So Bamford not available for the next 2 weeks. I cannot believe that the Master, having witnessed the abject displays of Rodrigo & Roberts against Southampton, can seriously contemplate giving them a jersey to wear on Saturday. Its time to bite the bullet and let Gelhardt loose for at least 45 mins and let's see what happens. Raphinha fit to play is clearly a bonus, so he can go straight into the side. Personally, I would leave Harrison and James out on the wings and have Rapha roaming inside causing complete havoc. We are very uncomfortable playing with 3 at the back as when we get pressed high, we seem to have nowhere to go, so I think 4-1-4-1 is our route. As regards team selection, this is a bit more trickier given the previous nightmare, however I will go with something along the lines of:
Meslier
Shackleton, Cooper, Llorente, Dallas
Forshaw
Harrison, Raphinha, Summerville, James
Gelhardt
However the actual line up will probably look something like this 😯:
Meslier
Shackelton, Cooper, Llorente, Dallas
Strujik
Raphinha, Roberts, Klich, James
Rodrigo
Well at least it cannot be as bad as the Southampton game!
if Bill is fit. this is my team
Meslier
Ayling, Cresswell, Llorente, Dallas
Strujik
Rapha, Shacks, Klich, James
Geldhart
But cant see Cooper being left out