08 Sep 2026 20:39:10
I think we need to find a way to get Estevao into this side and also shore up the defence so a slight change in formation can sort that. 4-2-3-1 gives a nice solid back 4 and what a front 4 that would be as well. Moises and Lavia or James until January, when hopefully a new partner for Moises arrives. Any thoughts chatters?
08 Sep 2026 22:37:31
I have never been a fan of three at the back.
My preference is 433 or 4312. The problem at the moment is us getting outnumbered in midfield, and the front three not dropping to fill any midfield gaps. I think the manager will have to put on his big boy pants, and the decision he makes will not make fans happy. Mind you, making all us fans happy is impossible in my opinion.
09 Sep 2026 08:14:07
G8 I had also wondered whether Alonso might need to think again about formation to play at the back. Would also love Estevao to get more game time, though it may be that the club are being cautious about this after his serious hamstring injury last season.
Only concern, one I've raised before, about playing both Palmer and Rogers is that we would be wonderful in attack but possibly fragile defensively in midfield without a really strong double pivot. Though we would, of course, have more defensive lb and rb.
09 Sep 2026 17:04:59
It’ll happen in some games, starting as a 4-2-3-1 and switching to a 3-2-5 in possession. One fb pushing on and another tucking in to make up the back 3.
Been a lot of noise about Estavao’s minutes, but he’s come back a lot quicker from a bad hamstring injury than most thought possible.
Really important Alonso manages his mins, make sure there’s no repeat injury.
Defensively, we still need to get used to the system, which wasn’t put into effect until the tail end of pre-season, and we need our key cm back in the side.
09 Sep 2026 22:30:35
On current form, Neto is a far more complete footballer than Estavao anyway.