Starting XI for Sheff Utd?

[univofchicago]

I'd be happy with that

Anyway, don't listen to me, I'm rubbish at this kind of stuff

I don't think its rubbish at all.

As I said earlier, it just goes to show how our summer signings have opened up different "possibilites". It's a good sign.

[Red_Polo]

-------------REINA-------------
-FINNAN-CARRA-HYYPIA-AURELIO-
GERRARD-ALONSO-SISSOKO-RIISE
--------BELLAMY-CROUCH-------

Subs: Carson, Alves, Palletta, Gonzalez, Fowler

[El Jefecito]

I'd be happy with that

The way I see it is, Rafa has to find a way of playing Momo, Xabi and Gerrard in his first choice XI. These 3 really dominate the midfield when they play together.
If we sign Alves then Gerrard won't be on the right, which I agree with. I think he's wasted on the right.
So if we take it as read that there will be 5 midfielders then we either have 4 defenders and 1 striker or 3 defenders and 2 strikers. I like to see 2 strikers.

Anyway, don't listen to me, I'm rubbish at this kind of stuff

With the number of options we have in midfield now the real question is going to be whether or not the opposition warrants Momo+Xabi+Gerrard.

I think even more so than last year there will not be a first team. The players and formation will be specifically chose for the oppostion.

At this point I'm thinking that against Sheff Utd Gerrard and Xabi will be enough. It'll be an entirely different matter when we come up against the big guns tho'

BTW I'm rubbish at this stuff too

[univofchicago]

we definitely have the depth to play 3 at the back now.

That's a great point speedy!

Now that we have Agger AND Paletta we have the depth to play 3 at the back.

But don't forget that the addition of Aurelio and hopefully Alves will also help that cause as well. To play 3 at the back, you need wing-backs who can attack as well as defend. Alves and Aurelio provides just that.

I won't be surprised if Benitez opts for the 3-back formation more often this season...

[El Jefecito]

That's a great point speedy!

Now that we have Agger AND Paletta we have the depth to play 3 at the back.

But don't forget that the addition of Aurelio and hopefully Alves will also help that cause as well. To play 3 at the back, you need wing-backs who can attack as well as defend. Alves and Aurelio provides just that.

I won't be surprised if Benitez opts for the 3-back formation more often this season...

Agree, that's why I'm much more interested in getting Alves than any of the alternatives as it gives us that option. I just don't see Finnan and KK giving us enough attacking prowess to properly exploit that formation.

[Shanks65]

I really liked what I saw of Agger last season too. we definitely have the depth to play 3 at the back now. Hopefully, Agger can get past these nagging injuries so we get a chance to see how much he has progressed. The idea of a ball playing center back just excites me.

Have to say, I'm pretty worried about Agger. He's already been injured for longer than Sami has ever been injured! I hope he's not one of those players who is always dogged by these niggles, because a centre back cannot afford to be in and out of a top notch team.

[G_Man]

Ever since the sale of Barragan, I've been quietly convinced that Rafa has already got Alves with just the 'i's' to dot and the 't's' to cross. The indication is Alves wants to leave, Rafa certainly wants Alves and I think Parry will negotiate for a little longer and when push comes to shove he'll secure the deal.
I think we were in a similar situation last season with Simao but the player didn't want to leave as much as Alves does. Just my opinion of course.

I'm looking forward to seeing Anderson at some point this season too, maybe in the league cup or something.

[univofchicago]

Agree, that's why I'm much more interested in getting Alves than any of the alternatives as it gives us that option. I just don't see Finnan and KK giving us enough attacking prowess to properly exploit that formation.

I'm sure Benitez will think the same as well. Hopefully Benitez has everything planned out with regards to the Alves transfer.

[univofchicago]

Have to say, I'm pretty worried about Agger. He's already been injured for longer than Sami has ever been injured! I hope he's not one of those players who is always dogged by these niggles, because a centre back cannot afford to be in and out of a top notch team.

I was worried too for a while. But the arrival of Paletta has just about quashed my worries. I have high hopes for Agger as week, but it is Paletta that really excites me at the moment.

[El Jefecito]

I'm looking forward to seeing Anderson at some point this season too, maybe in the league cup or something.

Yeah me too, he was great in the ressies last year. He was pretty poor against Wrexham, but notched it up a gear against Crewe. I'm hoping as he progresses through pre-season he'll improve enough to even make a few EPL games as well.

BTW He does seem to have bulked up a bit since last season and that can only help his chances.

[univofchicago]

I'm looking forward to seeing Anderson at some point this season too, maybe in the league cup or something.

Yes, we've got some quality youngsters in the team this season, hopefully anderson, hammill, hobbs & co will get a decent run-in at the cups. Or even better, win the league with 4-5 games to spare and throw the youngsters in against the big boys. That would be nice...hehe

[G_Man]

Have to say, I'm pretty worried about Agger. He's already been injured for longer than Sami has ever been injured! I hope he's not one of those players who is always dogged by these niggles, because a centre back cannot afford to be in and out of a top notch team.

Agree shanks, he has got a touch of the old sicknote about him but time is on his side, Sami continues to put in top notch performances and Carra is Mr. Consistency. I think he'll come good and with Paletta and Agger I think Rafa has pulled off 2 masterstrokes. The thing to remember about Agger is how he had Rooney in his pocket in the international against Denmark, he's got loads of potential.

[Shanks65]

I was worried too for a while. But the arrival of Paletta has just about quashed my worries. I have high hopes for Agger as week, but it is Paletta that really excites me at the moment.

Yeah Paletta seems like a proper "no nonsense" defender from the friendlies thus far.



(we really need a cheerleader style smiley in here!)

[WILF]

Team for Sheff U

.............Reina............
Finnan..Carra..Sami..JAR
......Xabi........Momo.....
Stevie...Bellamy....Speedy
.............Crouch............

Total guess of course, who knows what Rafa will pick

[REDSCOUSER]

Baring any injuries in pre-season I expect to see this team vs WarnCOCKs team

Reina

Finnan
Hyppia
Carragher
Aurelio

Gerrard
Sissoko
Alonso
Riise

Bellamy
Crouch

I think RAFA will play 442 most of the time even away from home unless it's a bigger team.