Argo
An Untouchable
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I think we need to start accepting the reality that the club are accepting the ban for this season. While i'm fully expecting a struggle for top 4 which is a little frustrating as i honestly believed we were a top fullback and top striker away from going up a level even with Hazard going i don't think the situation is the doomsday that some think. Looking at it properly it is probably best we take the hit and get it out of the way now, firstly because of the threat of an extension, secondly everything will be rushed with negotiators knowing how desperate we are and lastly with Cech coming in this will give him a year to get his feet under the table, acess the situation and identify proper targets for 2020.
Now onto the likely lineup.
If i had it my way (when all fit), gunna also assume Alonso gets his wish and goes Leti as noises are pretty big atm.
Kepa
James Rudiger AC/Luiz Azpi
Jorginho
Kante Loftus
Pedro/Willy CHO/Pulisic
Giroud/Tammy
Notable other squad players: Caballero, Emerson, Aina (if we can convince him to return), Ampadu, Kovacic, Barkley, Mount.
Christensen or Luiz depending on opponents, likewise Giroud/Tammy. The rotating wingers to allow one youth and one experience at a time for a balance. Noises are Callum will be back for the start of the season which is a major boost.
Think it's safe to say we won't be troubling City and Liverpool with that side but I'm relatively confident we can retain top 4. The one thing that worries me is the goals, we badly need one of those four wingers to step up (or Tammy to return and do a Harry Kane) however the midfield, defense and (bar DDG if he returns to form) keeper is for me better (collectively) than anything any team outside City and Liverpool have to offer right now, i know there's still the transfer window to go for them but I'm not convinced Spurs and Arsenal will spend big on serious upgrades and while United could afford to they have a boardroom structure that makes ours look like City's.
I'm not usually one to say something like this and even now im cringing a little bit doing so, however top 4 next season with our best youngsters further integrated into the set up will feel like a trophy and will give us a perfect platform to kick on into the new era. Instead of seeing it as Arsenal lite see it as part of the process of getting us challenging in 20/21.
Now onto the likely lineup.
If i had it my way (when all fit), gunna also assume Alonso gets his wish and goes Leti as noises are pretty big atm.
Kepa
James Rudiger AC/Luiz Azpi
Jorginho
Kante Loftus
Pedro/Willy CHO/Pulisic
Giroud/Tammy
Notable other squad players: Caballero, Emerson, Aina (if we can convince him to return), Ampadu, Kovacic, Barkley, Mount.
Christensen or Luiz depending on opponents, likewise Giroud/Tammy. The rotating wingers to allow one youth and one experience at a time for a balance. Noises are Callum will be back for the start of the season which is a major boost.
Think it's safe to say we won't be troubling City and Liverpool with that side but I'm relatively confident we can retain top 4. The one thing that worries me is the goals, we badly need one of those four wingers to step up (or Tammy to return and do a Harry Kane) however the midfield, defense and (bar DDG if he returns to form) keeper is for me better (collectively) than anything any team outside City and Liverpool have to offer right now, i know there's still the transfer window to go for them but I'm not convinced Spurs and Arsenal will spend big on serious upgrades and while United could afford to they have a boardroom structure that makes ours look like City's.
I'm not usually one to say something like this and even now im cringing a little bit doing so, however top 4 next season with our best youngsters further integrated into the set up will feel like a trophy and will give us a perfect platform to kick on into the new era. Instead of seeing it as Arsenal lite see it as part of the process of getting us challenging in 20/21.
