How would you set up (as of now)?

[RedRoss]

If the season started today with no more incoming's who would you start.

I would go with a 3 5 2:

                     Bentley

         Klose Naismith Atkinson

Wilson           Williams                Pring

                 Scott        James

            Weimann        Martin

[And Its Smith]

Not sure Naismith would be central in a back three. Left side I would say. 

[Betty Swallocks]

51 minutes ago, RedRoss said:

If the season started today with no more incoming's who would you start.

I would go with a 3 5 2:

                     Bentley

         Klose Naismith Atkinson

Wilson           Williams                Pring

                 Scott        James

            Weimann        Martin

Back three as Atkinson/Kalas-Klose-Naismith, Dasilva in for Pring. The rest is pretty much spot on.
See if there are any surprises that come out of pre-season though.

[RoystonFoote'snephew]

            Bentley

Wilson Klose Naismith Dasilva

   Scott   Williams   Massengo

               Weimann

          Martin      Wells

[BCFCGav]

I think I'd go (5212):

Bentley; Wilson, Atkinson, Klose, Naismith, Pring; Williams, Scott; Weimann; Conway, Martin.

Couple of slightly left-field shouts but I really rate Pring as LWB, even over Jay. I'd also be reticent to move Andi away from that number 10 role, hence playing Conway to partner Martin. I think Conway has a bit about him. 

Worth mentioning, I absolutely don't think this would be the XI Nige would opt for, just a personal preference.  

[Shuffle]

3-5-2

Bentley, 

Kalas, Klose, Naismith

Wilson, Williams, Scott, Weimann, Dasilva

Martin Wells

Still think Kalas is our best defender so imo has to start.

[GrahamC]

3 minutes ago, Shuffle said:

3-5-2

Bentley, 

Kalas, Klose, Naismith

Wilson, Williams, Scott, Weimann, Dasilva

Martin Wells

Still think Kalas is our best defender so imo has to start.

Me too.

Only caveat (as ever) is Williams, might have to be James, depending on how confident we are about his fitness.

[And Its Smith]

                  Bentley

         Kalas. Klose. Naismith

Wilson.  James. Williams. Dasilva 

                   Scott

           Weimann. Martin 

[hinsleburg]

                Bentley

     Kalas    Klose    Naismith

Wilson                                 DaSilva

               Williams    James

                        Weimann

             Wells     Martin

 

Harsh on Atkinson but believe they are our best 3 CBs so they have to start.  Weimann scored 20 goals last season playing in that position so for me had to start there and I'll be honest, I think Scott will take a few weeks getting up to speed following the Euros. When Scott is fully fit you have the option to swap him for Wells (and move AW up) or one of James/Williams.

Depending on any outgoings, think we are a Right footed CB and CM away from a decent squad with some flexibility. Think the concern at the moment for me is still right back, not sure I'd trust any of our options in a Back 4 and wouldn't want to take Kalas from CB... As we have no wingers however, I don't think we can play 4 at the back as would be very narrow and predicatble

[Fordy62]

It’s really bad, and maybe I’m speaking too soon, but it’s really hard to see us being at the wrong end of the table with any of the above line ups. We’ll see I guess. 

[Monkeh]

2 hours ago, RedRoss said:

If the season started today with no more incoming's who would you start.

I would go with a 3 5 2:

                     Bentley

         Klose Naismith Atkinson

Wilson           Williams                Pring

                 Scott        James

            Weimann        Martin

Depends on who we are playing really 

[RedHienz]

Hoping to see Scott in a more advanced position. If we are a little more solid I suspect a decent mid table position with what we have within the squad 

[sglosbcfc]

1 hour ago, Fordy62 said:

It’s really bad, and maybe I’m speaking too soon, but it’s really hard to see us being at the wrong end of the table with any of the above line ups. We’ll see I guess. 

really hope you are right, I'm just not brave enough to type it 

[joshbristol]

1 hour ago, And Its Smith said:

                  Bentley

         Kalas. Klose. Naismith

Wilson.  James. Williams. Dasilva 

                   Scott

           Weimann. Martin 

Spot on for me 

[Mad Cyril]

I think we need to give ourselves every advantage going and play a 4-4-3 set up.

[Robbored]

3 hours ago, RedRoss said:

If the season started today with no more incoming's who would you start.

I would go with a 3 5 2:

                     Bentley

         Klose Naismith Atkinson

Wilson           Williams                Pring

                 Scott        James

            Weimann        Martin

Yep, assuming everyone is available I’d opt for the same line up.

[StefanDimz]

Mark Sykes

[Bris Red]

3 hours ago, Fordy62 said:

It’s really bad, and maybe I’m speaking too soon, but it’s really hard to see us being at the wrong end of the table with any of the above line ups. We’ll see I guess. 

Im of the same opinion to be honest. We should have more than enough in this squad to finish comfortably in the top 10 Imho.

[RedRoss]

1 hour ago, StefanDimz said:

Mark Sykes

Yeah I'll be honest I'm confused on what his main position actually is so difficult to include him. Guess we will work that out when we see him play.

[HiddenGem7]

I suspect Nige is looking to play a 4-2-3-1 at some point in the future, something like:

                  Bentley

Wilson    Klose   Naismith  Dasilva

            James    Williams

Weimann      Scott     Semenyo

                 Martin

Sykes taking Semenyo's place while he is injured.

 

[GrahamC]

5 minutes ago, HiddenGem7 said:

I suspect Nige is looking to play a 4-2-3-1 at some point in the future, something like:

                  Bentley

Wilson    Klose   Naismith  Dasilva

            James    Williams

Weimann      Scott     Semenyo

                 Martin

Sykes taking Semenyo's place while he is injured.

 

Based on what?

Wilson & Dasilva are wing backs, not full backs.

He says he wants another CB, presumably to replace Cundy.

That all strongly suggests a back 3/5 with wing backs to me.

[HiddenGem7]

Pearson has said a few times in interview that he likes a back four but hasn't had the personnel - presumably his recruitment may be to remedy that.  Wilson played in a back four last season. Agree with you about Dasilva - maybe that's where Naismith will play? 

 

 

[Sleepy1968]

47 minutes ago, bris red said:

Im of the same opinion to be honest. We should have more than enough in this squad to finish comfortably in the top 10 Imho.

Isn't it refreshing to be looking forward to the season optimistically.

[ExiledAjax]

1 hour ago, HiddenGem7 said:

I suspect Nige is looking to play a 4-2-3-1 at some point in the future, something like:

                  Bentley

Wilson    Klose   Naismith  Dasilva

            James    Williams

Weimann      Scott     Semenyo

                 Martin

Sykes taking Semenyo's place while he is injured.

 

I wondered when someone might mention a flat 4 with the 231. I think it's quite possible. Naismith can play a true LB role (so in your picture I'd drop Dasilva, shift Klose and Naismith to the left and bring in Kalas at right CB), and as you say Wilson has played a true RB (although was mainly RWB last season I think). I think it's a viable formation for us to play, and Pearson has used it at City as well, for example in the early parts of last season when Dasilva was injured. 

I think it raises questions around who plays on the flanks of the 3 in midfield, but I don't think those are questions that cannot be answered, although it is harder to answer them whilst Semenyo is injured. For example in the formation you lay out, who would you put in LM right at this minute?

Is 4231 the best formation for us...I'm not sure...but I think it could well be the best formation for us to use against certain opposition.

Edited June 27, 2022 by ExiledAjax

[RedRoss]

27 minutes ago, HiddenGem7 said:

Pearson has said a few times in interview that he likes a back four but hasn't had the personnel - presumably his recruitment may be to remedy that.  Wilson played in a back four last season. Agree with you about Dasilva - maybe that's where Naismith will play? 

 

 

FGR played with three centre backs and wing backs.

[HiddenGem7]

15 minutes ago, RedRoss said:

FGR played with three centre backs and wing backs.

They played a few different formations. Yes in some games they played 3 at the back with a midfield four with Wilson on the right, and in other games they played a back four with Wilson at FB, just as I said.  I didn't say he exclusively played in a four.

[RedRoss]

6 minutes ago, HiddenGem7 said:

They played a few different formations. Yes in some games they played 3 at the back with a midfield four with Wilson on the right, and in other games they played a back four with Wilson at FB, just as I said.  I didn't say he exclusively played in a four.

I know what you said. Everywhere I can see they didn't play a back four at any point but rotated as you said three different formations all with 3 centre backs

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, HiddenGem7 said:

I suspect Nige is looking to play a 4-2-3-1 at some point in the future, something like:

                  Bentley

Wilson    Klose   Naismith  Dasilva

            James    Williams

Weimann      Scott     Semenyo

                 Martin

Sykes taking Semenyo's place while he is injured.

 

37 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

I wondered when someone might mention a flat 4 with the 231. I think it's quite possible. Naismith can play a true LB role (so in your picture I'd drop Dasilva, shift Klose and Naismith to the left and bring in Kalas at right CB), and as you say Wilson has played a true RB (although was mainly RWB last season I think). I think it's a viable formation for us to play, and Pearson has used it at City as well, for example in the early parts of last season when Dasilva was injured. 

I think it raises questions around who plays on the flanks of the 3 in midfield, but I don't think those are questions that cannot be answered, although it is harder to answer them whilst Semenyo is injured. For example in the formation you lay out, who would you put in LM right at this minute?

Is 4231 the best formation for us...I'm not sure...but I think it could well be the best formation for us to use against certain opposition.

I think playing Antoine Semenyo as a left forward would be the biggest waste of his value to the team ever.  And same on the other flank with Andi Weimann.

But this thread is about what “you’d do” not me, not Nige…and all opinions are valid and welcome.

I haven’t really thought too much about line-ups, although Nige has said a couple of things that makes me feel pretty sure he aims to start with a back 3.

 

[ExiledAjax]

10 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I think playing Antoine Semenyo as a left forward would be the biggest waste of his value to the team ever.  And same on the other flank with Andi Weimann.

But this thread is about what “you’d do” not me, not Nige…and all opinions are valid and welcome.

I haven’t really thought too much about line-ups, although Nige has said a couple of things that makes me feel pretty sure he aims to start with a back 3.

Agreed, as I said, the left and right forward positions are hard to answer when you lay out a 4231 with this squad. I suspect in practice you'd end up with it being closer to a 433 as the two wider attackers push forward and come central and the attacking centre midfielder sits in. 

Regardless, I'd too rather see Semenyo and Weimann play more centrally as it is there that they both had success last season. That does naturally push you towards having two forwards centrally (especially whilst we have Martin & Weimann as Semenyo recovers), and as the fashion for a classic 442 is long gone, the natural formation is to go 3 at the back with wing backs to deliver width. Therefore we arrive at a 352, and we've certainly recruited players that can fit that formation. But I think 4231/433 will be viable in certain games or at certain points of certain games. It might not be ideal as a starting formation, but I could well see us ending like that in some matches.

I wasn't really answering OPs question tbh. I didn't say what I would do. That's my admission of tangent dealt with.

I think, given the rationale I lay out in this post, I probably would go with the consensus on this thread and look for us to go 352 as a broad, general rule.

Edited June 27, 2022 by ExiledAjax

[GrahamC]

11 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I think playing Antoine Semenyo as a left forward would be the biggest waste of his value to the team ever.  And same on the other flank with Andi Weimann.

But this thread is about what “you’d do” not me, not Nige…and all opinions are valid and welcome.

I haven’t really thought too much about line-ups, although Nige has said a couple of things that makes me feel pretty sure he aims to start with a back 3.

 

You’re spot on.

Pearson also categorically stated he saw Naismith as a CB, not LB, when interviewed last week.

[Pezo]

5 hours ago, Fordy62 said:

It’s really bad, and maybe I’m speaking too soon, but it’s really hard to see us being at the wrong end of the table with any of the above line ups. We’ll see I guess. 

I hope you're correct but the only changes that seems to be being made are Naismith who I think adds quality and Wilson who has a lot to prove, mainly in place of Semenyo and COD, I don't think that is enough to move us up the table much - especially as the bottom half of the championship seems a lot more competitive this season and we may also get a points deduction.

But I'm always pessimistic this time of year and that means I can enjoy the season being a bit better than expected .

[Simon bristol]

6 hours ago, Fordy62 said:

It’s really bad, and maybe I’m speaking too soon, but it’s really hard to see us being at the wrong end of the table with any of the above line ups. We’ll see I guess. 

Its the hope that kills us, but we finished 17th last season and brought in 3 players, only 1 of which has played in the championship before. We have no money and are looking for free transfers from lower leagues,, i cant really see how there will be much improvement in the new season…. Would love to be proved wrong though!

[Lorenzos Only Goal]

4-3-3/4-4-2

I'd be inclined to got for.  Or variations there of. 

 

[Lew-T]

I’m still not sold on the James/Williams combo in midfield. Still feel we’re light in that area!

[bcfc01]

10 hours ago, Pezo said:

I hope you're correct but the only changes that seems to be being made are Naismith who I think adds quality and Wilson who has a lot to prove, mainly in place of Semenyo and COD, I don't think that is enough to move us up the table much - especially as the bottom half of the championship seems a lot more competitive this season and we may also get a points deduction.

But I'm always pessimistic this time of year and that means I can enjoy the season being a bit better than expected .

I can't see a points deduction, but we're only talking 3 or 4 points anyway.

I agree that we've not made the squad stronger, but we have addressed a glaring positional problem at RB/RWB with a fit Tanner and Wilson coming in. This will free up Scott to play midfield which will make us a better side. May be more to come as well.

The form at the end of the season was good, losing just one of the last six and getting 11 points.

I'm cautiously optimistic for a few places higher than17th.

 

[Edgy Red]

15 hours ago, Pezo said:

I hope you're correct but the only changes that seems to be being made are Naismith who I think adds quality and Wilson who has a lot to prove, mainly in place of Semenyo and COD, I don't think that is enough to move us up the table much - especially as the bottom half of the championship seems a lot more competitive this season and we may also get a points deduction.

But I'm always pessimistic this time of year and that means I can enjoy the season being a bit better than expected .

I think you've hit the nail on the head. I applaud everyone's optimism but i'm struggling to see where the vast improvement is going to come from.

For large parts of last season we were fairly clueless and it was the reintroduction of Semenyo that changed our fortunes.

IF Semenyo returns to fitness fairly quickly and IF Nige manages to improve our defensive organisation then we might be a mid table side, but the division will be very tough again.

After all, its the hope that kills us... COYR

[Davefevs]

7 hours ago, bcfc01 said:

I can't see a points deduction, but we're only talking 3 or 4 points anyway.

I agree that we've not made the squad stronger, but we have addressed a glaring positional problem at RB/RWB with a fit Tanner and Wilson coming in. This will free up Scott to play midfield which will make us a better side. May be more to come as well.

The form at the end of the season was good, losing just one of the last six and getting 11 points.

I'm cautiously optimistic for a few places higher than17th.

 

I feel a squad that has Naismith added and O’Dowda removed is stronger.  That’s not a slight on O’Dowda nor am I comparing them like for like.  I see a genuine first team starter added and a squad member leaving.  Add in Wilson to compete with Tanner, to allow Scott to play in midfield (as you say) strengthens us too.  A fit Williams couid turn us into a top 10 team based on his involvement last season. It’s a big if, but he is actually getting to do pre-season this time around, something he’s not been able to do so far.  With him on the pitch we average 1.86 points per game.  That is significant, it’s top 6 (85 points).  I don’t know yet the impact Sykes will make.  Plus I expect another couple of signings to improve upon those that go out the door.  Everytime we do that transaction (one better in, one worse out) we are improving the squad.

[ExiledAjax]

3 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

With him on the pitch we average 1.86 points per game.  That is significant, it’s top 6 (85 points).

Stop it. Stop it now. I cannot get this optimistic when it's not even July.

[Mr Popodopolous]

I am inclined to go 3-5-2 of some kind or 3-4-2-1 but at the same time I have a natural bias towards 4-3-3.

Dunno if we include Semenyo- injured- or Kalas and Massengo, question marks over their future for financial reasons if nothing else in potential sides. Anyway if those 3 not part of it for Day 1 say.

                 Bentley

     Klose Naismith Atkinson

Wilson James Williams DaSilva

                  Scott

         Weimann Martin

In certain phases that can morph relatively seamlessly- Wilson and DaSilva drop a bit, Naismith steps up into a 3 in CM- could even have Scott and Weimann as freeish inside forwards behind Martin- clearly if Kalas, Massengo and Semenyo in consideration the options will increase considerably.

It's not perfect and out of possession I still see concerns with both ie 2 v 1...a morph might look a bit like. 

                  Bentley

Wilson Klose Atkinson DaSilva

     James Williams Naismith

                  Scott

        Weimann Martin

If Scott drops, Naismith pulls left and occasionally out of possession Weimann helps out that can at least protect the fullbacks a little. Sure there are better ways but that starting XI can switch a bit in game and be quite versatile.

In practice, the third one perhaps a bit too far but in theory...

                   Bentley

Wilson Klose Atkinson DaSilva

      James Williams Scott

  Weimann            Naismith

                  Martin

This last in-game switch is quite remote but in theory has balance and can cover some areas out of possession- certainly not a starting formation but something to switch to in certain phases...although possibly not really.

Edited June 28, 2022 by Mr Popodopolous