A while away but I think there's a few question marks worth debating, for our last 'practise' game before the season starts.
With Pedro and Hazard injured, there's potential to try something different against Arsenal, whether that be starting Boga/Musonda or Morata playing off Batshuayi as he did against Inter, or playing two up top. No Moses means a shift around in defence too.
I think it would be a good opportunity to start one of Boga/Musonda against Arsenal if we keep with a 3-4-3. We looked better against Inter when they both came on. I'm not sure which one I'd choose, I'd be happy with either. Boga has had more gametime in pre season and Musonda is just back from injury. Boga is also definitely stronger and, I believe, more of a goal threat (more powerful strike and better runs off the ball). The muscle he's put on, though, has made him loss some of his acceleration and definitely speed. Musonda is more explosive and unpredictable than him - that does make me think he's better off the bench, as an impact sub.
(This debate raises a further question worthy of another discussion on, I think there's only space for one of these two in our squad next season, it would be counter productive to have both competing against each other. At this point it seems liklier Boga will go on loan)
If one of Boga/Musonda start, it means Morata vs Batshuayi for CF. Again I'd be happy with either, there's arguements for both. I think I'd go with Morata who's yet to start as CF in pre season, Bats has had that chance.
And with Moses suspended our only real option is to play Azpi there right now. This opens up a place for Rudiger / Christensen. I'd prefer Christensen especially if you see it as Rudiger covers LCB and Christensen covers RCB..but I think it is v likely Rudiger will start.
Too long didn't read, I'd play
Courtois
Christensen Luiz Cahill
Azpi Kante Fabregas Alonso
Willian Morata Boga
But I think Conte will play the same with Rudiger for Christensen and Bats for Boga (with Morata playongba withdrawn role again).
Team Against Arsenal
posted on 31/7/17
Biggish with Moses suspended who do you suggest we play there?
soccer?lol.
posted on 31/7/17
comment by BrummieBlue! (U3487)
posted 14 minutes ago
comment by SWTN - Judas is number 1 (U7916)
posted 3 minutes ago
It makes no sense to play Azpi out of position and going by the pre season games, it looks like Conte may see Christensen as cover for Luiz first and foremost.
----------------------------------------------------------
He made that mistake at Old Trafford Biggish, when we lost Alonso late on.
Instead of drafting some one directly into LWB, he moved Dave out of right side of the back three, that had played so well together all season to cover him, thus disrupting us in two positions!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes that is why i am agst it
posted on 31/7/17
comment by soccerlol (U7650)
posted 15 minutes ago
Biggish with Moses suspended who do you suggest we play there?
soccer?lol.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Well i will be honest and admit i forgot that Moses is suspended, but i think Willian can play wing back.
We could play 3-5-2 with Morata and Bats up front
posted on 31/7/17
comment by BrummieBlue! (U3487)
posted 1 hour, 48 minutes ago
And with Moses suspended our only real option is to play Azpi there right now.
----------------------------------------
I would love to see that thrown open to Dujon Sterling, IMO the brightest prospect in our academy for his age!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Same, I was thinking as I typed he'd be ideal. But he wasn't used for the first team in pre season, his professional debut still looks a while off, maybe a January loan. I think while talented he benefits a lot from being stronger and more aggressive than his peers, ready for men's football
posted on 31/7/17
Yeah BK, I think we missed a trick not including him in pre season, I definitely think he would be a good fit as Moses back up!
posted on 31/7/17
Sterling was in England under-19 Eropean Championship, which they won.
Otherwise would have been on pre-season tour with first team.
posted on 31/7/17
Fikayo Tomori and Jake Clarke Salter were in the U20s that won their World Cup in S Korea, yet they were still in the pre season squad!
posted on 31/7/17
Difference with u20s is their tournament ended early June, in time to have a little break then start pre-season training with squad in July.
u19s tournament started early July and ended mid-July, by which time pre-season was already in operation.
posted on 31/7/17
Yeah, your right mf.
I was getting mixed up with the U17s tournament in Croatia in May!
posted on 1/8/17
comment by SWTN - Judas is number 1 (U7916)
posted 10 hours, 24 minutes ago
comment by soccerlol (U7650)
posted 15 minutes ago
Biggish with Moses suspended who do you suggest we play there?
soccer?lol.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Well i will be honest and admit i forgot that Moses is suspended, but i think Willian can play wing back.
We could play 3-5-2 with Morata and Bats up front
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I'd like to see Morata & Bats in a pairing....they could gel well