind the team. From the snippets of info I’ve heard from training I expect more movement off the ball and more passing along the floor.
I agree, though, we can’t expect miracles in the first game.

Aye, if we can string 3 passes together and close them down it will be a massive improvement...

I wonder if Ivan Toney will come back to haunt us though

[ex_pat_magpie]

Win, draw or lose, I think what we will see is a bunch of triers anxious to prove their worth for their starting position.

I think we will see more thoughtful movement both on and off the ball and I think we will see most of the team knacked at the finish with the extra endeavour which most of them had not been putting in previously.