So, after what seems an eternity, we are heading back to a set of Premier League fixtures. 3 weeks since our last outing and a couple since the Chelsea game. It looks like Maguire should be back and most players would have had a good rest.
With 7th place now our full focus and Burnley having West Brom coming up, although you never know what’s around the corner in football, you would assume we probably need to be looking to get a draw at least to make sure that we stay within touching distance ahead of the Leicester v Burnley game in a few weeks.
I mentioned a while ago that I thought there was a balance between bringing through a new ethos; youth and a different way of playing and still however, making sure we played the strongest 11 that would give us the best chance of finishing 7th. Ultimately, both of these, in different ways are important with regard to our progression next season in terms of evolution and changes, and momentum with regards to the benefits of sticking with ‘what we know’ in order to take a strong finish to the season into the start of next.
I think, by happenstance, injury and some poor performances by potentially new inclusions in the first team, the 11 that Puel picks almost picks itself. Whilst I still have concerns about Puel’s tinkering and I’m not sure that he fully appreciates the importance of consistent team selection on consistence results, it would be very difficult for him, after recent performances, to drop any players like Albrighton, Iborra and Okazaki (if he did, I would really start to have concerns).
So I’m hoping for a pretty settled 11 and settled end to the season. 7th would be great and European football a bonus for existing players we want to keep and potential suitors, but I think the most important thing is to just bring back together slightly that team spirit and unity which often comes regularity and consistency.
Not that I imagine there will be many different opinions, but the 11 to see us through to the end of the season and hopefully European football:
Schmeichel
Simpson
Morgan
Maguire
Chilwell (I would personally play Fuchs but I think he has made his mind up on Chilwell <which I think is currently to Chilwell’s regression unfortunately)
Albrighton
Iborra
Ndidi
Mahrez
Vardy
Okazaki
Apologies, this is probably more of a blog than a debate triggering article - but it was far too quiet.
As a postscript to encourage contributions or roastings of my opinions - I think we should sell Iheanacho and Gray in the summer.
Brighton, consistency and momentum.
posted on 29/3/18
I would also play Fuchs, but just don’t think it’s going to happen.
Legless, genuine question: what is it that Gray has produced at Leicester that isn’t appreciated? I know forums can invoke radical opinions but from my experience of the paying-public down and around the ground, the opinion of him is pretty fair.
posted on 29/3/18
Wasn’t it Brighton who cost Youngy his bet that Leicester would remain unbeaten after the Xmas period when we won promotion?
Ulloa hat trick wasn’t it.
posted on 29/3/18
We should treat these last 8 Prem games exactly like we did the last 8 in the title winning season.
There's loads to play for .....................
Europe.
Highest finish to the season means more wonga.
Playing for a squad/1st team place for next season.
Playing for a move. (Mahrez, Gray?).
Doing it for the fans.
Self esteem. And collectively.
To attract good players.
It's all important.
posted on 29/3/18
KTF
It was meant as a light hearted jibe at Grays detractors
on here. He has pace, ability to beat a man amongst other attributes. Hes a good squad player who can be
brought on to change things. His abilitirs are
unfortunately blown out of all proportion by media
and pundits usually after england u21 matches.
TB yeah I remember that game, probably better
than some of the players who were probably still
under the influence after celebrating winning promotion
But that was at the KP. We did also lose at the
Amex that season.
UTF
posted on 29/3/18
I think we will be disappointed and it will be something inappropriate and unconventional like:
----------KS---------
DS-WM-HM-BC
-----WN---MJ-----
DG-----MA-----RM
----------JV----------
posted on 29/3/18
James is definitely out injured.
I’m guessing you meant to play Albrighton out wide and Mahrez behind Vardy with Gray our wide.
But I see that as a plan B after Okazaki comes off after 60mins
posted on 30/3/18
Gray can get lost.
Light hearted, obvs. Or is it?....
posted on 30/3/18
chilwell and grey needed
To go out on loan for 3 months with a must play 60 minutes contract to a championship side to gain the experience
I cant see either of them being here next season if they wont to progress there game,
Unless chilwell is the new andy king 😱😱
posted on 30/3/18
That won't do any further good, Dublin. Chilwell impressed at Huddersfield in the Championship a few seasons ago and Gray was bought from there in the first place after excelling at Birmingham. Both need to make it in the Premier League now and there are no further rungs on the ladder for them to use.
posted on 30/3/18
comment by Keep_the_faith1 (U8129)
posted 19 hours, 9 minutes ago
James is definitely out injured.
I’m guessing you meant to play Albrighton out wide and Mahrez behind Vardy with Gray our wide.
But I see that as a plan B after Okazaki comes off after 60mins
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Good.
And no, I meant what i said, inappropriate and unconventional? they can switch a bit if they want