Its going to be a long two weeks with another dull, dull, dull international break forced upon us.
Its lovely that we are sitting top of the league and all that but we are only eight league games in so I am not going to go on about it.
All in we have played almost 20 games this season so we have had a decent look at the players at our disposal. So simple question - assume we are playing celtic (and we don't already have the league wrapped up ) and everybody is fit and available - who is our starting eleven and who would you have on the bench?
Id go for;
McGregor
Tavs - Goldson - Helander - Barisic
Jacko - Davo - Aribo
Arfield - Morelos - Kent
Bench:
Foderingham, Flanno, Edmunson, Kamara, Stewart, Ojo, Defoe
In reality I would be just as happy with Katic or Edmunson in beside Goldson. Katic is a better ball winner but his weakness is probably pace/mobility. Edmunson looks the most mobile, the best in a 1 on 1 situation and a very good user of the ball - so I am split over it. We are fortunate to have four very decent CBs at the moment. Would probably go for Helander starting just for experience and balance.
If I was starting Helander I would have Edmunson on the bench ahead of Katic because he could always play holding CM in an emergency.
Worth noting - IMO Goldson gets far too much of a hard time. I think he is our best CB, best organiser and best at bringing the ball down and starting things off again. All players make mistakes and if you are the CB being charged with playing the ball out from the back there is a greater risk - I wouldn't drop him.
Best Eleven + Bench
posted on 7/10/19
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posted on 7/10/19
Interesting to note that our most expensive signings weren’t playing yesterday.
We’re definitely far stronger than last season.
Greg Stewart has been excellent and he’s really surprised me. I think Aribo can be given a break cos he’s a young player and that was his first OF game, plus the tactics were wrong in that match which may have thrown him as well.
Ojo is capable of disappointing moments but also just as capable of a winning strike. He’s also not long here so to have got five goals so far is a good return.
Great to see players coming in and looking comfortable right away. Murphy being back is very positive too.
Barisic is really coming on and that adds so much more balance to the defence and attack. Having both him and Tav over free kicks is great to have.
I’d say your team is pretty much spot on but it depends on the opposition. Having those options available is a good headache for SG to have.
Aberdeen and Hamilton players must have been having sleepless nights after the mauling they got. And McInnes saying it was the worst defeat he’s had in that job just makes it even sweeter 😁
posted on 7/10/19
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posted on 7/10/19
Special mention for Davis btw cos he’s been outstanding so far.
posted on 7/10/19
Bolton bs Blackpool finished up with Dodoo up top for Bolton and Hardie up front for Blackpool.
Least surprising 0-0 ever 😂😂😂
posted on 7/10/19
McGregor
Tavernier-Katic-Edmundson-Barasic
Jack-Davis-Arfield
Kent-Morelos-Stewart
Subs
Foderingham
Polster
Goldson/Helander
Kamara
King
Defoe
Ojo
McGregor pretty much picks himself, as does Tavernier (although that’s more for lack of an alternative in my opinion)
Centre halves are a tough choice, could make a case for any of the 4. Went with the speed and passing range of Edmundson with the aerial threat and aggression of Katic.
Barasic picks himself. Improvement in him has been brilliant.
Feel the midfield is the best blend we currently have available. Striker is a given, even with Defoe. Kent and Stewart can swap positions throughout the course of games.
Likes of Aribo and Jones in the stands, highlighting the strength that is now in the squad.
posted on 7/10/19
You know I cannot begin to express the happiness and relief that McInnes did not get the job
posted on 7/10/19
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posted on 8/10/19
I love the narrative that gets peddled that Gers fans are only saying they never wanted McInnes because they are bitter he knocked us back.
I, like so many others at the time, said we were delighted McInnes said no becaue he has never convinced he has the ability to cut it and achieve real success at a top club.
He is in his comfort zone at Pittodrie but is being found out a bit this season. If it weren't for Cosgrove constantly bailing them out they would be in even worse trouble.
posted on 8/10/19
He has no idea how to set up a team to play Celtic. Terrified of them. Fvck that for a ranger's manager