Figures 1-0 Football Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Chance he leaves out Perez and plays Shelvey? That's what I'd do. Give him a role at number 10, leaves him less opportunity to act the daft cunt if he isn't at the heart of midfield. Would be interested to see how he played there. Although Perez was good against West Ham, so it'd be harsh to drop him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conjo Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 With no obvious weak links from last game, everyone should keep their place unless its for specific tactical reasons. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Gleebals Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Shelvey has to learn, keep him on the bench. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
STM Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 With no obvious weak links from last game, everyone should keep their place unless its for specific tactical reasons. Tend to agree with this. However, there's almost certainly a gulf in quality between Yedlin and Manquillo, Lascelles and Lejeune. It's hard not to improve the staring 11 where possible. I tricky but nice problem for Rafa. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ikon Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 And you really think that Yedlin's not rusty? Too early for him I'd say. Even in the Championship when he got back from a couple of injuries he looked bad in the beginning before getting up to speed. I say ease him in and give him more minutes game by game. Unless Manquillo has a shocker or two. Who knows, Manquillo might raise his game knowing that Yedlin is back. Not need for changes straight after a decent win against West Ham. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Away Day Gadgie Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Are Yedlin and Lejeune definitely back for this? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mighty__mag Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Are Yedlin and Lejeune definitely back for this? Most reports today claim so. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Away Day Gadgie Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Are Yedlin and Lejeune definitely back for this? Most reports today claim so. 👍 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSFC Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 And you really think that Yedlin's not rusty? Too early for him I'd say. Even in the Championship when he got back from a couple of injuries he looked bad in the beginning before getting up to speed. I say ease him in and give him more minutes game by game. Unless Manquillo has a shocker or two. Who knows, Manquillo might raise his game knowing that Yedlin is back. Not need for changes straight after a decent win against West Ham. Yeah that might be the best way although its difficult to "work" fullbacks back into play especially with no cup games to speak of for some time. Manquillo's struggles against Huddersfield still stick in my mind (even Spurs I wasnt impressed). He was good enough last time out so maybe see how it goes against Swansea. Had Yedlin joined the US team for WCQ then it would be 100% no brainer. Its also possible that Rafa wants Manquillo (with Yedlin back) at LB given the lack of options, so that may necessitate things. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ujpest doza Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 What's the likelihood of getting an unwanted ticket to this? Will be in the area that weekend. Perhaps best to throw a post up in the tickets forum? They're on general sale from the box office, we haven't sold out. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
afar Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 I don't want Shelvey straight back in, it sends the wrong message. I'm sure he got straight back in after his suspension last season and maybe at the back of his mind it made him think he's indispensable. To be fair that was true to a certain extent as he had been outstanding and we didn't have a Merino to step in for him. This situation is different as Merino, Hayden and Perez all played well in the last game so it's a perfect opportunity to let him know he's not "all that". We are not in a position to "send the right message", we need to win football games. Shelvey is infinitely superior to Perez and should be brought in for him imo. However if Rafa won't play a more flat central 3 and prefers to go with Perez in the hole, even though he doesn't really play that role that well, then he'll drop one of Merino or Hayden, my guess would be Merino. Shelvey will be up for this one too, anxious to repay the team for his stupidity and keen to put one over his old team. He's also the player we were built around in pre-season, I can't imagine all that preperation will be thrown away by Rafa. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueStar Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Are Yedlin and Lejeune definitely back for this? Most reports today claim so. 👍 Glad Jeremy Beadle approves. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hanshithispantz Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 I don't think you can send a message to Shelvey like. He's quite obviously never going to learn, and probably has genuine mental problems. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
STM Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 I don't want Shelvey straight back in, it sends the wrong message. I'm sure he got straight back in after his suspension last season and maybe at the back of his mind it made him think he's indispensable. To be fair that was true to a certain extent as he had been outstanding and we didn't have a Merino to step in for him. This situation is different as Merino, Hayden and Perez all played well in the last game so it's a perfect opportunity to let him know he's not "all that". We are not in a position to "send the right message", we need to win football games. Shelvey is infinitely superior to Perez and should be brought in for him imo. However if Rafa won't play a more flat central 3 and prefers to go with Perez in the hole, even though he doesn't really play that role that well, then he'll drop one of Merino or Hayden, my guess would be Merino. Shelvey will be up for this one too, anxious to repay the team for his stupidity and keen to put one over his old team. He's also the player we were built around in pre-season, I can't imagine all that preperation will be thrown away by Rafa. I disagree with all of that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
STM Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Firstly, no player is above a manager like Rafa, so he can send a message. If Shelvey doesn't heed the warning, eventually he will be replaced, as the manager doesn't suffer fools. Secondly, Shelvey isn't a number 10. Perez isn't a particularly good one but it is where Rafa sees him playing, therefore he will probably keep his spot. Merino's performance was excellent, so I'd be shocked if he was dropped. Especially since Rafa rewards performances and drops players for poor performance. He won't play Merino and Shelvey because there aren't enough legs there for Rafa, he wants one in there with a decent engine, which means Hayden. To finish, Rafa wouldn't build his side around one player or be overly reliant on one player. It's all about teamwork. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The College Dropout Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Bench Shelvey. Bench Lejuene. Start Yedlin. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
afar Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Firstly, no player is above a manager like Rafa, so he can send a message. If Shelvey doesn't heed the warning, eventually he will be replaced, as the manager doesn't suffer fools. Secondly, Shelvey isn't a number 10. Perez isn't a particularly good one but it is where Rafa sees him playing, therefore he will probably keep his spot. Merino's performance was excellent, so I'd be shocked if he was dropped. Especially since Rafa rewards performances and drops players for poor performance. He won't play Merino and Shelvey because there aren't enough legs there for Rafa, he wants one in there with a decent engine, which means Hayden. To finish, Rafa wouldn't build his side around one player or be overly reliant on one player. It's all about teamwork. Where exactly did I say play Shelvey as a number 10 ? I said play a flat centre three is what I would do and that Shlevey is a way better player than Perez, again hardly rocket science not sure what you disagree with there. In terms of sending a message as opposed to winning games, the guy made a mistake, his first legitimate sending off as a NUFC player. He was wound up by an absolute tosser who really should have been booked for kicking the ball away too,no excuse for his actions but it happens, he's served his suspension and I'm sure Rafa's reprimanded him too. We are not so stacked with talent that we can allow our best midfielder from last year and up to the Spuds game to not be fitted into the team when available. Merino's 21, he's played 2 and a quarter games for us, looked excellent against West Ham, but is still learning his trade as was apparent in his lack of effort for Huddersfield's goal (hell if Shelvey had done what he had, he would be lynched on here). I never said I would drop him, I said Rafa would probably do this to bring back Shelvey. I will re-iterate the best combination I see for is all three of them and sacrifice Perez, but none are 10's that's why it would require Rafa douing something he never does and change his formation. It was clear in pre-season that whenever Shelvey was involved we suddenly looked so much better from an attacking perspective, Rafa clearly saw Shelvey as a pivotal part in his plans this season, he's not going to throw all those plans away because of one moment of madness. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgie Smuggler Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Lejeune should start whenever fit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
afar Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Lejeune should start whenever fit. Lascelles has done little wrong since replacing him but I tend to agree, I wouldn't put it past Rafa to move Clark back to LB and drop Mbemba to bring back Lejeune but I hope he doesn't Chancel has done little wrong in his makeshift role and Clark is a way better CB than LB in my view. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallowgate Toon Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 In a team that's not got loads of quality, surely keeping competition for places legitimate is the most important piece in us maximizing performance? Unless there's a great tactical reason for an inclusion, I don't see why the team should change at all from West Ham. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
xLiaaamx Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Surely if Yedlin starts at right back Manquillo plays left back? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ikon Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 In a team that's not got loads of quality, surely keeping competition for places legitimate is the most important piece in us maximizing performance? Unless there's a great tactical reason for an inclusion, I don't see why the team should change at all from West Ham. Otherwise why would a player feel motivated after getting dropped at first chance possible despite doing really well. You perform on a good level you stay, if you don't you'll just have to wait for your next chance. Keeps everyone on their toes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
afar Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 In a team that's not got loads of quality, surely keeping competition for places legitimate is the most important piece in us maximizing performance? Unless there's a great tactical reason for an inclusion, I don't see why the team should change at all from West Ham. Otherwise why would a player feel motivated after getting dropped at first chance possible despite doing really well. You perform on a good level you stay, if you don't you'll just have to wait for your next chance. Keeps everyone on their toes. A good manager knows when to stay loyal to those that have performed and when to bring back the more senior players, Rafa over the years has bee adept at knowing when to do this. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Away Day Gadgie Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 I don't want Shelvey straight back in, it sends the wrong message. I'm sure he got straight back in after his suspension last season and maybe at the back of his mind it made him think he's indispensable. To be fair that was true to a certain extent as he had been outstanding and we didn't have a Merino to step in for him. This situation is different as Merino, Hayden and Perez all played well in the last game so it's a perfect opportunity to let him know he's not "all that". We are not in a position to "send the right message", we need to win football games. Shelvey is infinitely superior to Perez and should be brought in for him imo. However if Rafa won't play a more flat central 3 and prefers to go with Perez in the hole, even though he doesn't really play that role that well, then he'll drop one of Merino or Hayden, my guess would be Merino. Shelvey will be up for this one too, anxious to repay the team for his stupidity and keen to put one over his old team. He's also the player we were built around in pre-season, I can't imagine all that preperation will be thrown away by Rafa. Thing is, we did actually win our last football match reasonably comfortably without Shelvey. Rafa has talked about competition for places quite a lot since he came here so he's got no reason to drop someone who performed well for a guy who let everyone down on the first day of the season. Shelvey is a good player but he's not (and never will be) a world beater, add to the fact his performances in 2017 have been average then i can't think of one reason why he should waltz straight back into a side that just won convincingly. I'd be really surprised if Rafa did that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hakka Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 I don't want Shelvey straight back in, it sends the wrong message. I'm sure he got straight back in after his suspension last season and maybe at the back of his mind it made him think he's indispensable. To be fair that was true to a certain extent as he had been outstanding and we didn't have a Merino to step in for him. This situation is different as Merino, Hayden and Perez all played well in the last game so it's a perfect opportunity to let him know he's not "all that". I feel the same. He should work to get back in to the side a little. Happy for him to get 30/20 mins second half potentially but he shouldn't start automatically. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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