Owls vs Stoke City

Just another Wim Jonk!

Don't start! It's a small step from him to Gerald Sibon....then I just go on automatic rant.

Cheers Mr. Long. Maybe it's time I joined the 21st century with this Twitter malarchy.

While you guys prattle on about each other, I'll have a go at answering the question.
Very dull game, not much inspiration from either side. Stoke played most of first team in 1st half then changed all 11 for 2nd half. Owls used pretty much their likely starting line-up but with triallist Tsoumou instead of Madine. Tsoumou started brightly, chasing with enthusiasm (but, hell, I could do that) but showed nothing that looked particularly useful and missed the chance of the game - 5 yards out, only keeper to beat, only had to knock it either side of him but fluffed it and let it bobble into keepers arms. Weaver pulled off a save from Kenwynne, one-on-one, they smashed one against the bar - that was it for goalmouth action in 90 mins! Performances? Almost everyone played well, especially Baath, Buxton, JJ and Sedgewick (never thought I'd say that) in a role that had him playing more centrally than usual. JJ looked phenomenal - presumably playing for a contract with Stoke. By far the most exciting player on the pitch till he went off and was replaced by Palmer who also played well (good enough to displace Sedgewick from starting line up next week IMO). Only disappointment was Bennett who contributed little and was often found wanting positionally. This became more obvious as game wore on - he seemed to be utterly knackered and by the end was stretching as if he had cramp. Seems like he's not fit enough. Semedo had to limp off - hope it's not serious. No other obvious injuries.
Stoke didn't look much better than us. I didn't see anyone who looked like someone we should buy (!) except Kenwynne in 1st half and Pennant in 2nd half

I'd disagree totally with Bennet, thought he played really well. Some of his crosses were superb and they didn't get in behind him much. As a unit, the back four were great and I'd love it if we could keep all fit for the full campaign.
I liked Tommy, but Bennet is head and shoulders a better play thus far IMO. He's quick, strong, decent enough on the ball, and doesn't shirk a 50/50 for a second.
Anyone know what Semedo situation is? Would be a big miss.

I think that we had nine players up to speed to win L1. Unfortunately we played without any strikers.

I think that Sedgwick could do a job this season. I would use Palmer from the bench initially and in JPT matches, bringing in him gradually as the team gets more confident in the way that Jack Charlton brought Kevin Taylor into the team in the 79/80 promotion season.

I think that if Madine has a decent partner, we should get off to a decent start because one goal will win most matches with our defence being so solid now.

Morrison's been a terrible signing in hindsight hasn't he. Going back to when we got him, i thought he'd rip this league apart but what a let down.
I'm not convinced with Madine, and would ideally not have him in my 11, but if it's between the two of them, Morrison would be nowhere near.
I'd like a Dion Burton type player to come in and link the play - Madine is hopeless at that.

We signed Morrison just after he became a busted flush. He relied on pace. Sadly, that has gone.

Madine scored 19 goals in his first full season as a 19 year old. That suggests that with a decent service, he should top 20 goals this season particularly with a decent partner to take the pressure off him.

Thanks very much for the answers. . I didn't know about Semedo ....

Help needed.

I'm doing my dreamteam & not sure who your first choice CB's are. If Woodgate plays (which i assume he'll be the main CB), who will he partner, Shawcross or Huth?