Probable team v Gillingham?

[Liaminho9]

I'll go for:

Long
Freeman New CB Collins Harris
Woolford Basham Wallace Murphy
Sharp Higdon

 

[Darthblade]

So we have our first clues about preferred formation of Adkins (4-4-2) and which players he currently rates above the others:-

First Team v Ilkeston:- Howard, Freeman, Collins, McEveley (c), Harris, Campbell-Ryce, Basham, Wallace J, Murphy, McNulty, Higdon

Second Team v Ilkeston:- Long, Dimaio, McGahey (c), Wallace K, McFadzean, Scougall, Baxter, Cuvelier (Reed), Adams, Calvert-Lewin, DeGirolamo

Unused/Injured:- Alcock, Coutts, Flynn, Woolford, Done

Long-Term injury:- Brayford, Kennedy

How many of the unused/injured players would be preferred to the team chosen to start against Ilkeston?
I would say Woolford definitely. As Adkins only signing so far, he's nailed on for a starting place.
Flynn and Done? Unlikely to start if they've not been training much as Adkins seemed to indicate.
Coutts and Alcock? Both I think could be in line for a place on the bench but possibly not starting ahead of those who've played so already.

How many new signings will we make before the Gillingham match?
Not very many judging by various comments made by Adkins.
I.e. High praise for Collins and McCevely. Hints that we might wait until the end of the transfer window etc.

I think that we will sign Sharp sooner rather than later and he will probably replace McNulty as the "poacher".
I also think that we will surely sign one centre back (but only one) and I have a hunch that "captain" McCeveley will get the nod ahead of Harris at left back.
That selection would help Adkins to achieve his stated aim of having 6 or 7 players who can win the physical/aerial battle in their position.

Probable line-up for first League match:-
Howard
Freeman Collins New CB McCeveley
Woolford Basham J.Wallace Murphy
Sharp Higdon

Subs:- Long, Alcock, Harris, Coutts, JCR, McNulty, Done

Just my guess at this stage. I'm interested to see how others see it "at this moment in time" and how it changes as pre-season progresses.

I would expect it to be ......

Howard ( if fit )
Freeman New CH New CH Harris
Woolford Basham J.Wallace Murphy
Sharp Sammon

UTB & FTP

 

[Sothall_Blade]

My prediction for Gillingham line-up now:-

Howard
Freeman Collins New CB McCeveley
Woolford Basham Baxter Murphy
Sammon Sharp

Woolford was very disappointing today. Didn't look (match) fit.
Judging by him being subbed at half time, Adkins seemed to agree.
Adams probably deserves a place on his showing. Right wing?

 

[Sothall_Blade]

Even if Adkins signs a new centre back now, I don’t think he will throw him in to the opening match at this late stage.
So my final prediction for the team v Gillingham is:-

Howard
Freeman Collins McEveley McFadzean
Adams Basham Baxter Murphy
Sharp Sammon
Subs:- Long, K.Wallace, J.Wallace, Scougall, Woolford, Higdon, McNulty

 

[Newbury Blade]

Agree with that, except I think he'll play Woolford on the right wing, with Adams and Sharp upfront.
Subs as you say except Sammon for Woolford.
Higdon and McNuts to come on 20 minutes from the end just when Gillingham are tiring.

 

[TheMonty45]

Yeah, that should be pretty much bang on. (Excluding any last minute signings)
Howard
Freeman Collo MCevs Mcfazdean or Woolford (Harris injured?)
Campbell-Ryce (Slight Knock?) Bashy Murphy
Baxter
Adams Sharp

Although if Wallace is fit he would be the first name on the team sheet.

 

[pommpey]

You just bloody know Jeff Stelling is gonna pop up and say "Aaaand there's been a late late goal in the game at The Priestfield Stadium that could prove to be the winner, but which way has it gone to? Over to Iain Dowie now..."

Heart-stopping stuff. You just know it's gonna happen, it's the bladey blades way.

" ... are we on? Oh ... yes Jeff. It's gone to the home team ... Justin Edinburgh's side have turned the screws on a clearly lacking Sheffield United defence for the past half hour with the central pairing coming under consistent pressure from aerial balls into the box. Two or three of these have resulted in wasted chances from the Gillingham strikers but two minutes ago a in innocuous cross was watched straight onto the head of an unmarked Cody McDonald who nodded past a static Mark Howard to put the Priestfield Stadium into raptures of delight. I can see the Sheffield United fans filing out, in fact one has just muttered something about 'Sign some fucking defenders you ... "

Stelling: "Thanks Iain ... now over to Paul Merson who has his dick out and is watching Arsenal ... Paul ... "

pommpey

 

[Slim Man]

- Long

Freeman - Collins - McEveley - McFadzean

Adams - Basham - Baxter - Murphy

- Sharp - Sammon


Would be shocked with anything other

 

[Rossb123]

- Long

Freeman - Collins - McEveley - McFadzean

Adams - Basham - Baxter - Murphy

- Sharp - Sammon


Would be shocked with anything other

I thought Howard was back?

 

[Slim Man]

I thought Howard was back?

Not played for 3 weeks so wouldn't risk him
Nor would I pick him considering George's form to be honest

 

[Rossb123]

Not played for 3 weeks so wouldn't risk him
Nor would I pick him considering George's form to be honest

I didn't go to the game but thought he played first 45 against Hull. If he didn't then yes Long is the man for the job.

 

[Sothall_Blade]

I didn't go to the game but thought he played first 45 against Hull. If he didn't then yes Long is the man for the job.

Howard did play in the first half against Hull and the whole game against Macclesfield four days earlier.
He's fully fit and first choice as far as I'm aware.

 

[Bartleby]

Preferred back 4 definitely looks like it will be Freeman,Collins, McEveley and McFadzean. What's happened with Harris? Hasn't featured at all since Ilkeston game. Don't recall it being said he was injured was it?

 

[Barney]

Long
Freeman, Collins, McEveley, McFadzean
Woolford, Basham, Baxter, Murphy
Sharp, Adams

 

[Blade82]

Howard
Freeman,Collins, McEveley, McFadzean
Woolford, Basham, Baxter, Murphy
Sharp, Adams

 

[Wardy1889]

I would like to see Adams upfront but I think Adkins will go for:
Howard
Freeman Collins McEverley McFadz
Murphy Basham Baxter Woolford
Sammon Sharp
Subs: Long, K. Wallace, J. Wallace/ Scougall,Reed, Adams, Higdon McNulty;