I am really curious to see the formation Xabi deploys..

in a back 3 + wingback .. I would assume up top we would have Cole and Estevao as 10s and Jao Pedro as the striker with Reece as the deep lying WB and quenda/neto on the left. Caicedo and (enzo/Barco/Lavia) in the middle .. We can then have Colwill Fofana/Hato Lacroix/Acheampong in a back 3 .. I see this as the most likely option tbh.

Given we have no left wing/ no LB backup , we don’t have a physical DM/CM either and our Reece can’t play a RB - doesn’t have the engine and palaestra won’t start half the games.. just too many holes to play a back 4- which is a shame since a back 3 always seems so defensive..

Lacroix isn't here and likely won't be if we can't sell and raise funds in time.

Seems arsenal and pool are interested now.

Based off who we have, and who we know are coming, I'd guess his very first starting 11 could well be:

Sanchez

Fofana

Colwill

Hato

Gusto

Caicedo

Enzo

Barco

Palmer

Joao Pedro

Jackson

James will possibly have an enxtended period off after world cup duty.

I’d guess it will be something along the lines of

Sanchez

Josh, Levi, Hato

Palestra, Quenda

James, Caicedo

Stevie, CP

JP

If we sign what we’re linked with then Costa replaces Sanchez, Wharton replaces James & Lacroix gets the nod ahead of Josh.

To make top 4 we will need to score 65-70 goals.. I don’t see this team capable of doing that.. maybe Jao can score 15-20 .. palmer maybe 10-15 but it’s quite barren after that tbh.. estevao and pedro together will best us 10 .. we are still some 20 goals short ..