I've been trying to work out what our best eleven is with the players currently fit and working a system to suit and sort out the problems in defence. So here you go:
---------------------------Howard-------------------------
----------------------------Jags----------------------------
--------------Stones-----------------Distin--------------
Coleman------McCarthy-------Barry-------Baines
-------------Lukaku--------------Mirallas---------------
-----------------------------Eto'o--------------------------
I tried to fit Naismith in, due to the start he's had but in my Opinion could only get in, in the place of Eto'o or Lukaku. Eto'o I think will turn out an inspired signed, ouzed class when he came on against Chelsea and it would be hard to drop Lukaku even though he hasn't been great yet this season. Obviously if Barkley was fit, we'd have to have a place for him.
This is to try and sure up the defence and get Stones in, as well as try to get some confidence back in Jags. I think the world cup experience has knocked the stuffing out of him, as he doesnt look the same player this season and definately not Captain material right now.
Best Formation
posted on 3/9/14
---------------------------Howard-------------------------
----------------------------Jags----------------------------
--------------Stones-----------------Distin--------------
Coleman------McCarthy-------Barry-------Baines
==
I think long term we will go to three at the back, we have teh quality FB's to be able to do this. However, my concern would be the front three, IF it goes to three at the back then Naismith has to be in the starting 11 and one of Lukaku, Eto'o or Mirallas dropped.
But this is just me in Sunday league manager mode, Eto'o looked class, Mirallas has the pace and Lukaku the speed and power...It must be a nice problem for Martinez to have.
If only we had a 25yo Tim Cahill in the squad.
posted on 3/9/14
Naismith has to start on current form so I'd just stick to the usual 4-5-1
posted on 3/9/14
Naismith should be the first name on the team sheet.
posted on 3/9/14
Much as it pains me to leave Naismith out, I to would go for that line up and use him as an impact sub. I know it is still early but with Distin and Jags looking a little out of form bringing Stones into a back 3 makes sense in that 3 5 2 formation, what have we got to lose. That game against Chelsea was good from a neutral point of view the thing is I/We are not neutrals.
posted on 3/9/14
--------------Howard
Coleman Stones Distin Baines
-------McCarthy -------Barry
-----------------Naismith
-------Lukaku Eto'o Mirallas
Not too much of a change Naismith needs to start in the centre otherwise he's wasted, jags needs a break so stones should start for a couple of games, don't know how good Eto'os legs are so maybe Mcgeady comes in for him and Lukaku goes central
posted on 4/9/14
With the added Europa matches all of the squad will get game-time.
Roberto will use his players wisely, depending on the opposition.