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Match Ipswich (A) - 22nd February - 3PM KICK OFF, AN ACTUAL 3PM KICK OFF

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Richard Arlison said:
Doesn’t that depend on the 3-4 youngsters?

Bergvall has been better than Biss or Bentancur this year. Gray has earned his minutes and Odobert did more in 10 minutes than Son did in 80 vs UTD.

Surely you pick the players who are in form regardless of age?
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No, you pick experience nearly every time,and mix and match.

This forum has too many posters who really seem to love in a fantasy land.

This is the game to win, then a freeish hit, if we win on Wednesday.

So, experience, more likely with Bissouma and Maddison, plus whoever in the middle. Then Kulusevski,Tel and one more. Son if fit.

Get ahead, then fine, bring on some pace and the younger players if necessary.

We are not in a position of luxury amd we have nobody who is really in form so to speak.
 
I think it would be realistic to go with following lineup -

----------Vicario----------
Spence-Danso-Davies-Udogie
-----------Bissouma---------
---Gray-------Madders----
-Kulusevski---------Tel-----
-------------Scarlett-----------

There are few things to consider or few questionmarks.
I agree- Kulusevski would need some rest. But at the same time with absence of Solanke we need someone strong on the ball upfield. So it is almost guaranteed he starts. Hope that we can take him off around 60th minute mark for Odobert/Johnson/Moore though.
There has to be one physically imposing and strong midfielder too - absolutely no doubt in that. I'd go with Bissouma in this one - should be properly rested.
Gray could get his chance in midfield, but suggesting we should start him in EPL away game as sole #6 is sucidial. It is single most difficult position to play in Ange system (also reason of lot of Bissouma's brainfarts - it puts lot of pressure on that player, and literally everyone in this position have fucked up during this season). So I'd put him on #8 to get him up to speed in midfield to begin with. If he does well, by the end we can switch him to #6 and then bring Bergvall/Sarr to #8.
Son does need some rest as well, I would be tempted to start more energetic Tel on his wing and given Scarlett has some lower league experience (and Ipswitch is between Champo and EPL by their level), it MIGHT be moment to give him start. Though if Johnson gets a start on wing with Tel up top I understand that option too.
Maddisson absolutely has to start. He was on fire last week and did not play full 90 so let him keep going at it please!
Putting Udogie back to starting XI, but only if he is 100% ready, should not take any risks. Might be good to give Porro a rest here as we have capable option in Spence.
 
Notabadsquad said:
No, you pick experience nearly every time,and mix and match.

This forum has too many posters who really seem to love in a fantasy land.

This is the game to win, then a freeish hit, if we win on Wednesday.

So, experience, more likely with Bissouma and Maddison, plus whoever in the middle. Then Kulusevski,Tel and one more. Son if fit.

Get ahead, then fine, bring on some pace and the younger players if necessary.

We are not in a position of luxury amd we have nobody who is really in form so to speak.
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I'd say Bergvall, Maddison and Spence were the 3 that looked in form vs UTD. They start for sure.

After that, Tel has to start at CF, then the only 2 positions we are debating are Son and Bissouma.

Biss has actively cost us with some of his recent performances. Son will probably start but Odobert isn't a rookie, he has. a full season of PL football under his belt and has the exact skill set that will cause Ipswich problems if they stand off our wide players. Tbh Odobert was signed for exactly these types of games.
 
Richard Arlison said:
If you didn't watch that Son performance and think he looks like he'd be better off coming on against tired legs for this one and maybe resting a bit for City 3 days later, then we probably just see different things when we watch football.

I can read in your tone that you think they way you see football is the right way and I'm wrong. You are entitled to that view mate.

I'd still start Odobert for this one because Ipswich will sit deep and stand off our wide players. This is the EXACT type of game we need players who can beat a player 1v1 and move defenders out of the low block...IMO obviously
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No I mean Son could come on vs tired legs in this one, that would be fine (you can also look at my previous post from few minutes before - I left him out from my pick to starting XI). I just did not agree with the part like Odobert would have done something so special or influential to say something like that about his vs Son performance.

I do like Odobert. But last time around he came on for 10. I would prefer his next one to be like 30 minutes or so. It is not just that he returned from injury. He returned from 3,5 months injury pause. That is a massive one. And in fact - his last start was on 1st of September. Over 5,5 moths ago. So again, in my view I would feel more comfortable with him going step-by-step.

So yea - I'd go with more creative players of Tel on left and Kulu on right with Madders supporting from midfield and Scarlett being the central battling ram. But I agree there are different ways to approach this one.
Only thing I am fully certain is that we need someone strong and very combative in midfield (Bissouma or Bentnancur, or with little bit of stretch maybe Sarr who is not much of a bully but has low center of gravity and can shoulder off bigger lads than himself).
 
Phomesy said:
I get people wanting to see more of Mikey - especially with Sons current form but really the whole point of getting players back from injury should be to get teenagers off the starting 11 as much as possible.

Ipswich might not have the greatest defenders but they are men and much stronger and experienced than 17 year olds.

I'd be getting Porro or Spence higher up if necessary tbh and then hopefully bring Mikey on second half
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I think Mikey needs a loan in the summer. I think that Bergvall and Gray have proved they can make the step up to the PL but I haven't seen the same from Moore yet.
I think a loan to the championship is the best thing for him to develop. particularly with players coming back in who start ahead of him like Odobert.

We don't want this lad standing still
 
TheSpurEst said:
I think it would be realistic to go with following lineup -

----------Vicario----------
Spence-Danso-Davies-Udogie
-----------Bissouma---------
---Gray-------Madders----
-Kulusevski---------Tel-----
-------------Scarlett-----------

There are few things to consider or few questionmarks.
I agree- Kulusevski would need some rest. But at the same time with absence of Solanke we need someone strong on the ball upfield. So it is almost guaranteed he starts. Hope that we can take him off around 60th minute mark for Odobert/Johnson/Moore though.
There has to be one physically imposing and strong midfielder too - absolutely no doubt in that. I'd go with Bissouma in this one - should be properly rested.
Gray could get his chance in midfield, but suggesting we should start him in EPL away game as sole #6 is sucidial. It is single most difficult position to play in Ange system (also reason of lot of Bissouma's brainfarts - it puts lot of pressure on that player, and literally everyone in this position have fucked up during this season). So I'd put him on #8 to get him up to speed in midfield to begin with. If he does well, by the end we can switch him to #6 and then bring Bergvall/Sarr to #8.
Son does need some rest as well, I would be tempted to start more energetic Tel on his wing and given Scarlett has some lower league experience (and Ipswitch is between Champo and EPL by their level), it MIGHT be moment to give him start. Though if Johnson gets a start on wing with Tel up top I understand that option too.
Maddisson absolutely has to start. He was on fire last week and did not play full 90 so let him keep going at it please!
Putting Udogie back to starting XI, but only if he is 100% ready, should not take any risks. Might be good to give Porro a rest here as we have capable option in Spence.
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Well Scarlett did play on loan at Ipswich last season, so will know the strengths and weaknesses of their defence u would like to think. I would definitely give him a go, but doubt Ange will start him, hope he gets on for a decent chunk of time in the second half.

I'd go for
Vicario

Spence
Danso
Gray
Udogie

Sarr
Maddison
Bergvall

Tel
Scarlett
Johnson

But he will likely play Son instead of Dane.
 
Notabadsquad said:
When we win
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Robert Redford Nod GIF
 
TheSpurEst said:
No I mean Son could come on vs tired legs in this one, that would be fine (you can also look at my previous post from few minutes before - I left him out from my pick to starting XI). I just did not agree with the part like Odobert would have done something so special or influential to say something like that about his vs Son performance.

I do like Odobert. But last time around he came on for 10. I would prefer his next one to be like 30 minutes or so. It is not just that he returned from injury. He returned from 3,5 months injury pause. That is a massive one. And in fact - his last start was on 1st of September. Over 5,5 moths ago. So again, in my view I would feel more comfortable with him going step-by-step.

So yea - I'd go with more creative players of Tel on left and Kulu on right with Madders supporting from midfield and Scarlett being the central battling ram. But I agree there are different ways to approach this one.
Only thing I am fully certain is that we need someone strong and very combative in midfield (Bissouma or Bentnancur, or with little bit of stretch maybe Sarr who is not much of a bully but has low center of gravity and can shoulder off bigger lads than himself).
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I can definitely hear the argument about Odobert needing to come back in slowly. I think this will be his 3rd week of full training tho. I’m not sure how much more careful we can be with him….

Can’t agree with Tel on the left tbh. Bayern media told us he’s a striker and he looks and moves like a striker to me. I can’t see him starting anywhere other than CF for us now.
Maybe get Scarlett on around 70mins to give Tel a rest before City though.

The midfield balance is really tough. I’m only really confident that Maddison and Bergvall have to start. With Gray, he’s earned a shot but can also see the case for the physicality of Benta/Biss. My issue is, if Gray can’t start CM vs Ipswich, when can he?

Fwiw I think Gray is playing CB until Romero/VDV return anyway. Atm he’s the only player who can play there other than Davies and Danso.


Vic
Porro Danso Davies Spence
Biss
Bergvall Maddison
Kulusevski Tel Son

That’s probably what we see but I’d really like to see what Odobert brings to that team for Son.
 
Richard Arlison said:
I'd say Bergvall, Maddison and Spence were the 3 that looked in form vs UTD. They start for sure.

After that, Tel has to start at CF, then the only 2 positions we are debating are Son and Bissouma.

Biss has actively cost us with some of his recent performances. Son will probably start but Odobert isn't a rookie, he has. a full season of PL football under his belt and has the exact skill set that will cause Ipswich problems if they stand off our wide players. Tbh Odobert was signed for exactly these types of games.
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Okay, all fair.

Odobert is just back from a long injury lay-off. I would be staggered if he started.
 
Richard Arlison said:
I can definitely hear the argument about Odobert needing to come back in slowly. I think this will be his 3rd week of full training tho. I’m not sure how much more careful we can be with him….

Can’t agree with Tel on the left tbh. Bayern media told us he’s a striker and he looks and moves like a striker to me. I can’t see him starting anywhere other than CF for us now.
Maybe get Scarlett on around 70mins to give Tel a rest before City though.

The midfield balance is really tough. I’m only really confident that Maddison and Bergvall have to start. With Gray, he’s earned a shot but can also see the case for the physicality of Benta/Biss. My issue is, if Gray can’t start CM vs Ipswich, when can he?

Fwiw I think Gray is playing CB until Romero/VDV return anyway. Atm he’s the only player who can play there other than Davies and Danso.


Vic
Porro Danso Davies Spence
Biss
Bergvall Maddison
Kulusevski Tel Son

That’s probably what we see but I’d really like to see what Odobert brings to that team for Son.
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I don't know, I saw some quite quick movements from Tel from the left.
Ideally sure - he should play up top. But in my lineup I put him there soley to give Sonny rest. And I am bit worried about Odobert recovery. I do not know how careful we are or should be, but fact is that week ago he was put on just for few minutes...

Regarding Gray getting chance in midfield - well I would have personally wanted to see him start as #6 somewhere in EL. But that did not happen due to combination of decision of not including Spence to squad + defensive injuries. Going forward I'd first like him to be used in this position for maybe like 25 minutes at the end of the game or so. It might be Ipswich but it is still an EPL game. And away one too. In EPL would most likely just feel comfortable him starting in unfamiliar position like against Southampton at home most likely.

I can get on board with this lineup you added already. As I pointed out, it has lot more physical presence in midfield and up top. Though, hear me out again - what if we use Kulu as #9 and then Johnson and Tel on wings? :D (just to give Sonny time off?) .
 
TheSpurEst said:
I don't know, I saw some quite quick movements from Tel from the left.
Ideally sure - he should play up top. But in my lineup I put him there soley to give Sonny rest. And I am bit worried about Odobert recovery. I do not know how careful we are or should be, but fact is that week ago he was put on just for few minutes...

Regarding Gray getting chance in midfield - well I would have personally wanted to see him start as #6 somewhere in EL. But that did not happen due to combination of decision of not including Spence to squad + defensive injuries. Going forward I'd first like him to be used in this position for maybe like 25 minutes at the end of the game or so. It might be Ipswich but it is still an EPL game. And away one too. In EPL would most likely just feel comfortable him starting in unfamiliar position like against Southampton at home most likely.

I can get on board with this lineup you added already. As I pointed out, it has lot more physical presence in midfield and up top. Though, hear me out again - what if we use Kulu as #9 and then Johnson and Tel on wings? :D (just to give Sonny time off?) .
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I’ve been in favor of Kulu false 9 for a while.

Don’t think we will see it though. Tel is playing CF for now from what I’ve seen. If you think about it, Solanke at 27/28 and Tel 19/20 is a pretty optimal CF rotation because Tel is good enough to push Solanke and give him rest to stay fit but also young enough that he’s not demanding to start every game if Solanke is scoring goals
 
McCOYS said:
McKenna is only 13 points behind Postecoglou.
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FTFY.
A club that in 21/22 finished 11th in league 1 when McKenna took over. Spurs finished 4th in the premier league that season. You can work out the number of clubs in between.

And now he’s 13 points and 6 places behind Tottenham Hotspur the 9th richest club in the world.

Just incredible isn’t it. No wonder he’s on our radar.
 
WillWilliams said:
FTFY.
A club that in 21/22 finished 11th in league 1 when McKenna took over. Spurs finished 4th in the premier league that season. You can work out the number of clubs in between.

And now he’s 13 points and 6 places behind Tottenham Hotspur the 9th richest club in the world.

Just incredible isn’t it. No wonder he’s on our radar.
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He doesn't seem to be cutting it the PL, but then again Postecoglou isn't too impressive either,

Under Andoni Iraola Bournemouth are 5th. I think Levy would be more interested in him than Mckenna, There's also Marco Silva doing relatively well.

I'd be surprised if McKenna is above those two in Levy's thinking.
 
A lot of people keep putting Gray in the team as the #6. I get it, we all want to see him there but Ange has not shown any inclination to put him there even when he's had an opportunity to. My gut feel is that the #6 is Ange's system carries a lot of responsibility, more so that any other position. I expect that because he has not played there for us all season that Ange is probably thinking long term about transitioning him to the #6 next season and give him a full pre season playing there. For Ipswich, I expect the same team that lined up against United. If Danso or Davies can't go then Gray will step in. If Bentancur can't go then Biss or Sarr will step in. For the first time in months I feel confident of 3 points.
 
McCOYS said:
He doesn't seem to be cutting it the PL, but then again Postecoglou isn't too impressive either,

Under Andoni Iraola Bournemouth are 5th. I think Levy would be more interested in him than Mckenna, There's also Marco Silva doing relatively well.

I'd be surprised if McKenna is above those two in Levy's thinking.
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Bit harsh don't you think?

You have to factor in that he's managing Ipswich, are they doing worse than you'd expect them to be?
 
_mehstg said:
A lot of people keep putting Gray in the team as the #6. I get it, we all want to see him there but Ange has not shown any inclination to put him there even when he's had an opportunity to. My gut feel is that the #6 is Ange's system carries a lot of responsibility, more so that any other position. I expect that because he has not played there for us all season that Ange is probably thinking long term about transitioning him to the #6 next season and give him a full pre season playing there. For Ipswich, I expect the same team that lined up against United. If Danso or Davies can't go then Gray will step in. If Bentancur can't go then Biss or Sarr will step in. For the first time in months I feel confident of 3 points.
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I agree you cannot just throw Gray into midfield having not played there all season and as far as I aware he played RB at Leeds last season. Unless he has had plenty of practice in training in midfield which I doubt he continues to play across the back line.
 
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