We've got one of the best squads we ever have.

[Ganpati's Goonerz--AFC's Aboriginal Fertility Cult]

If he picks the same midfield at Newcastle he will have a lot of explaining to do when it doesn't work.

At least we have finally found Martinelli's natural position- the bench

I'd like to see Gabby on the wing, Easy inside left and Dec inside right. While Dec might not be as naturally creative as Odin or as good a finisher, I still think he could work well with B and the FB. If he was put through on the overlap by B, he's a right footer to cross.

And having a player of Easy's quality on the left might bring out the best of Gabby in the way BW and Odin got the best out of B for years. And with a Ricky C galloping forward as opposed to tucking into MF like Zinny, the Gabby-Easy-Ricky left triangles might give us options.

Vik also likes to come out to the left at times. Let's try to bring him into the game by creating 3 on 2 or 4 on 3 overloads on the left.

[Peter]

I'd like to see Gabby on the wing, Easy inside left and Dec inside right. While Dec might not be as naturally creative as Odin or as good a finisher, I still think he could work well with B and the FB. If he was put through on the overlap by B, he's a right footer to cross.

And having a player of Easy's quality on the left might bring out the best of Gabby in the way BW and Odin got the best out of B for years. And with a Ricky C galloping forward as opposed to tucking into MF like Zinny, the Gabby-Easy-Ricky left triangles might give us options.

Vik also likes to come out to the left at times. Let's try to bring him into the game by creating 3 on 2 or 4 on 3 overloads on the left.

I'm still wondering what exactly MLS has done wrong......

[PSRB]

I'm still wondering what exactly MLS has done wrong......

I was literally just sat thinking that. Saw his name on Balon 'D'or Young Player list and thought what's he done wrong. I assume MA think's he still a loose defensively for the City match. I'd have preferred him in midfield ahead of Merino though

[Peter]

I was literally just sat thinking that. Saw his name on Balon 'D'or Young Player list and thought what's he done wrong. I assume MA think's he still a loose defensively for the City match. I'd have preferred him in midfield ahead of Merino though

Too loose to start at home against Leeds or Forest?

He may be trying to get as many games out of Calafiori as he can before he gets injured.

MLS gives you a bit more pace and versatility in midfield. Turns quickly, beats people. So I think we have our answer.

[Ganpati's Goonerz--AFC's Aboriginal Fertility Cult]

I'm still wondering what exactly MLS has done wrong......

Nothing. It's just that with Zubi, he's decided to go for a double pivot, allowing Ricky C to basically run amok wherever he wants.

With just one DM, you'd want MLS tucking in as you'd have 2 no.10s. But he played so well when we battered City at home last year. It was the early goal that killed us.

I am thinking that even without MnM instead of Odin, the Dec-Zubi double pivot is too conservative. Last year, we were sound enough defensively but didn't score. So why then go to a double pivot?

[Rich]

I'm still wondering what exactly MLS has done wrong......

Well he's not going to get in ahead of Zubimendi, is he? Nor is he going to displace Calafiori (though he will get injured soon - but even when that happens we have the 60m Hincapie to fill in).

[Peter]

Well he's not going to get in ahead of Zubimendi, is he? Nor is he going to displace Calafiori (though he will get injured soon - but even when that happens we have the 60m Hincapie to fill in).

I think my point is that he is better than Calafiori. Or, at least, rather more exciting. And not horribly slow.

[Rich]

I think my point is that he is better than Calafiori. Or, at least, rather more exciting. And not horribly slow.

I'm not sure about that. Calafiori is one of our best passers and a tremendous defender. A regular in the Italy side too these days.

MLS will never be a left back by trade. He did a job when we had no choice last season but his future lies in midfield, I am sure.

[Peter]

I'm not sure about that. Calafiori is one of our best passers and a tremendous defender. A regular in the Italy side too these days.

MLS will never be a left back by trade. He did a job when we had no choice last season but his future lies in midfield, I am sure.

I have doubts about Calafiori, particularly at left back. Slow, not particularly clever.

I wouldn't be picking him ahead of MLS. But thej I am just some **** bloke talking *******s on the Internet

[PSRB]

I have doubts about Calafiori, particularly at left back. Slow, not particularly clever.

I wouldn't be picking him ahead of MLS. But thej I am just some **** bloke talking *******s on the Internet

Ideally, I'd have White at RB and Timber/MLS on left

[Ganpati's Goonerz--AFC's Aboriginal Fertility Cult]

Ideally, I'd have White at RB and Timber/MLS on left

Cala hasn't put a foot wrong this season.

[PSRB]

Cala hasn't put a foot wrong this season.

No but that doesn't make him the best option.

[Peter]

No but that doesn't make him the best option.

Indeed. MLS barely put a foot wrong last season and put in some incredible performances.

Timber is our best full back.

[Ganpati's Goonerz--AFC's Aboriginal Fertility Cult]

No but that doesn't make him the best option.

At some point, I'd like to see just one DM and MLS inverting into MF like last season. Then have Odin and Eze as twin no.10s

[Ganpati's Goonerz--AFC's Aboriginal Fertility Cult]

Indeed. MLS barely put a foot wrong last season and put in some incredible performances.

Timber is our best full back.

I do wish JT would get forward more to link with B and Odin like BW does. That's been our most successful area for the last 3 seasons.

Can anyone remember how long Kai's out for?