The team line up

[Sutekh]

OK, well into the couple of weeks now. Who would you play v Derby.

Based on current form

Mannone
Yiadom Moore McShane Gunter
Popa Clement Swift Barrow
McNulty
Bodvarsson

However the attacking area is still a massive cause for concern

Strikers

1. Not seen Bodvarsson though so don't know how far off full fitness he is (though he shouldn't be that far away) however as we know he is not going to bag 15-20 goals a season
2. Meite looks bright but is not the finished article.
3. Not really seen enough of McNulty but he strikes me as bit of a type that will make a thorough nuisance of himself amongst defenders one way or another so a bit hopeful about him
4. Have omitted Smith as I presume he'll be on loan somewhere for the season

Really hoping we get someone else in THIS WEEK to boost this area and hopefully give us all something to relish in some way

Right wing/wide right

Still a big problem as Aluko and Popa for me still have not done enough to convince, though at least in Popa's case that's because Stam didn't seem to like him despite some quite bright performances. Never will understand the signing of Aluko, for me he's an impact player to annoy already knackered defenders and not someone to start a game with, but to be honest I'm thinking McCleary (when/if ever fit again) is still the best option.

[Hound]

I think we'll start

Mannone
Yiadom Moore McShane Gunter
Meyler
Swift Kelly
Aluko Meite Barrow

Bench including Ilori, Ward, Bacuna (if he is actually still here), McNulty, Bod, Blackett, Clement

I'd like to see a new striker come in, but at this stage, think Meite will get the nod to start anyway. Still leaves Popa, Harriott, Edwards, Evans (if still here), Smith, Rinomhota, Richards, Jaakkola out of the squad altogether.

I'd rather see Blackett than Gunter, and Ilori than McShane but reckon he'll start with experience

[Old Man Andrews]

Good question!

Mannone

Yiadom
Moore
McShane
Gunter

Bacuna
Swift
Meyler

Barrow
McNulty
Meite

[Hound]

Good question!

Mannone

Yiadom
Moore
McShane
Gunter

Bacuna
Swift
Meyler

Barrow
McNulty
Meite

I like this team actually. I don't think he'll drop Aluko (yet) and not really sure where Bacuna is

[Old Man Andrews]

Good question!

Mannone

Yiadom
Moore
McShane
Gunter

Bacuna
Swift
Meyler

Barrow
McNulty
Meite

I like this team actually. I don't think he'll drop Aluko (yet) and not really sure where Bacuna is

Yeah good point actually. Kinda gone under the radar.

[Snowflake Royal]

..........................Mannone
..............McShane, Moore, Ilori
Yiadom........Meyler....Bacuna.......Gunter
..............................Swift
......................Meite.....Barrow

Can't see Bodvarsson starting the season. Don't think we should be relying on Richards. Should give us decent pace and ability to break forward, with Swift and Barrow able to have fairly free roles to cause damage.

I expect we'll play closer to:

.....................Mannone
Yiadom, McShane, Moore, Gunter
.............Kelly, Meyler, Swift
Aluko......................................Barrow
........................Meite

[Snowflake Royal]

OK, well into the couple of weeks now. Who would you play v Derby.

Based on current form

Mannone
Yiadom Moore McShane Gunter
Popa Clement Swift Barrow
McNulty
Bodvarsson

However the attacking area is still a massive cause for concern

Strikers

1. Not seen Bodvarsson though so don't know how far off full fitness he is (though he shouldn't be that far away) however as we know he is not going to bag 15-20 goals a season
2. Meite looks bright but is not the finished article.
3. Not really seen enough of McNulty but he strikes me as bit of a type that will make a thorough nuisance of himself amongst defenders one way or another so a bit hopeful about him
4. Have omitted Smith as I presume he'll be on loan somewhere for the season

Really hoping we get someone else in THIS WEEK to boost this area and hopefully give us all something to relish in some way

Right wing/wide right

Still a big problem as Aluko and Popa for me still have not done enough to convince, though at least in Popa's case that's because Stam didn't seem to like him despite some quite bright performances. Never will understand the signing of Aluko, for me he's an impact player to annoy already knackered defenders and not someone to start a game with, but to be honest I'm thinking McCleary (when/if ever fit again) is still the best option.

I didn't think anyone could come up with a more powderpuff midfield than Kelly and Swift, but I think you might have done.

[Lower West]

I didn't think anyone could come up with a more powderpuff midfield than Kelly and Swift, but I think you might have done.

Clement has played this combination a lot in preseason.

[Denver Royal]

Not real sure why Bod wouldn’t be fit. He was at World Cup, didn’t play every game, but was in training. He’s had a rest, but should be pretty fit. Kane played more, and wants to start week one. Bod should be raring to go.

[10539.4 Miles Away]

Hey guys, have you all forgotten we've signed John O'Shea?

Oh. You hadn't.

[Old Man Andrews]

Hey guys, have you tried to forget we've signed John O'Shea?

Fixed.

[Lower West]

Hey guys, have you all forgotten we've signed John O'Shea?

Oh. You hadn't.

Safety net sub.