Thoughts on Any Definite starters yet for Everton opener ?

[Monaco_Totty]

DF keeps mentioning tactical 'flexibility' in his pressers of late so maybe 'horses for courses' for weekly PL team selection wise.

Over the past 5 years fast breaks & direct attacks are on the rise while pressing frequency & intensity is now going down.
Or as Pep now says - ' Modern football is not positional as you have to ride the rhythm.' 🤔

So, any preferences for definite starters for Everton clash offered by the Mad magnifico ?

Mmmm, all teams gonna know our weak areas with a 'fit' Struijk always gonna be vulnerable to the ball over the top as is Rodon too 'pace wise' which was often highlighted last season, so I think Pascal may miss out more often in any starting eleven as his injury record needs to be 'managed' like Byram with Rodon 'rested' more hopefully too, as he played lots of football for Leeds & Wales carrying injury niggles last year.

Tanaka will perhaps offer more balance technically when needed too but any physicality concerns would be somewhat mitigated with Stach & Amps both present to allow him to flow.

We should get a decent amount of 'possession' against Everton, defo more than against Arsenal & Newcastle in the following fixtures, for sure, so DF might prioritise Tanakas crafts & neat link-up play with Gnonto with Longstaff & Gruev been better-suited to combatting the more 'possession-dominant' scenario match opponents that will come our way later.

Would think Perri, Bogel, Gudmundsson, Bijol, Rodon, Stach, Amps, Gnonto gonna be in the final-mix as starters, imo, based on what I have seen & what DF has specifically asked of them - so far.

Thoughts ? 🤔

[norfolk white]

Throw names up in the air and see what comes down, it’s anybody’s guess.

[cherrypie7]

Throw names up in the air and see what comes down, it’s anybody’s guess.

Jordan Pickford is a definite starter.

[Oranje White]

I work at sea so miss a lot, but Aaronson is reminding me of Adebayor......he is generally poor but seems to become a good player just before contract time looms. I didn't see the Villareal game but read he played great. We'll keep him on that and other recent performances so he can spend the rest of the season falling over and giving the ball away. Seem to recall it was similar last season too. IMO....get rid and get Hamer from SU asap.

[Sniffer999]

DF keeps mentioning tactical 'flexibility' in his pressers of late so maybe 'horses for courses' for weekly PL team selection wise.

Over the past 5 years fast breaks & direct attacks are on the rise while pressing frequency & intensity is now going down.
Or as Pep now says - ' Modern football is not positional as you have to ride the rhythm.' 🤔

So, any preferences for definite starters for Everton clash offered by the Mad magnifico ?

Mmmm, all teams gonna know our weak areas with a 'fit' Struijk always gonna be vulnerable to the ball over the top as is Rodon too 'pace wise' which was often highlighted last season, so I think Pascal may miss out more often in any starting eleven as his injury record needs to be 'managed' like Byram with Rodon 'rested' more hopefully too, as he played lots of football for Leeds & Wales carrying injury niggles last year.

Tanaka will perhaps offer more balance technically when needed too but any physicality concerns would be somewhat mitigated with Stach & Amps both present to allow him to flow.

We should get a decent amount of 'possession' against Everton, defo more than against Arsenal & Newcastle in the following fixtures, for sure, so DF might prioritise Tanakas crafts & neat link-up play with Gnonto with Longstaff & Gruev been better-suited to combatting the more 'possession-dominant' scenario match opponents that will come our way later.

Would think Perri, Bogel, Gudmundsson, Bijol, Rodon, Stach, Amps, Gnonto gonna be in the final-mix as starters, imo, based on what I have seen & what DF has specifically asked of them - so far.

Thoughts ? 🤔

I agree with the thoughts behind this post. Clearly DF wants us to be difficult to beat. A big strong line up physically.
I'd pretty much go with those selections too. Tanaka in against teams we are attacking and more solid against the stronger teams.
We desperately need a top striker imo or we won't score enough which will nullify improved defence.

[spaldy]

I know we spent 15 million on Perri but think that Darlow might get the nod if I was making the decision. He is very solid and controls the box well. Like Perri get into the flow first.

Like Strujik but he's on the bench for me. I would also start Ramananzi and Gnonto for pace and Nmenka up front for the same reason. Piroe in on the second half. He does well again more tired defenses. Hope Bogle is fit by then. Pace will be a problem for them.

Wish we were facing the Dysche Everton teams of old.

[cherrypie7]

I know we spent 15 million on Perri but think that Darlow might get the nod if I was making the decision. He is very solid and controls the box well. Like Perri get into the flow first.

Like Strujik but he's on the bench for me. I would also start Ramananzi and Gnonto for pace and Nmenka up front for the same reason. Piroe in on the second half. He does well again more tired defenses. Hope Bogle is fit by then. Pace will be a problem for them.

Wish we were facing the Dysche Everton teams of old.

Well, there are some positions where there is no choice. Gudmonsson has to start at left-back. There is no choice at the moment. In the centre, Longstick has to start as he is the most experienced. Similarly, for the same reason, if fully fit, Dan James has to start. Exactly what position I am not sure. I expect Bijol (not that impressed with him) to partner Rodon in the middle of defence. I prefer Struijk but I think Farke is leaning towards Bijol. Bogle if fit will play right-back. If not fit, Byram is excellent. I am guessing Ampadu and Stach in midfield of the 4-3-3, together with Longrod. In attack I expect Gnonto and Piroe to be up there with James. I don't think Aaronson will start. Over here, i can tell you his family are very happy he is back with Leeds, as Brenden (and family) badly want to play for the US in the World Cup next year. He thinks playing for Leeds United is the way to go.
No idea who is in goal because Perri has not played any pre-season games. So possibly Darlow.

[ozleeds]

DF keeps mentioning tactical 'flexibility' in his pressers of late so maybe 'horses for courses' for weekly PL team selection wise.

Over the past 5 years fast breaks & direct attacks are on the rise while pressing frequency & intensity is now going down.
Or as Pep now says - ' Modern football is not positional as you have to ride the rhythm.' ��

So, any preferences for definite starters for Everton clash offered by the Mad magnifico ?

Mmmm, all teams gonna know our weak areas with a 'fit' Struijk always gonna be vulnerable to the ball over the top as is Rodon too 'pace wise' which was often highlighted last season, so I think Pascal may miss out more often in any starting eleven as his injury record needs to be 'managed' like Byram with Rodon 'rested' more hopefully too, as he played lots of football for Leeds & Wales carrying injury niggles last year.

Tanaka will perhaps offer more balance technically when needed too but any physicality concerns would be somewhat mitigated with Stach & Amps both present to allow him to flow.

We should get a decent amount of 'possession' against Everton, defo more than against Arsenal & Newcastle in the following fixtures, for sure, so DF might prioritise Tanakas crafts & neat link-up play with Gnonto with Longstaff & Gruev been better-suited to combatting the more 'possession-dominant' scenario match opponents that will come our way later.

Would think Perri, Bogel, Gudmundsson, Bijol, Rodon, Stach, Amps, Gnonto gonna be in the final-mix as starters, imo, based on what I have seen & what DF has specifically asked of them - so far.

Thoughts ? ��

Tanaka won't even start, as his preference is Ambudooda Totty, and Gnonto didn't even start in the championship. Why would he change tactics in a harder competition? I predict Perri, Bogel, Gudmundsson, Roddon, Bijol, Ambadoooda, Stach, Longstaff, Rama (Nahhh, just kidding, he doesn't like him), Harrison, Piroe, and James.
My preference for what we have so far.
Darlow, Bogel, Gudmundsson, Bijol, Bornauw, Tanaka, Longstaff, Stach, Rama, James, Nmecha. Bench Rodon, Pat, Gnonto, Gray,Piroe,Chambers.

[Sniffer999]

Think Bijol is suspended for Everton game.

[Monaco_Totty]

Think Bijol is suspended for Everton game.

Good spot Sniffer, appears our new centre-back Jaka Bijol from Udinese will serve a one-match suspension for the red card he received in his final Serie A fixture last season. 🙁

Not good news as the Blue Scousers new French striker 6'5 Thierno Barry is no mug & is a physically imposing striker known for his strong hold-up play, intelligent movement & aerial ability. 😳
He excels at receiving the ball with his back to goal, using his strength to hold off defenders & is versatile enough to either lay it off or spin past them.

Worryingly his 'pace' allows him to get in behind defenses making him a well-rounded attacking option. Cost them 27m plus add ons from Villarreal.
But hey ho we have the mighty Piroe who kinda is on fire ! 🤞

Rather a worry that we are sweating on the likes of Harrison who has seen a consultant on Tuesday regarding a groin issue when many wished he should have been 'moved on'.
James plus Bogle also have muscle problems to contend with still, confirmed TA.

Personally I really think we should not at this stage of the season be relying on a fit Harrison to be a starter after his decision to go AWOL with the Blue Scousers but he can always prove me wrong - but I think we have better talent in the squad more worthy now.