02 Sep 2021 02:06:49
into CB
I'd start with Godfrey and Mina at CB and have Keane and Holgate as cover and maybe Gbamin if he can get up to speed.
At CM start with Allan and Docoure with Homes, Davies, Gbamin and Delph as cover.
The remaining 4 would probably be DCL, Richie, Townsend and Grey but we also have Iwobi, James, Gordon, Rondon.
There are other options too like going to 3 CBs and have wingbacks or having Digne as a winger and someone else at LB as has happened before. Or Gomes or Davies could push up or wide.
So not as paper thin as might look at first but to a large extent it depends on Benitez getting them to play but early signs are encouraging.

1.) 02 Sep 2021
02 Sep 2021 08:01:37
I think their is a big difference between having 'cover' and having depth. We have cover sure, but the drop in quality between some players and their cover is pretty big.

If we stay injury free though, then yes we could still have a decent season, and have enough cover to rest the odd player when needed.

{Ed025's Note - all the players have a clean slate now efcone and its up them how they go forward, rafa does not suffer fools gladly and if you dont perform you will be out the door quick smart, i actually like that ethos and the way we have started fills me with great hope for the season mate..

2.) 02 Sep 2021
02 Sep 2021 14:30:57
Nice to see Rafa nominated for manager of the month as well.

3.) 02 Sep 2021
02 Sep 2021 09:42:10
I guess at the moment I'm feeling very much once (actually a lot more than once) bitten twice shy regarding our early results. Last season has very much left a sour taste.

But yes Ed you are right, a clean slate is needed, and if Rafa can turn the players we have into the players we thought we were signing then there is cause for Optimism.

{Ed025's Note - absolutely mate..

4.) 02 Sep 2021
02 Sep 2021 10:36:50
Best way to be Ed mate, everyone knows where they stand.

{Ed025's Note - they do GB, im fed up with these so called superstars coming for a pay day and a stroll around the park, give me honest to goodness grafters who are prepared to fight for the shirt mate..

5.) 03 Sep 2021
03 Sep 2021 10:31:32
I know what you mean efcone but ultimately we will get worse as the season goes on because of our lack of depth. But at least we won't lose players through lack of effort like last season.