The undroppables?

[WallyA]

I have the feeling that our best formation is 3-5-2 when everyone is fit;

For me Sane is our player with the greatest potential, and like you see with Messi and Ronaldo, you want these players to play more centrally where they can do the most damage. I think a strike partnership of Sane-Aguero/Jesus would be devastating, Sane also has the freedom to drop deep in midfield or go wide as a winger so we can take advantage of him more:

-------------------------Sane/Sterling------Aguero/Jesus----------------
Mendy--------D Silva/Gundogan/Zinch-----Dinho/Fred-----Kevin/B Silva----------Walker/Maffeo
-----------Laporte/Delph----------Otamendi/Stones/Kompany---------Danilo/Walker/Kompany
I think the whole squad could play in a 3-5-2, even Delph as a LCB (he almost plays like that in his inverted FB position), Danilo can also play as a RCB as can Walker.


I think that looks good on paper, my only issue with 3 atb systems is they are fundamentally inferior in terms of pressing, the extra CB in the back means you have one less player up front helping you press, it also limits your passing options up front, but is strong when playing out from the back.

 

[fatbloke]

This “undroppables” bollocks is the reason why we haven’t retained the title in the past. There is no perfect team, there is no perfect formation, there is no one who should be guaranteed a starting place.

The reason we’ve been so good this season is because there is competition, if you’re not playing well, someone else will take your place. For years we heard this bullshit about finding a like for like replacement for Yaya, when reality has proven we never actually needed one, we just play to different strengths when the players change.

 

[simon23]

Every single player in the squad is back in training. That's unheard-of at this point in the season, for us especially and maybe the league. Testament to the medical staff and of course Dr Cugat. The players obviously work hard too keeping cardio up. Well done all.

Now the attentions turn to the big CL/PL matches that they all want to play in. Do you agree when all fit this is Peps only dilemma and which squad do you go with in a one off need to win game?

The 8 nailed ons (think most agree with with these)
Ederson
Walker
Otamendi
Mendy
Fernandinho
KDB
Silva
Sane

The 3 positions left:
Aguero v Jesus
Raheem v Bernardo
Laporte v Stones v Kompany

And think we have 3 sub spaces..
Bravo nailed on
Then Foden v Danilo v Delph v Gundogan v Zinchenko

Wow. This is tough.

At the moment kun vs GJ is a non contest...even before the injury there had neen a dramatic drop in form from Jesus...think next season GJ needs to start again showing what he can do. He is the future but at present Kun is untouchable

Id love to see them playing togetjer again however....once Mendy returns maybe we will see it again

 

[Manchester1894]

This “undroppables” bollocks is the reason why we haven’t retained the title in the past. There is no perfect team, there is no perfect formation, there is no one who should be guaranteed a starting place.

The reason we’ve been so good this season is because there is competition, if you’re not playing well, someone else will take your place. For years we heard this bullshit about finding a like for like replacement for Yaya, when reality has proven we never actually needed one, we just play to different strengths when the players change.

You are absolutely correct. The thread was bourne out of curiosity in a one-off cup final who's an automatic choice - there aren't any with Pep truth be told. Train and listen is all he asks. Then he picks his best XI dependent on the opponent.

The thread has run it's course. There will be fans loyal to the old guard of Kompany and Jesus. Those that lend to form of Delph and Bernardo. And those that look to the future of Mendy and Jesus. It's all opinion and doesn't matter one jot. Good to see how opinions differ though.

One thing it highlights the most is how strong our squad is and it's only going to get better!

 

[dachoosen1]

Ederson, fernandinho, debruyne and walker for me. Everyone else has a pretty decent cover I worry when danilo or bravo is starting.

 

[CityInWashingtonState]

No one is undroppable - if your staring role is absolutely secure, decline sets in.

Everyone in the squad is subject to challenge - perform well, and continue to start. Dip in performance... you're bound to be on the bench for awhile; and this is precisely how it should be.

 

[bluealf]

Every single player in the squad is back in training. That's unheard-of at this point in the season, for us especially and maybe the league. Testament to the medical staff and of course Dr Cugat. The players obviously work hard too keeping cardio up. Well done all.

Now the attentions turn to the big CL/PL matches that they all want to play in. Do you agree when all fit this is Peps only dilemma and which squad do you go with in a one off need to win game?

The 8 nailed ons (think most agree with with these)
Ederson
Walker
Otamendi
Mendy
Fernandinho
KDB
Silva
Sane

The 3 positions left:
Aguero v Jesus
Raheem v Bernardo
Laporte v Stones v Kompany

And think we have 3 sub spaces..
Bravo nailed on
Then Foden v Danilo v Delph v Gundogan v Zinchenko

Wow. This is tough.

Sterling wins hands down.
Aguero wins hands down

So the only choice you have left is to which centre half you need to play.

 

[Dax777]

Fernandinho is fantastic but if Gundogan played instead of him there wouldn’t be a huge huge difference. You drop KDB or Silva and there is a big drop in class.

Somehow people don't seem to get this :?

 

[Dax777]

You honestly think that.
Gundogan has struggled this season.
Nowhere near Fernandinho form wise.
You need more than one great game to be in Fernandinho's class.

He didn't say anything about 'class' though. Simply stated what the facts have shown. Without Fernandihno, there hadn't been a serious drop off. Some will say (and arguably so) there hasn't been any drop off at all.

But there hasn't been a game without Debryune or Silva that wasn't a struggle.

Thems just the facts.

 

[Dax777]

This “undroppables” bollocks is the reason why we haven’t retained the title in the past. There is no perfect team, there is no perfect formation, there is no one who should be guaranteed a starting place.

The reason we’ve been so good this season is because there is competition, if you’re not playing well, someone else will take your place. For years we heard this bullshit about finding a like for like replacement for Yaya, when reality has proven we never actually needed one, we just play to different strengths when the players change.

Another point too many simply can't wrap their heads around.