02 Aug 2019 13:34:18
Some selection headaches for Lampard in his formation of 4231, especially in defence and midfield.

Midfielders: Jorginho, Kovacic, Kante, RLC, Barkley and Mount. Not to forget Drinkwater and Bakayoko.

Defenders: Luiz, Rudiger, Zouma, AC and Tomori.

Competition is good. Hopefully all the players are on top form as it will be good for us. What are your thoughts guys, who would you pick when all are fit and well? Ed1 what are your views in relation to the above?

{Ed001's Note - I doubt Drinkwater would even be in the running if his mother was picking the team. There is also the possibility that a defender goes on loan, which will cut down the options.

Personally I think you have to go with one of Christensen or Luiz, alongside one of Zouma or Rudiger. Tomori looks a long way off the same level from what I saw last season.

In midfield it is Kante, without doubt. Then it would depend on who is alongside him as to the third. If Jorginho is in, then you need another one who can do the running, which would be Bakayoko. The other 4 you can pretty much mix and match alongside Kante to be honest.}


1.) 02 Aug 2019
02 Aug 2019 18:32:39
Think in a double pivot, the best duo is quite clearly Kovacic next to Kante. Both seem tailor made for a 2 man midfield, and it should be a quite balanced partnership.

In front of that it's a toss up between Mount and Barkley until Ruben comes back (probably only next season that he's fully healthy though) . Mount seems the more intelligent player, and keeps play ticking all the time. Makes good runs, has a good eye for a pass and works his socks off while defending.
Barkley however has shown quite a bit of quality so far this preseason. I haven't watched the games live so far, but the assists and goals kinda speak for themselves. He had a blinder against a strong Salzburg team that had already started its season.


2.) 02 Aug 2019
02 Aug 2019 20:35:41
I agree in regards to splitting the centre half’s on their ability to play the ball, with Luiz and Rudiger (once healthy) being first choice. In midfield I also agree that Kante picks himself and while I think Kovacic has looked great so far, I’m not sure how he would pair with Kante as it’s important to have somebody shielding the backline and their mobility would hinder that. It indeed looks likely that Tomori will leave on loan and I think Bakayoko probably won’t be here as moving Drinkwater looks next to impossible. Lots of solid depth at both positions to be certain though.


3.) 02 Aug 2019
02 Aug 2019 21:15:44
Jackson mate, no idea what a double pivot is but it sounds wacky. I’m really interested to see how Frank does. He was a great player and seems a pretty decent bloke, I think he’s been thrown in possibly before he’s ready but I’m genuinely intrigued to see if he can deliver.

It’s shaping up to be a very interesting season.


4.) 02 Aug 2019
02 Aug 2019 22:54:53
I see no reason why, against teams likely to sit back and challenge us to break them down, two of Barkley, RLC or Mount can't play in the same team with Kante sitting behind. Bring Jorginho or, and preferably for me, Kovacic in for more competitive matches.


5.) 03 Aug 2019
02 Aug 2019 23:54:10
I do not believe that bakayoko has a place in this team, though i hope he proves me wrong.

Think our best midfield 3 would be

Jorgihnk next to kante + barkley at the moment.


6.) 03 Aug 2019
03 Aug 2019 07:12:24
The last couple of seasons against the lower teams we have been playing with 5 defenders under conte and 4 defenders with Kanté Kovacic and Jorginho they is no goals in there. Neither of them would change things either I have no doubt that lampard would change if needed agree with J don’t be surprised to see Barkley and mount on the pitch at the same time.


7.) 03 Aug 2019
03 Aug 2019 08:19:29
Kovacic and Jorginho have looked very good as a 2 but Kante will replace one of them when fit. Zouma will start alongside Luiz but I expect Rudiger (when fit) and Christenson to challenge. Barklay and Mount will challenge for the advanced role with Ross maybe edging it. The big call for me is who starts as the lone striker?


8.) 03 Aug 2019
03 Aug 2019 10:13:55
Thanks for the opinions guys, it's been a good read getting everyones views. Surely its healthy competition and one that we hope brings us good results.


9.) 03 Aug 2019
03 Aug 2019 11:30:20
My guess for the Utd game CFCShak.

Kepa

Azpi
Zouma
Luiz
Emerson

Kante/ Kovacic
Jorginho

Pedro
Barklay
Pulisic

Tammy.


10.) 03 Aug 2019
03 Aug 2019 14:34:14
I have to confess that Bakayoko is disappointing me. I still have high hopes for him, maybe the club should see if Makalele can get him firing.


11.) 03 Aug 2019
03 Aug 2019 16:17:02
AJH, by double pivot I mean the 2 in a 4231.