Match Thread - Blades v. Bristol City

[LichfieldBlade]

I would say that there are 7 players who the team will be based around over the season - Howard, Alcock, Butler, Harris, Basham, Murphy and Higdon, fitness and form permitting.
I believe that because of this, Higdon won't start on Saturday and be replaced by Baxter. As for the rest of the team, I think Collins will start due to his experience but the midfield could be any number of combinations, probably with JCR on the right due to Flynn's current fitness.

 

[FTPE]

Has anyone else listened to the interview with higdon? Would be surprised if he starts on Saturday. Sounds like he's lacking fitness

Cloughie says he hasn't had any intense training as yet, I think depending on how the game is going he might get a run out but he ain't starting!
I don't know how much faith he's putting in mcnulty and I don't know how he intends on using Baxter this season so it could be my worst nightmare... Porter to lead the line

 

[Bergen Blade]

I'd have gone exactly with the team that started against York before that result - bit with that result...

Higdon and Clough seemed to be talking down his level of fitness, but you have to wonder if that's Clough lining Bristol City up for a surprise.

I don't think anyone has mentioned Louis Reed in their suggested teams, yet by the sounds of it he impressed when played and was man of the match vs Fenerbahce. Should he be in on merit?

Yes, he looked very good against Fenerbache and can be disappointed if he doesn't play.

Realistically he's competing with Scougall though and although Scougall hasn't done as well in pre season we have to hope that he finds form when the serious games begin. As I see it he is vital to our attacking play with his runs into the box. Especially now that Coady is gone we need him to do get beyond the striker and chip in with goals.

 

[Rossb123]

Everyone is expecting us to play 4-5-1 but I noticed at the end of one of the friendlies recently Clough mentioned he thought we looked more of a threat when we went 4-4-2. Could this mean that we play Higdon and Baxter together as a partnership upfront? I think that could be a partnership that really works going forward.

Never thought I would say this but maybe Scougall needs to look over his shoulder at his competition as well, he was great for us last season and was pretty much guaranteed to start every game. Competition for places can only be healthy, just need 1/2 defenders now and maybe Ch*d and we have a good squad that is capable of promotion in league one and competing in the Championship.

 

[Bergen Blade]

Judging by Higdon's interview he's not fully fit yet, can't see Clough starting him against Bristol City.

Think he'll go with -

Howard
Alcock Collins Butler Harris
Flynn Basham Doyle Scougall Murphy
Baxter​

One thing we definitely don't lack is depth in the squad now - McGahey, Davies, JCR, McNulty, McGinn, Wallace, Porter, Higdon, Reed, Dimaio, Diego.

Not gonna write off Wallace yet but his unfortunate persistent injury problems are worrying. I know Liverpool have stated the figure they want for Coady but if no-one matches their valuation I'd love to see us test the water with a bid, think he could be the difference & he's already made it known he loved it here last season

I'd be made up if we can get in extra defensive cover, Coady & another CF potentially on-loan then I believe our business will be done

I think that's the likely line up too.

 

[Slug]

I think that's the likely line up too.

I think that will be the line up too, apart from maybe JCR for Flynn.
I too would be tempted to start young Reed after watching him in pre season, he seems to have no fear at all.

btw Tommas, this is Paul, from the old msn and Football Manager days! I remember JCR was a favourite signing of yours on our online games!

 

[Patrick Suffaux]

Howard
Alcock Collins Butler Harris
Flynn Basham Doyle Murphy
Scougall
Baxter​

Subs: Willis, McGahey, Davies, Wallace, JCR, Porter, Higdon

Wouldn't be my team every week but for a game like this one I think it has the best balance of what we need. Just wish I could find a place for Louis Reed, the lad is a real talent. I think his time will come as we get further into the season. Probably not the game for him or McNulty.

*edit - great minds think alike Bergen and Forever Blade

 

[Pinchy]

The time has come to move on. On the assumption that Wallace is fit:

Howard

Alcock
Butler
Collins
Harris

JCR
Wallace
Scoogs
Murphy

Baxter

Higdon

I'm quite sure Basham will play alongside Wallace if the latter is fit, or alongside Scoogs if not and that's probably the right selection but this is MY team and I Scoogs. In addition, there must be a real chance that young Harry the Second will get the nod at centre-back in place of Collins. My own view is that Collins has a great deal to offer this season, more so than Doyle, who is clearly to be phased out.

As for those of us who are planning substitutions in advance, it really doesn't work like that!

 

[FattyFatterson]

Judging by Higdon's interview he's not fully fit yet, can't see Clough starting him against Bristol City.

Think he'll go with -

Howard
Alcock Collins Butler Harris
Flynn Basham Doyle Scougall Murphy
Baxter

One thing we definitely don't lack is depth in the squad now - McGahey, Davies, JCR, McNulty, McGinn, Wallace, Porter, Higdon, Reed, Dimaio, Diego.

Not gonna write off Wallace yet but his unfortunate persistent injury problems are worrying. I know Liverpool have stated the figure they want for Coady but if no-one matches their valuation I'd love to see us test the water with a bid, think he could be the difference & he's already made it known he loved it here last season

I'd be made up if we can get in extra defensive cover, Coady & another CF potentially on-loan then I believe our business will be done

Agree with FB. I cant see Wallace or Higdon starting due to fitness. Having said that, I'd be disappointed not to get a starting berth if I were Davies, McGahey or Reed but competition for places should keep everyone on their toes! Feels like Higdon has given us that extra attacking option so wouldn't be surprised to see him after 60 minutes then play in the cup.

 

[Bergen Blade]

I think that will be the line up too, apart from maybe JCR for Flynn.
I too would be tempted to start young Reed after watching him in pre season, he seems to have no fear at all.

btw Tommas, this is Paul, from the old msn and Football Manager days! I remember JCR was a favourite signing of yours on our online games!

Good to see you on here mate! I've always thought JCR has good ability, hopefully he can still do a good job for us!

I'm very excited by the likes of Reed, Dimaio and De Girolamo, in terms of skill they are already better than most of the seniors.

 

[Sharpestblade]

Judging by Higdon's interview he's not fully fit yet, can't see Clough starting him against Bristol City.

Think he'll go with -

Howard
Alcock Collins Butler Harris
Flynn Basham Doyle Scougall Murphy
Baxter

I agree with that except my guess is he will go with JCR instead of Flynn and I wouldn't be surprised to see Higdon start instead of Baxter.

 

[Darthblade]

What I think he will play

Howard
Alcock McGahey Collins Harris
Flynn Basham Doyle Murphy
..............Scougall
..............Higdon

My team would swap Wallace for Basham if fit.

There is no place in the squad for Doyle this season. There are at least 7 better and more effective midfield players than doyle.
UTB & FTP

 

[LSF]

There is no place in the squad for Doyle this season. There are at least 7 better and more effective midfield players than doyle.
UTB & FTP

Prepare to be surprised!

 

[sheffielder]

There is no place in the squad for Doyle this season. There are at least 7 better and more effective midfield players than doyle.
UTB & FTP

You don't need to preach to the choir! I think he might start though until Wallace is fit

 

[sheffielder]

Prepare to be surprised!

Are you feeling good for the new season then Michael?

 

[LSF]

Ahhhbejasus yes I am . Gaffer told me I'd be leading the team out on Saturday, I'll look for that just sucked a lemon look on your face

 

[Pinchy]

Ahhhbejasus yes I am . Gaffer told me I'd be leading the team out on Saturday, I'll look for that just sucked a lemon look on your face

Leprechaun's Smiling Face?

 

[Matttheblade]

My team vs Bristol city would be a 4-1-4-1 formation. And the team as follows:


Howard
Alcock, Collins, Butler, Harris
Basham
Flyn, Scougall, Baxter, Murphy
McNulty

 

[Going up]

This year, there will be many games and we need to win the majority. The one thing we have added to dramatically is depth.
I wouldn't start anyone who has been struggling in pre-season or who is not yet fully fit. JCR, Davies, Reed are all flying, now. There will be plenty of time to get the likes of Flynn, Wallace and our new Beast up front on the pitch. I would try to get them minutes rather than games at this particular point.
This would also give those in the team a chance to keep their place and those seeking full match fitness, the incentive to claim theirs.

 

[SotonBlade]

This is how I'd start.

 

[Slug]

Good to see you on here mate! I've always thought JCR has good ability, hopefully he can still do a good job for us!

I'm very excited by the likes of Reed, Dimaio and De Girolamo, in terms of skill they are already better than most of the seniors.

Cheers mate. I saw you mention about JCR having good vision for a winger and I saw him play some lovely passes in the Fenerbahce game. I think he will prove to be a real asset this season.

 

[JKBlade]

My team to start would be:

Howard
Alcock McGahey Collins Harris
Flynn Doyle Wallace Murphy
Baxter
Higdon

For me Doyle has to start, basham hasn't shown the qualities to take over his role and there would be a big hole in midfield without Doyle.

If Wallace is fit I'd start him I've been very impressed with what I've seen so far, if not I'd like to see scougall drop in alongside Doyle.

Baxter has to play for me he's our most talented player would be great to see him in his natural position behind a striker.

Also been very impressed with McGahey, not so much with Butler.
We'd really miss Collins in my opinion especially his ariel presence.

 

[MiserableBlader]

Judging by Higdon's interview he's not fully fit yet, can't see Clough starting him against Bristol City.

Think he'll go with -

Howard
Alcock Collins Butler Harris
Flynn Basham Doyle Scougall Murphy
Baxter

One thing we definitely don't lack is depth in the squad now -

Sadly that is the way he'll go.

Collins, Doyle, Baxter = spineless and doomed to fail.

We don't lack numbers.
We do lack QUALITY.
We do lack pace.
We do lack height.

I wouldn't start from here but with what we have I'd go with the best/form/least bad players trying to get the best out of them


Howard
Alcock Magahey Butler Harris
Flynn Davies Basham CRyce
Murphy McNulty.

Willis
Collins - only fit defender
McGinn
Khan
Reed
Scougall
Porter/Higson

Murphy up front as he's not fit and does have quailty
Flynn to be replaced by Khan if he flags.
How 'fit' is Higson hence may be stuck with Porter who has looked OK when coming on and scored when he didn't.

 

[true99blade]

Sadly that is the way he'll go.

Collins, Doyle, Baxter = spineless and doomed to fail.

We don't lack numbers.
We do lack QUALITY.
We do lack pace.
We do lack height.

I wouldn't start from here but with what we have I'd go with the best/form/least bad players trying to get the best out of them


Howard
Alcock Magahey Butler Harris
Flynn Davies Basham CRyce
Murphy McNulty.

Willis
Collins - only fit defender
McGinn
Khan
Reed
Scougall
Porter/Higson

Murphy up front as he's not fit and does have quailty
Flynn to be replaced by Khan if he flags.
How 'fit' is Higson hence may be stuck with Porter who has looked OK when coming on and scored when he didn't.

There are so many things wrong with this. Sorry, just my opinion.

 

[wizadry]

The team i'd play from the players we know who are fit are as follow

...................................Howard...................................

....Alcock........Mcgahey.........Collins..........Harris....

................................Basham......................................

........JCR.................Scougall................Murphy........

.................................Baxter.......................................

................................Ncnulty.....................................

please play Mcnulty,Baxter and Scougall down the middle where they belong.

Subs:Willis,Butler,Flynn,Doyle,Davies,De giralamo,Reed.

players not fit:Wallace,Higdon,

players not picked: Dimaio,Mcginn,Porter,Kennedy,Pailing,Khan.

 

[stannyblade]

Is Baxter mobile enough to play just behind a striker?

 

[MBoreman]

Howard
Alcock Butler Collins Harris
Flynn Wallace Basham Murphy
Baxter
Higdon

Bench: Willis, McGahey, Davies/Scougall, JCR, Reed, Diego, McNulty/Porter


That would be my side with everyone fit. If Higdon is lacking at the moment as some have mentioned I'd bring in McNulty or Scougall (change to 4-5-1). If Wallace is injured i'd bring in Louis Reed. The 2 centre backs from the 3 options could be whoever for me I think they're all good enough.

 

[MBoreman]

Is Baxter mobile enough to play just behind a striker?

That's where he's always played bar last year.

 

[Kazarre13]

9 August | SKY BET LEAGUE

Sheffield United v Bristol City
Date: 09/08/2014 Time: 12:15
Stadium: Bramall Lane

I think 2-0.

What do you think about match?

 

[Gavlar]

9 August | SKY BET LEAGUE

Sheffield United v Bristol City
Date: 09/08/2014 Time: 12:15
Stadium: Bramall Lane

I think 2-0.

What do you think about match?

think it will be a tough opener, prob would take a draw, but hopefully we can sneak a win.
2-0 would be great"!