All the noises coming out are that we won’t be doing any more business If that is the case I don’t want to see Mendy or Rodri anywhere near the starting line up again at any time; after yesterday’s performance when everyone is back Walker needs time out as well, added to the fact that Cancelo has already played alongside Dias for Portugal many times so it will be a great partnership to build on; I hate to say it but Ederson has lost focus and it would do him good to also be dropped now we have a capable deputy in Steffen
In terms of defensive midfield, Fernandinho must always start when fit and Tommy Doyle now needs to get as many minutes as possible in there whenever Fernandinho needs a rest ahead of Gundogan and Rodri, Doyle was box to box and dominated midfield in the cup game against an experienced Bournemouth midfield so deserves a chance; when fit Bernardo has to come back into central midfield alongside Fernandinho and KDB and Sterling back to right wing where he does not have to constantly cut inside and is therefore twice as effective;
While Jesus and Kun are out, Pep has to start Liam Delap up front who is a recognised striker, and move away from this false 9 obsession
Most of Ake’s caps for Holland have been at left back so he is comfortable and used to playing there and can become our permanent left back, and when he’s unavailable it needs to be a youth team left back and not Mendy or an attacking midfielder in Zinchenko; the only other option is to play Ake as a defensive midfielder but I’m not keen on that, not while Fernandinho is still going and can bring on Doyle to the level required
I believe in this team but don’t think Pep will ever play it as it’s just too balanced!!
4-3-3:
Ederson;
Cancelo Dias Laporte Ake;
De Bruyne Fernandinho Bernardo;
Sterling Kun Foden
We have to move forward one way or another with or without Pep and he has to make these obvious changes as soon as everyone is available
