Shroppie

True. And Austin isn't good at holding the ball up - it rarely sticks. Even Long is better. Haven't seen enough of Gallagher to judge how he'd fare in the lone role, but I was surprised and impressed with the way Gabbi held the ball and took pressure off us towards the end of the Swansea game last season. Not only did he score the crucial goal, he really helped protect it. That's why I think he's head and shoulders above the others - mobile, intelligent, normally sharp when he gets a chance and able to link with the midfield. If he can get an understanding with Elyounoussi, Armstrong, JWP he'll be the key to unlocking defences. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

I'd buy either of those, but prefer the 433. Would also hope JWP would get some time. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

With one striker, it doesn't mean you don't have anyone else getting into goal-scoring positions. Our problem last season was that the midfield were so drilled in the defence first philosophy that they didn't get into the box or make runs in support of the striker. We saw last Wednesday that Armstrong, Elyounoussi and JWP can get into those positions when they're encouraged to. If we're well on top Elyounoussi can be a second striker. That to me is better than needing Austin to move and create for his strike partner - he just doesn't do it. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Hopefully, yes. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Pretty well sums up the way I feel too. Three at the back requires mobile, pacy defenders who can cover wide since the FBs need to push up. Yoshida can do that, maybe Stephens, so those two plus Vestergaard might just do it. But I agree that Yoshida and Vestergaard in a four, allowing DM cover and a space for a creative AM looks better. I'd be very happy to see something like McCarthy (agree Gunn soon) Cedric/Targett Yoshida Vestergaard Bertrand Romeu Hojbjerg Three from Elyounoussi, JWP, Armstrong, Redmond, Sims Gabbiadini (Austin too static, Long too wasteful, Gallagher possible but maybe not yet) Please not Hoedt, Bednarek and Vestergaard Please not two strikers, isolated. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Or smashing us in terms of throwing money at players. I'll judge their success on how good their buys turn out to be, not on how much they've spent. We've already seen stupid amounts being paid for average players, just because there's money sloshing around. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

No Yoshida? Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Pretty well agree with that, but would play Gabbiadini up front and replace him with JWP/Redmond. And yes, Maya for captain. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Yoshida has to be miles ahead of Stephens, surely? Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Btw, mods, would be good to have just one build-up thread? Think we've got at least three. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

We've got to the end of pre-season with quite a few issues that still seem unresolved. Keeper: McCarthy has had a couple of slips which were surprising after his end-of-season form. Still think he'll start, but at least we've got a strong backup and Gunn will be breathing down his neck. CB: Without Maya, and even persisting with three Cbs, we're slow and vulnerable to through balls. Only Stephens is reasonably quick, but suspect in the air. Can a combination be found that will look solid? Maybe Yoshida/Vestergaard/Stephens where we are against quality opposition who will play through us, swap Stephens for Hoedt/Bednarek where we're expecting an aerial attack. And Bertrand could be an option but it's a bit sad if we need him when there are five CBs on the books The other big question is whether Hughes will persist with three. Looks likely as it's been that way all pre-season but I'd rather go back to two, allowing two DM and attacking options. With three at the back the wing backs need to get forward. Yesterday they stayed so high up the pitch that the space behind them was easy to exploit, especially with no CB pace to cover. Full/wing backs: If something's going on with Cedric, we've got a gap to fill and have tried Reed, JWP, Targett and McQueen there. Targett looked the best on Weds, but weaker defensively yesterday. Maybe would work in a four. DM: Romeu must start although he's not up to his old standard. We need that bite. Lemina doesn't seem at the races. Head elsewhere? Think we have to persist with Hojbjerg but he's not inspiring confidence. JWP seems busier and links play well, but I'm not sure it's his position. AM: On paper, we've got lots of options but we need a combination that can work together. Remembering last season where Boufal, Redmond and Tadic together never worked, we need at least one who can hold, recycle and play in the others. I really don't know who will start next week, and I'm not sure MH knows either. I'd probably favour Armstrong, Elyounoussi and JWP, although Redmond could be an option if his commitment is there. Strikers: I hope the two striker experiment is over. Every time we've tried it we just have two isolated strikers. Gabbiadini and Long will work and move to create chances but Austin doesn't bring enough. For me, Gabbiadini is head and shoulders above the others. Long can join him from the bench if needed. So I really haven't a clue who'll start, but I'd go with McCarthy Targett/Cedric Yoshida Vestergaard Bertrand Romeu Hojbjerg Ward-Prowse Armstrong Elyounoussi Gabbiadini Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

I'd take Austin off. He's done little. I keep reading that if you give him service, he'll score, but it's not enough in the modern game to be waiting around fir a chance. Every player has to be part of the creative process, and he isn't. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

He's not everyone's favourite, but JWP is needed to hold things together and bring some coherence. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Correct. Sky text tells me the only thing that has happened is a BMG sub. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

His hold-up play against Swansea was a revelation. Better in that respect than Charlie. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

And this one. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

That site upsets my virus protection very much. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Still haven't got mine. Carrier pigeon service to Shropshire not working well. [emoji852]️ Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

I'd say Stephens is best positionally and on the ground, but weak in the air. Hoedt is stronger in the air but poor positionally and dithers. Bednarek is a bit of everything, but has had good games when it comes together. Until Vestergaard proves himself (I think he's an upgraded Hoedt) Maya is our best CB. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Inconsistent. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Good shout. I'd hope JWP would get some time after his performance on Weds, but it's hard to see how to fit him in. If we're playing three/five at the back maybe he could replace Lemina. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Very likely. They've had one bid rejected Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Looks like Jack Cork could have won it for them. A player I was sorry to see go. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Watching their game tonight. Struggling against a SPL team and look very vulnerable to pace down the wings. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

There's nothing arbitrary about that. My point is clear. During his games in charge, the defence improved significantly. And please don't shout. It doesn't make your argument any more valid. Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk