Couldn't see Willian doing anything in that role, his movement facing opposition players is horrendous. He needs time and space that player doesn't have to be effective, unless he plays a recycling game like Kovacic which case there's no point.

RLC might as well play there cos at least he has the drive and strength to bulldoze his why through. Not Sarri's way but something different to Barkley, least if he'll lose the ball he'll be trying to do something with it before he does

RLC deserves to start the match today v Man City and we need to play with Pedro and Giroud playing off Higuain if it were up to me.Also,I would play David Luiz as a defensive midfielder and have Christensen,Azpilicueta,Rudiger and Emerson in the defence in a 4-1-3-1-1 formation today v Man City.

I'll keep saying it, I don't rate RLC as a top table tean but I can see why people want him in over Kova and Barkley but like the OP said I think it'll be the same team that played against United

And I just can't help but feel it'll result in the same outcome.

Players are not with Sarri and that is clear as anything right now when you listen to what each played is saying

If fit, RLC has to be the third CM. He's the only one of the three that play that position that shows any desire to take it to the enemy and take on and beat players or be a regular goal threat from open play.

I would consider Willy there as well personally but as we all know Sarri doesn't do, thinking outside the box!

comment by BrummieBlue! (U3487)
posted 7 minutes ago
If fit, RLC has to be the third CM. He's the only one of the three that play that position that shows any desire to take it to the enemy and take on and beat players or be a regular goal threat from open play.

I would consider Willy there as well personally but as we all know Sarri doesn't do, thinking outside the box!
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My 1st choice would be Loftus-Cheek with Willian 2nd

Will
RLC work hard when we lose the ball?

comment by CFC: FFP Champions (U20729)
posted 52 minutes ago
Will
RLC work hard when we lose the ball?
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Will Kovacic and Barkley work hard when they have it?

I would consider Willy there as well personally but as we all know Sarri doesn't do, thinking outside the box!
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He wouldn't do anything there Brum. It's similar to the idea people have that Kovacic can play Regista, the demands of the player in the role off the ball outweigh what they'd bring to the role on the ball. He'd be just as useless as Barkley in that position.

RLC is our best bet

It's RLC I want to get the nod Devil. Just that I'd rather see Willy there rather than Kov or Barkley who I think don't bring anything to the party there!

It's a very hard role for anyone we have in this squad tbh. Even RLC isn't that great for it on paper, he just adds a slightly different dynamic to it.

It really should've been Barkley. He's always been overrated rubbish (IMO) but I'm surprised he hasn't made some kind of impression there. Very disappointing.

RLC & CHO starting today v Man City would be great to see if it did happen today.

I would definitely start Loftus-Cheek if he's fit. No doubt. There's no good reason why he shouldn't. Both Kovacic and Barkley haven't been convincing enough in the crunch games against top opposition.

I really don't like seeing Jorginho and Kovacic starting together either. Has to be one or the other for me.

CHO

FACK

Kante is just incredible

Wrong thread