10 Sep 2026 20:34:43
Very early days under the new gaffer but for me the starting 11 is starting to take shape with both Pedro Neto and Josh being the beneficiaries of this system. Both are 2 of the first names on the teamsheet along with Martinez, Moises (when fit), Palestra (when fit) and on the left and that front 3 of Palmer, the brilliant Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro.
That leaves 3 positions to fill and I would go with Barco in midfield over both Lavia and James.
I would also go with Hato at LCB over Levi and play Fofana over Lacroix at CCB.
All of this is on current form and sets a standard for those missing out to step up to.
10 Sep 2026 21:29:37
G8, on current form I can't see how Josh gets dropped.
11 Sep 2026 11:15:24
Largely agree with you, G8.
I have yet, though, to see Palestra in a competitive game, and he may need to be eased in a bit, first off the bench before starting. I am not sure.
I think Barco does provide a good option as starter with Lavia or James. If Caicedo is back, I would still think Xavi would start him with Lavia if both are fully fit, though Barco is making a strong claim for a starting role as well, and the case for him may be made stronger by the amount of turf he covers. But James made a big difference when on versus Leeds, and was not bad v Arsenal, except that glaring moment when he lost concentration before Overgaard's goal!
But RJ lent much-needed leadership and urgency to our counter-offensive v Leeds on Wednesday night. So I think Alonso might be right to start him v Hull, and, given Barco played the full 90 mins v Leeds, Barco could then come on for either Lavia or James at some stage. Caicedo may be given more time to get fully fit?
At the moment, I think our best three centre backs are Lacroix, Fofana and Josh, though the problem, I agree, is who plays LCB given the fact that all of these are predominantly right-footed.
So there is a case for Hato at LCB, though I am not sure that he and, eg, Chiavarra are a very good combo there defensively, and sides are targeting our left flank as the weaker one. Perhaps, when Palestra is fully fit, he will be used on that side by Xavi, and then Hato may be better aided/protected there?
Until then, and against Hull tomorrow, it may be safest that Fofana will play LCB again, as he did when taking over from LC on Wednesday night, with Lacroix in centre again and Josh on the right.
The front three pick themselves, though Danny W is proving to be v useful back up/assistant to JP up front.
I would have Neto as RWB and Chiavarra at LWB, assuming Palestra is not fit.
Then start with James and Lavia as D/CMs, with Barco to come on at some stage and Caicedo too perhaps, though Xavi may rightly want to ensure he doesn't aggravate injury yet again and wait until the Brentford game before using him.