Well that was a chastening experience v Citeh! Best it is forgotten.
I did the League Cup MDT for the game v Arsenal earlier in the season, so no need to talk about them too much.
The Mighty Whites will be without Shackleton, Cooper, Koch, Firpo (suspended), Pascal, KP, Bamford, Rodrigo and James. Of the players who could play are Llorente, Roberts and Rafa who are one booking away from suspension. Tyler actually has 5 bookings but am sure 1 was in the League cup so does not count.
I fully understand why MB chooses to work with a small 18 man squad + the U23s. I do get it but this is now getting ridiculous! 9 first-team players out v Arsenal and that could be 11 players out v Liverpool.
Even worse, we do not know when any may return, apart from Firpo.
IMO It is time to stop putting square pegs in round holes. Ayling serves us better as a RB than CB so I would go with
Meslier
Ayling Cresswell Llorente Dallas
Forshaw Bate
Klitch
Rafa Roberts Harrison
Subs: KK, Drameh, McCarron, Hjelde, Jenkins, Sommerville, Greenwood, Geldhart, Dean,
Bate is in as part of a double pivot for his work rate, tenacity and passing. He can also run with the ball at pace helping the opposing team to start losing their defensive shape.
No prediction as all I hope for is a decent performance that restores pride in the Famous White shirt.
Well stepped up BB and fingers crossed for ya in the hope that we will see a decent performance.
I still think Arsenal are flaky and have flattered to deceive in their games so far this season. At the start they were shocking to say the least and yes while they won their last two fixtures Southampton should have been 2 up and were well on top last Saturday but gave away the first goal quickly followed by a second and that was that. So this arsenal side is far from invincible despite having moved into 4th place recently.
Im hoping a bit of luck and would settle for a 0-0 draw but with MB we know he will want the you attack we attack approach which imho will only lead a victory to the gunners.
Then the big fat guy visits before liVARpool so after Chelski and City Saturday is our best chance in picking up some points, and we must stop the rot of picking up nothing, because the longer we go without points the quicker the games become MUST WIN.
As the saying goes winning is a habit, but sadly so too is losing, and we need to break that habit this time round.
Team selection is anyone's guess now (with so many out for one reason or another)
Meslier
Ayling
Drameh
Cresswell
Llorente
Klich
Forshaw
Dallas
Roberts
Rapha
Gelhardt
Im sticking with a 0-0 and hoping the fans will go home with an early Christmas present.
MOT
Quality MDT BB and good luck for a prolonged run.... 👍⚽
Arsenal are SO inconsistent and when they are crap they really are CRAP.... the same could be said of us I suppose!!
God knows what team we will put out but we HAVE to put Cresswell in his natural position.... what is the point of him even being on the bench otherwise!?
I've written to the FA demanding that Roberts does indeed have 5 bookings and Geldhart to take his place....
I'm going for a positive 2-1 victory with Raphinha back on form with a brace....
AAI
Good luck BB
NO prediction here either.... just a better performance will do me if we lose by the odd goal,so be it....
Go for it BB, great MDT - we need a run now!
I've tried the old Soopa curse, I've tried being optimistic - really can't say what's going to happen next....
so with respect to yourself and others I too will offer NO prediction.
I think BB has nailed the starting XI.
I'LL STAY FOR 1 FUCKING GAME UNLESS BANNED BEFORE.
1 FUCKING GAME AND THE PARTIES OVER LEEDS.
YOU'RE NOT WORTH ME.
TAKE THE VACCINE UR FU(KING SCUM.