Sideshow Luiz

Keep the "switch to 343 is magic" articles coming. It's worked out well for us, but it's really the hard work that the players are putting in on the training pitch that's making it work. In the first couple of weeks the signs were there, but you could see some players getting in each other's way in attacking moves, not quite knowing exactly what to do. We're looking more fluid every week.

I think that Di Maria would be a great fit. That LW/RW position for us is kind of a Wing/CAM/SS role. Would love to see Romagnoli in the LCB spot. Need cover for Alonso since we are short there.

Doesn't make sense. They've got the top defence (statistically) in the league. Why change? Some of our attacking moves were a little disjointed in the first few weeks after the switch. It's obviously quite difficult to pick it up straight away.

He's been kind of invisible for the past 5 weeks. I'd like to see him working more for the team. I haven't seen him do anything apart from a save or 2 against Utd. Poor. Note: This is a joke for anyone who doesn't see it.

Right, I picked that up from around these parts, actually. I suppose that's what I get. Cheers.

So, Pep looked at our squad and said we need 10 new players, didn't want it. No doubt that Pep is a good manager, but he hasn't shaken the tag that he only wants to go to the "best" team (read: most money, best on paper) in the league and isn't up for a challenge. Seems that we only needed 1 CB who can play with the ball, and 1 LWB. Most importantly, 1 manager who can be flexible and get the most out of the players he's got and put them in to position to succeed with lots of hard work.

Looks like it

I agree with this. I'd like to see it too. It's a shame that he wasn't fit before the EFL cup match. I'd like to see it before we deem him surplus to requirements (anyone want Kenedy or Baba back as cover for Alonso?).

I know. I totally get you. Some of those matches during the grind of the second half of the season were tough to watch. I don't disagree with you. I'm just remarking on how strange it is to feel that way. It's totally first-world football problems, but you're not wrong. I'm really enjoying the enthusiasm on the pitch as well. All XI working hard for the team. The play is unselfish, it all feels like team goals and team clean sheets. I'm loving the football this season.

I'm not Jose apologist but those are totally first-world football problems. Not liking the manner in which the title was won? How many clubs would kill for that? I get what you're saying, but it's official. We've become spoiled.

I've been saying this too. I'm sure that Conte's thought of it though. Not sure why he hasn't tried it out. I would have thought that the League Cup was the place to give it a go. But, he did not (obviously).

Fair enough. I thought he wanted to leave because Jose never played him and he enjoyed himself at Juve. If he just didn't want to play for us anymore, fine.

I think Cuadrado should of only stayed with us as competition for the RWB spot.

I think that Willian is a natural RWB. He's really good in the first 2/3 of the pitch. His decision making in tight spaces around the box, leaves a bit to be desired.

Yeah, a player for the RW/RCAM/SS role that Pedro is playing could be an upgrade. I also think that a LCB can be brought in. Cahill is playing alright, but if he were more comfortable on the ball, we'd build up better. One of the ways that the 343 is weak is in the build up if the other team overloads the middle of the pitch (3v2). The RCB and LCB need to get wide and bring the ball in to midfield if the midfield 2 and wingbacks are marked.

Can't see him fitting in. I was against the James signing when those rumours were going around in the summer. But, with the new set-up, I think he would fit in very well. Verratti and Di Maria from PSG would be my picks. If this is actually true, I could see us going for a 352.

Tough match. Separated by 2 moments of quality. So solid at the back. Should have had 3. Delighted with the performance.

I'm worried about this match, I can't lie. We've had a lot of positive press in the past week. Conte's fixed this, the formation is a stroke of genius, etc etc. If the press is on board, that usually means a stumble. This is going to be tough.

Am I the only one that thinks that Willian would be a good RWB? I think he's better suited to that role than Azpi is. The best part of his game is in the first 2/3 of the pitch. The final third? Not so much. He can run all day and he tracks back. I'd be happy to just get in an attacker (preferably left footed) for the RW/SS position. I also think that Ivanovic would be a fine (good enough) back-up for Azpi at the RCB in the back 3. He's not quick enough to be a full back, but he's okay on the ball for a CB. If Cahill can be good at the LCB position, I don't see why Ivan can't do the same on the right. He is, after all, a CB. I know he's been shit for a while now, but we're talking back ups and cover. He obviously provides a great deal of leadership in the dressing room. Alonso/Kenedy/Baba at LWB. Alonso has also played CB before, he could provide some cover for the LCB position if we don't get anyone in (I think we will) or we get someone in and Cahill is moved on. Luiz and Christensen in the middle of the back 3.

I think that Willian would be quite a good RWB. Another attacker on the right would kind of let us cover 2 positions. If Alonso goes down with an injury this season, we're kind of screwed. Next year, we should have Baba and Kenedy back from loan.

I was going for classic British understatement.

Don't forget some champagne or sparkling wine of your choice to go with the salmon. I'm not a huge fan of either salmon or sparkling wine TBH, but even I have to admit that they go quite well together.

I thought it looked like 4231 with Pogba in the 10 and Fellaini and Herrera taking turns to get forward. Either way, that's a terrible midfield. I quite like Herrera, but that's an awful balance. At Juve he was one of the players protecting Pirlo. No, he's not an 80+M player. I think we can all agree on that.

I will say though, at least he had the presence of mind to not blame the result on our lack of mid-week matches. That's kind of his fault too....

I get it. I'm just disappointed with his choice of target. He's an important part of the Club's recent history, but the divorce won't stay amicable with the fans if he attacks our current manager. He should have gone for one of his usual targets. FA, refs, whatever.