Tonali

[PhoneymcRingRing]

Surely he starts today? I got a feeling he won’t tho, unless he starts and Joelinton is the on the bench.

[Zippity]

I thought this might be a thread about his newly-died hair!

I wouldn't be too surprised to see him start but alongside Longstaff with Joelinton benched.

Also wouldn't be surprised to see him not start-Eddie's been talking about Longstaff being a fundamental part of the team.

[toptoon]

I remember people (including me) complaining because he wouldn’t start Bruno when he first arrived. There’s something to be said for allowing new players to come on once the opposition’s intensity has dropped a notch.
He and Barnes deserve to start IMO but after having a previous manager with zero tactical nouse it’s amazing how many of our supporters demand our ‘best’ 11 to start every game.

[Ragatino]

I remember people (including me) complaining because he wouldn’t start Bruno when he first arrived. There’s something to be said for allowing new players to come on once the opposition’s intensity has dropped a notch.
He and Barnes deserve to start IMO but after having a previous manager with zero tactical nouse it’s amazing how many of our supporters demand our ‘best’ 11 to start every game.

Yes indeed.

I think it's a combination of things that sees a change in the starting 11.

Performance in the previous game as the key factor, then all the fitness and tactical metrics there after.

Longstaff had a shocker, Tonali affected the game and we won it with his presence being felt.
Sandro is or should be close to fitness after the 2 international and 45 mins last game.

So by the usual Howe metrics Tonali should start.

What about Hall v Kelly?

Kelly should get the nod I recon, a bit more defensively solid

[toptoon]

I thought this might be a thread about his newly-died hair!

I was thinking ‘what’s John Beresford doing training with the lads?’ 😆

Thankfully it appears photo shopped.

[Zippity]

Phew...oh, and 'dyed'

Morning gin brain

[MidsMagpie]

Surely he and Barnes have to start today and Longstaff and Murphy both dropped.

[PhoneymcRingRing]

Howe favouring Longstaff over Tonali is concerning.

[toptoon]

Howe favouring Longstaff over Tonali is concerning.

I don’t think anyone in their right mind would prefer Longstaff over Tonali, however, he might prefer a more defensive midfielder than a more offensive one to start this away game.
Personally, I reckon he needs to look at a formation change - Tonali, Willock, Bruno and Willock all need to start.

[toptoon]

I mean big Joe (not Willock twice)!