BPF (or Muric if fit)
Vitinho - Beyer - Ekdal - Maatsen
Gudmundson - Cullen - Brownhill
Tella - Barnes - Zaroury

an a strong bench! UTC

No chance of Roberts being dropped, Vitinho will be on the bench.

Suspect Cork will be back as well.

Muric
Roberts Beyer Ekdal Maatsen
Cork Cullen
Tella Brownhill Zaroury
Barnes

taio wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 08, 2023 4:03 pm

Muric
Roberts Beyer Ekdal Maatsen
Cork Cullen
Tella Brownhill Zaroury
Barnes

If Muric is fit this’ll probably be it.

Roberts hasn't put a foot wrong and Vitinho was awful last night but not all that was his fault he isn't a winger.
Barnes has cemented his spot as our main striker now for me, Foster is way off starting in the league, JRod has dropped off massively since the world cup and Obafemi is unfit.
The big decision for me would be in goal because BPF has played well.

BPF
Roberts Ekdal Beyer Maatsen
Brownhill Cullen
JBG Zaroury
Tella
Barnes

bumba wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 08, 2023 4:06 pm

Roberts hasn't put a foot wrong and Vitinho was awful last night but not all that was his fault he isn't a winger.
Barnes has cemented his spot as our main striker now for me, Foster is way off starting in the league, JRod has dropped off massively since the world cup and Obafemi is unfit.
The big decision for me would be in goal because BPF has played well.

BPF
Roberts Ekdal Beyer Maatsen
Brownhill Cullen
JBG Zaroury
Tella
Barnes

BPF has played well but he doesn’t have the same range of passing as Muric which is a key element of our game.

Cork has been off form lately and I really like the dynamic duo of Brownhill / Cullen. With PNE being a defensive team (remember them at Deepdale!) it could be better to include an extra creative type, with Cork on the bench (I’d be starting him v Watford on Tuesday to look after Joao Pedro). Hoping Muric is fit as his distribution gives us another level.

Muric
Roberts
Ekdal
Beyer
Maatsen
Cullen
Brownhill
Tella
JBG
Zaroury
Barnes

I was about to post this and it looks the same as what RV has. Not sure what I'd change. I wish we knew how long Benson was going to be out for.

Muric
Roberts Ekdal Beyer Maatsen
Brownhill Cullen
JBG Tella Zaroury
Barnes

HiThere wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 08, 2023 4:22 pm

I was about to post this and it looks the same as what RV has. Not sure what I'd change. I wish we knew how long Benson was going to be out for.

Muric
Roberts Ekdal Beyer Maatsen
Brownhill Cullen
JBG Tella Zaroury
Barnes

This, but swap Tella with Barnes, like against Norwich.

martin_p wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 08, 2023 4:10 pm

BPF has played well but he doesn’t have the same range of passing as Muric which is a key element of our game.

I'm not sure there's much difference in their passing ability, Muric just has more confidence to take extra risks though

bumba wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 08, 2023 6:45 pm

I'm not sure there's much difference in their passing ability, Muric just has more confidence to take extra risks though

Huge difference, not even close (and I think BPF has been fine).

Muric definitely plays if fit. BPF hasn’t done anything wrong at all, but Muric’s distribution is on another planet compared with all other Championship goalkeepers and most PL ones too.

Aside from that, I like the look of RV’s team for this one I think.

................................Muric............................

...............Ekdal.............Beyer........Taylor.......

....................................Cullen..........................

Roberts.......................Cork...............Maatsen..

Benson....................Twine................Zoroury...

20 - 0

Muric (if fit)/BPF

Roberts
Ekdal
Beyer
Maatsen

Cullen
Brownhill

Benson (if fit)/Churlinov
Tella
Barnes
Zaroury


I'd hope to see Obafemi on the bench and play a cameo at some point. Twine the same if the game is safe.
JBG has been excellent, but he needs to limit his starts so we can make sure he's available all season.

Strange how so many people want the player currently heading the POTY table left out!

fidelcastro wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 08, 2023 7:38 pm

Strange how so many people want the player currently heading the POTY table left out!

I'll be surprised if VK drops him

taio wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 08, 2023 7:48 pm

I'll be surprised if VK drops him

Not necessarily ‘dropping’ though is it. Missed two games through suspension, the last one which we delivered a superb performance at Norwich, and the one before was subbed at half time. Plus he’d be back in to start against Watford and probably the away fixtures at Luton & Millwall.

RVclaret wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 08, 2023 7:51 pm

Not necessarily ‘dropping’ though is it. Missed two games through suspension, the last one which we delivered a superb performance at Norwich, and the one before was subbed at half time. Plus he’d be back in to start against Watford and probably the away fixtures at Luton & Millwall.

Well aware he's missed two matches through suspension. But if you want to use a different term that's obviously fine.

Muric (if ready)
Roberts Ekdal Beyer Maatsen
Cork Cullen
Tella Brownhill Zaroury
Barnes

Could make it more attacking later on by taking Cork off for JBG and dropping Brownhill deeper.

Can see Tella maybe being rested after a long night on Tuesday.

Assuming Bensons still not ready?

I think I'd prefer to start Cork and be more conservative/solid first half before making the changes around the 55th minute to overwhelm them second half. Preston are absolutely shite, no doubt about that having seen them enough this season, but they have a habit of shithousing away results by nook or crook. I watched them play Stoke away and they were absolutely rank awful, but bagged a last minute winner for a 0-1 from Ched Evans. I won't underestimate their ability to be lucky and nick a crap goal from a set piece.

Muric
Roberts Beyer Ekdal Maatsen
Brownhill Cork Cullen
Tella Barnes Zaroury

JBG on for Cork around the 55th/60th to really take us up a few notches.

I would go with this line up if everyone is fit .
Muric
Roberts
Maatsen
Beyer
Ekdal
Brownhill
Cullen
JBG or cork
Tella
Barnes
Zaroury

bumba wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 08, 2023 6:45 pm

[quote=martin_p post_id=2018643 time=<a href="tel:1675872622">1675872622</a> user_id=1604]
BPF has played well but he doesn’t have the same range of passing as Muric which is a key element of our game.

I'm not sure there's much difference in their passing ability, Muric just has more confidence to take extra risks though
[/quote]

There is a huge difference in range, pace and accuracy. Muric is better than Charlie Taylor with the ball, never mind BPF.

Muric and Benson back, jay out according to VK.

Not fussed who plays as long as there's a rousing rendition of "We are superior , we are superior" as the ref blows the final whistle.

claretandy wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 09, 2023 12:00 pm

Muric and Benson back, jay out according to VK.

Brilliant news

Lets hope Benson puts his big shin pads on if he plays against Robbie Brady.

He kicked us all over deepdale the plank.

claretandy wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 09, 2023 12:00 pm

Muric and Benson back, jay out according to VK.

Benny straight in then please!

jedi_master wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 09, 2023 12:13 pm

Benny straight in then please!

I think he’ll more likely play his ‘60th minute sub’ role this weekend.

BPF in goal for me.
Muric frightens me to death when dealing with corners.

taio wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 08, 2023 4:03 pm

Muric
Roberts Beyer Ekdal Maatsen
Cork Cullen
Tella Brownhill Zaroury
Barnes

This for me too.

Drag them all over for an hour then introduce Benson

claretandy wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 09, 2023 12:00 pm

Muric and Benson back, jay out according to VK.

Could just be a bluff on VK's part.
Why would he give PNE a few days notice of whether he is fit and ready to play? Keep them guessing.
PNE's defence will be having nightmares when they hear this from VK, but it doesn't mean he'll start him.
On the bench at best I reckon.

It Is What It Is wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 09, 2023 12:22 pm

BPF in goal for me.
Muric frightens me to death when dealing with corners.

The mind boggles

Thought he said apart from specifically saying Jay is out the squad will be close to full strength. Even if he's fit I doubt Benson will start.

Burnley1989 wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 09, 2023 1:05 pm

The mind boggles

Makes you wonder what people watch!

taio wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 08, 2023 4:03 pm

Muric
Roberts Beyer Ekdal Maatsen
Cork Cullen
Tella Brownhill Zaroury
Barnes

Our team is stupidly strong for this division, looking forward to getting to the prem and testing it out there.

RVclaret wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 08, 2023 4:16 pm

Cork has been off form lately and I really like the dynamic duo of Brownhill / Cullen. With PNE being a defensive team (remember them at Deepdale!) it could be better to include an extra creative type, with Cork on the bench (I’d be starting him v Watford on Tuesday to look after Joao Pedro). Hoping Muric is fit as his distribution gives us another level.

Muric
Roberts
Ekdal
Beyer
Maatsen
Cullen
Brownhill
Tella
JBG
Zaroury
Barnes

Agree with all of this - same team for me

For me, first name on the team sheet, certainly in the front 6, is JBG. He was absolutely terrific in his use of the ball last week and against a team likely to sit in like Preston, that's a really important skill.

Barnes, Zaroury and Tella also warrant their places, which leaves an incredible decision between Cork, Brownhill and Cullen for 2 places. I think Cullen starts and that leaves a choice between Brownhill and Cork. I might be tempted to go with Cork, at least to start, but boy is that a hard call.

claretspice wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 09, 2023 2:39 pm

For me, first name on the team sheet, certainly in the front 6, is JBG. He was absolutely terrific in his use of the ball last week and against a team likely to sit in like Preston, that's a really important skill.

Barnes, Zaroury and Tella also warrant their places, which leaves an incredible decision between Cork, Brownhill and Cullen for 2 places. I think Cullen starts and that leaves a choice between Brownhill and Cork. I might be tempted to go with Cork, at least to start, but boy is that a hard call.

I would play all three to start and then bring on JBG for probably Cork early 2nd half, hopefully before another booking

There's no way Brownhill doesn't start

If VK wants Cork straight back then one of JBG or Tella drops to the bench

Got a feeling Cork may have found himself down the pecking order.

I don’t think he’d have played against Ipswich if he was a show in to start on Saturday.

EarbyClaret wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 09, 2023 6:14 pm

There's no way Brownhill doesn't start

If VK wants Cork straight back then one of JBG or Tella drops to the bench

Can't drop Tella either. He scores goals, and his goals tend to have a huge bearing on our points. He is responsible for a good chunk of our points

warksclaret wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 09, 2023 7:37 pm

Can't drop Tella either. He scores goals, and his goals tend to have a huge bearing on our points. He is responsible for a good chunk of our points

I think tella is in a similar situation to what benson was in at the start of the season, as in he is becoming more effective from the bench when we have worn a stubborn opponent down.

Muric
Roberts
Ekdal
Beyer
Maatsen
Cullen
Brownhill
Tella
JBG
Zaroury
Barnes

BPF
Vitinho
Al- Dakhil
Taylor
Cork
Benson
Foster

gandhisflipflop wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 09, 2023 7:49 pm

I think tella is in a similar situation to what benson was in at the start of the season, as in he is becoming more effective from the bench when we have worn a stubborn opponent down.

He scored in the first minute on Tuesday

Burnley1989 wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 09, 2023 8:22 pm

He scored in the first minute on Tuesday

Good point tbf

Dodobdobodobo wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 09, 2023 8:07 pm

Muric
Roberts
Ekdal
Beyer
Maatsen
Cullen
Brownhill
Tella
JBG
Zaroury
Barnes

BPF
Vitinho
Al- Dakhil
Taylor
Cork
Benson
Foster

Nailed it.

Cork has been excellent this season as we all know and the notion he needs dropping due to two alleged bad performances ;which is int agree with) is baffling. However to slightly contradict myself I wouldn’t start him v Preston at home. Purely because they will be defensive (however he’s be back in away at Luton). I’d play

Muric
Roberts
Maatsen
Ekdal
Beyer

Brownhill
Cullen

JBG
Zaroury

Tella
Barnes

Tire them out and then at 65 mins bring on Tella and Benson and wipe the floor with them

claretandy wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 09, 2023 8:30 pm

Nailed it.

This is it, surely.

boatshed bill wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 09, 2023 9:04 pm

This is it, surely.

Needs to swap Al-Dakhil for Twine like at Norwich and it’s good. We don’t have more than one defender on the bench.