Wardy's twin
Well-known member
- Oct 21, 2014
- 8,759
Agree . He probably has a very good idea of who he wants as first choice but as a new manager and wants to see as much of the pool of players he might have at his disposal, so playing a game (even a friendly) and mixing it up is much better place to see things rather than just training games. The changes probably have less impact on cohesion in the sense they play a system style of football where players know where they fit in the 'system' and that's how squads work .Is it really that unusual. ?
We made 4 changes from the equivalent starting line up (Newcastle in the Summer Series) to Luton (H) last season.
Wouldn't be a surprise if we made about 4-5 changes this time max from QPR > Everton (A) . - ie: bringing in Dunk, Pedro, Verbruggen, Barco ? , Gilmour (if still at club/fit) , maybe a debut for Wieffer is probable.
As for giving wholesale changes after 60 mins / 80 mins game time in a pre season friendly. thats pretty normal for any club.
the idea that he doesn't know his best team - i don't know if thats the case but not seeing much evidence of it- most of his hand is being forced with injuries or unavailability (Dunk etc) or being careful (precautionary absences - good to see Jack H back yesterday. first minutes for months - as with Mitoma in Japan)
Pretty obvious that he sees Dunk, JPVH, Minteh, Mitoma, Welbeck, Pedro, Milner, Baleba, Wieffer, Verbruggen as core of his team.
His questionmarks are full backs mostly and that midfield line up. Baleba + Wieffer ? Baleba + Gilmour (is he staying ? ) , but the rest of the team seem nailed on. (GK, centre backs , front line, )