Starting XI vs Man City

[London Saint]

I know its early days, but with the Man City game just one month away what do you reckon our new look starting XI will look like?

Davis

Clyne Fonte Hooiveld Fox

Puncheon/Guly S.Davis Morgan Lallana

Lambert Sharp

[trousers]

I'm convinced (in a 'just a hunch' kinda way) that Adkins will have Ward-Prowse in the starting line-up vs City. I'm getting the impression during pre-season that he's being fast tracked into the 'first 11' for this coming season.

That said, who I would drop to accomodate him I haven't a clue!

[HurleyBurley]

Can't see J-Rod not starting personally also think it will be more 4-3-3 /4-5-1

--------------Davis
Clyne - Fonte - Hoovield - Fox
----Davis Morgan Lallana
Puncheon/Guly ----- J Rodriguez
----------Lambert

[Saint_clark]

I'd really like to see De Ridder come on leaps and bounds this year and with a full seasons experience he could well do it. If he hasn't overly impressed in pre-season though, and we haven't signed anyone else, I'll be amazed if it isn't Guly starting right midfield.

[Roger]

Davis/new keeper
Clyne new cb jos buttner
New rw Davis Morgan Lallana
Lambert jay-rod

Subs
Davis/new keeper
Sharp
Fox
Fonte
Cork
Guly
De ridder/puncheon

[Roger]

Davis/new keeper
Clyne new cb jos buttner
New rw Davis Morgan Lallana
Lambert jay-rod

Subs
Davis/new keeper
Sharp
Fox
Fonte
Cork
Guly
De ridder/puncheon

Saying that Adkins likes to make people wait tip they are integrated so subs will prob be buttner and new cb

[Sour Mash]

Can't see J-Rod not starting personally also think it will be more 4-3-3 /4-5-1

--------------Davis
Clyne - Fonte - Hoovield - Fox
----Davis Morgan Lallana
Puncheon/Guly ----- J Rodriguez
----------Lambert

I think we are definitely looking at playing 4-2-3-1, but Lallana would be part of the "3", linking up with the forward. Just think it might be a struggle keeping Sharp, Lambert, Rodriquez and Lee happy when playing that way, going to limit their chances. Also, although it's still early days, Lambert seems to be the lease sharp out of the main forwards from the bits I've seen.

[ottery st mary]

Davis
Clyne Fonte Hooiveld Fox

Morgan

Davis Lallana

Lambert
Sharp J Rod

Subs From (Lee when fit)

GK Mannone (HUNCH)
Ward-Prowse
Chambers
Shaw
Hammond
Harding
Seaborne
Stephens
Reeves
Chaplow
Guly
Puncheon
Butterfield
De Ridder


Guly/Chambers/Ward-Prowse ( ONE FROM THREE )Will play if Davis not fit/clearance not received

[saintoaks]

Got to admit, after watching the first game from the weekend and the first half from last nights game, im a touch worried about the lack of pace from our centre backs, especially with the likes of Aguero/Tevez ect..

Anyway, we are not expected to get anything from the game are we !! (Saints are 14-1 to beat City, worth a few quid in my eyes)

[Born In The 80s]

When does Cork get back from the Olympics? Will he be available for the City game? Competition for places is good in the middle - interesting to see who Adkins goes with as his preferred 2.

[beavis17]

Davis
Clyne Fonte Hooiveld Fox

Morgan

Davis Lallana

Lambert
Sharp J Rod

Subs From (Lee when fit)

GK Mannone (HUNCH)
Ward-Prowse
Chambers
Shaw
Hammond
Harding
Seaborne
Stephens
Reeves
Chaplow
Guly
Puncheon
Butterfield
De Ridder


Guly/Chambers/Ward-Prowse ( ONE FROM THREE )Will play if Davis not fit/clearance not received

Cork?

[ottery st mary]

Cork?

Sorry forgot..

With GB squad for Gold medal then on a World tour with Britain has got talent.

Cork Lee and a few others will be in and around the team Eleven..

Soooooo many to choose from....Good luck NA

[Sparky_Mark]

I have a funny feeling NA likes Ward-Prowse and Shaw and I think one of the two will start the first game, just a hunch I have!

[Thedelldays]

think about what some of you are saying..

he is not going to start any of them at man city is he

[Saint Charlie]

Be suprised if more than one of Lambert, Jay and Sharp start the game.

[Le Goddard]

------------Davis------------

Clyne----Fonte--Jos-----Fox

----------Morgan------------

--Punch----Davis----Lallana

---Lambert-------J Rod------

[Born In The 80s]

------------Davis------------

Clyne----Fonte--Jos-----Fox

----------Morgan------------

--Punch----Davis----Lallana

---Lambert-------J Rod------

Far far too attacking. That team would lose 5-1.

Now we're in the big league, there is going to be far greater emphasis on tactics when we're coming up against the top sides (especially away from home). It would be foolish to go into this game with 2 strikers. I'd suggest/predict something more like this...

----------------Davis

Clyne ---- Fonte --- Jos ----- Fox

----Morgan --- Davis -- Cork-----

Guly-----------------------Lallana

------------Lambert----------

Question mark at Guly and Cork's positions. Perhaps you could play Jay Rod in place of Guly, but i very much doubt Adkins is stupid enough to go into a game with Man City with such an attacking mindset.

[trousers]

think about what some of you are saying..

he is not going to start any of them at man city is he

You may well turn out to be right sir. We'll see.

[Saint Charlie]

-------------------Davis-----------------

Clyne-------Jose---------Jos/New Signing----Fox

------------Morgan--------Davis------------------

-------------------Lallana--------------------------

Lens/New Signing-------------------------Guly-----

------------------Lambert/Jay Rod-----------------

[DJ_TOAST]

I'm wondering how long it will take to gel with the new players.
Our current squad from the last few seasons have worked well together but they took a while to gel.

[merrimd]

-------------------Davis-----------------

Clyne-------Jose---------Jos/New Signing----Fox

------------Morgan--------Davis------------------

-------------------Lallana--------------------------

Lens/New Signing-------------------------Guly-----

------------------Lambert/Jay Rod-----------------

I would expect any new CB to be pushing for Fonte's place rather than Jos's.

Plus I am amazed no one seems to think Cork will start. swap Guly for Llallana and stick Cork in the middle and you may be pretty close.

[This Charming Man]

Schemichael

Clyne Fonte Upson Buttner

Lens Davis Morgan Johnson

Lallana

Lambert

[Webby]

Form and formation will dictate who will play.

IMO, no matter which keeper we happen to sign, Davis will start, barring injury. I think he has deserved his chance.

I think we'll play four at the back... Clyne, fonte, jos and fox, however, against City I don't know whether we'll play 433, 442 or 451, so that will obviously affect the players we play.

[Webby]

Got to admit, after watching the first game from the weekend and the first half from last nights game, im a touch worried about the lack of pace from our centre backs, especially with the likes of Aguero/Tevez ect..

Anyway, we are not expected to get anything from the game are we !! (Saints are 14-1 to beat City, worth a few quid in my eyes)

I had a dream a couple of weeks ago that we beat city 1-0 in a smash and grab victory!

[Saint Garrett]

Why would we not go into the game with Man City game without 2 strikers. We're expected to get battered anyway. I'd prefer us to lost having had a go than lose not even having a shot...

[Webby]

Why would we not go into the game with Man City game without 2 strikers. We're expected to get battered anyway. I'd prefer us to lost having had a go than lose not even having a shot...

Ignoring your double negative, it's better to have one striker that you can get the ball to, than two that you can't, with the extra man in midfield. 451 is not necessarily a negative formation.

[adriansfc]

Got to admit, after watching the first game from the weekend and the first half from last nights game, im a touch worried about the lack of pace from our centre backs, especially with the likes of Aguero/Tevez ect..

Anyway, we are not expected to get anything from the game are we !! (Saints are 14-1 to beat City, worth a few quid in my eyes)

You can't worry about Aguero and Tevez. Certainly not basing signings around it. Strikers like that can make the best defenders in the world look silly. You just have to up your game and hope they have an off day. Signings who can defend against the bottom 10-12 teams are plenty good enough. Still means expensive signings.

Really can't see us 4-4-2 v City. Could get destroyed that way. I imagine 3 from Morgan, Cork, Hammond, Davis and Ward-Prowse will play. Lallana behind 2 strikers. All width can come from full backs or Lallana and Lambert drifting out wide as they tend to.

[adriansfc]

Why would we not go into the game with Man City game without 2 strikers. We're expected to get battered anyway. I'd prefer us to lost having had a go than lose not even having a shot...

Lambert can drop deep so it's fine. But 2 strikers doesn't always mean attack. Look at England v Italy. They kept 2 up top for some reason, despite rarely having the ball, leaving the rest of the team struggling and midfield overrun. They weren't more likely to score with 2 up front, it was just an extra wasted player.

[Saint Garrett]

Yes but I wouldnt say we ever really played a specific formation last year, as our players were all over the place, which is why teams found it hard to play against us.

[JibMcdo]

---------------------Davis

Clyne-------New CB---------Hooiveld----------Fox

Guly--------Morgan-----------Davis----------Lallana

--------------------Lambert

-------------------Rodriguez

New GK
Richardson
Fonte
Cork
Hammond
New Forward
Sharp

That leaves out anymore new signings and Chambers, Chaplow, De Ridder, Ward-Prowse, Shaw, Seaborne, Stephens and the injured Lee not even in the squad. Jheeeze.

Not to mention Puncheon, Barnard, Butterfield, Dickson, Forte and Harding

[Armchair]

K.Davis, Fox and Lallana are for me probably the only guaranteed starters for the City Game based on current squad.

[Saint Garrett]

K.Davis, Fox and Lallana are for me probably the only guaranteed starters for the City Game based on current squad.

Surely based on the 'current squad', Fonte, Hooiveld, Morgan are also guarenteed starters...unless you want to start with Seaborne !?

[Bearsy]

It's cast in stone for me that Tommy Forecast will play some part in the City game. I ain't sure what's gonna happen bout the new keeper, either we won't quite get the transfer done in time or he's gonna be carrying a suspension over from last season or something.

KD will get injured in the warm up, no wait, actually KD will get sent off giving a first minute penalty away to Aguerro. Tevez steps up to take it... and Forecast saves! This gives him massive confidence boost and he goes on to play a blinder! Saint's steal a late winner through Sharp latching onto a long Tommy Forecast punt forward, famous Saints victory!

Tommy Forecast goes onto play 42 times for England.

[Armchair]

Surely based on the 'current squad', Fonte, Hooiveld, Morgan are also guarenteed starters...unless you want to start with Seaborne !?

The defence is an area of concern for me and I will hold judgement until the end of pre season. Your probably right about Morgan though.

[S-Clarke]

Davis

Clyne - New addition - Jos - Fox

New - Morgan - Davis - Lallana

Lambert - Rodriguez

[Saint Garrett]

Davis

Clyne - New addition - Jos - Fox

New - Morgan - Davis - Lallana

Lambert - Rodriguez

This.

[Saint Matty 76]

----------------------Davis---------------------

Clyne---Jose/New CB--------Hooiveld--------Fox

------------Morgan-----------Cork-------------

----------------------Davis--------------------

New Signing/Puncheon-------------------Lallana-

---------------------Lambert-------------------

Subs : New GK, New CB, Richardson, Hammond, De Ridder/New Signing, Guly, Sharp

[Saint Scott]

------------ Davis ----------

Clyne -- Fonte -- Jos -- Fox
------- Davis Morgan -------
New RW ------------ Lallana
------------ J Rod -----------
---------- Lambert ----------

[Saint Garrett]

----------------------Davis---------------------

Clyne---Jose/New CB--------Hooiveld--------Fox

------------Morgan-----------Cork-------------

----------------------Davis--------------------

New Signing/Puncheon-------------------Lallana-

---------------------Lambert-------------------

Subs : New GK, New CB, Richardson, Hammond, De Ridder/New Signing, Guly, Sharp

J-Rod ?

[Saint Matty 76]

J-Rod ?

Completely forgot! Most likely on the bench instead of Guly, would love to see us start with both J-Rod and Lambert but I can't see it happening.

[saint_ed]

Davis

Clyne - New addition - Jos - Fox

New - Morgan - Davis - Lallana

Lambert - Rodriguez

This.

One things for sure though, NA has a tough job on his hands keeping everyone happy and finding a settled side.

[adriansfc]

Think we'll see a front with with 2 roaming and 1 sticking central. Gives a couple of roles for each striker really. Adkins clearly wants to keep the ball, we like to pass it and at the top level that's tough with just 2 central midfielders.

We have some guaranteed starters though. IMO, Jos, Morgan, Lallana and Lambert will be more than good enough and show their ability this season. The rest will have stiff competition or plenty to prove, either being new signings or just not having shown enough yet. Hopefully have near 45 games to use plenty of players though.

[wireframebox]

I can see Tadanari Lee playing out on the Right...

[maysie]

Beasant
Makin Dryden Widdrington Colleter
Dia Reid Hurlock D.Lee
Moody Dixon

I'd put money on it.

[Dazza82]

------------Davis----------
Clyne--Fonte--Hooiveld--Fox
----Schniederlin--Davis-----
---------Ward-Prowse-----
Rodriguez------------Lallana
----------Lambert--------

[teacher]

Davis
Clyne Fonte Jos Fox
Morgan
Davis Cork
J-Rod Lallana
Lambert

[for_heaven's_Saint]

We know Adkins told Buttner he wanted an attacking full back, and Clyne certainly is that. Perhaps we might see a 5-3-2 with the wing backs providing the width and 3 in CM?

[teacher]

Davis
Clyne Fonte Jos Fox
Morgan
Davis Cork
J-Rod Lallana
Lambert

[Legod Third Coming]

Far far too attacking. That team would lose 5-1.

Now we're in the big league, there is going to be far greater emphasis on tactics when we're coming up against the top sides (especially away from home). It would be foolish to go into this game with 2 strikers. I'd suggest/predict something more like this...

----------------Davis

Clyne ---- Fonte --- Jos ----- Fox

----Morgan --- Davis -- Cork-----

Guly-----------------------Lallana

------------Lambert----------

Question mark at Guly and Cork's positions. Perhaps you could play Jay Rod in place of Guly, but i very much doubt Adkins is stupid enough to go into a game with Man City with such an attacking mindset.

Got a very nice look that side. Strength in depth.

[SuperMikey]

----------------K.DAVIS-------------
CLYNE-----FONTE------JOS------FOX
---------------MORGAN--------------
GULY----S.DAVIS----CORK---LALLANA
---------------LAMBERT-------------

Although tbh it's all up in the air at the moment. We don't know if we're going to sign a winger, a centre back or a goalkeeper who will want No.1 spot.