Probable team v Gillingham?

[Sothall_Blade]

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.

 

[mattbianco1]

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

Wasn't Adkins quoted as saying he likes try 3 or 4 different styles and formations in every game?

My god, that's going to baffle loads on here.

 

[IOM Blade]

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 wouldn't be very optimistic for the season if that was the team for the first game. That side would struggle to make the playoffs in my opinion.

I'll go for.....

------------------Howard
Freeman--Collins--NewCB---NewLB

----------Bash--Coutts--J.Wallace

Done------------------------------Murphy
-----------------NewFWD

 

[Esablade]

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.

If we do get a new CB in, Wallace prove's he's fit and starts ( likewise Higgo) and we get Sharp ( or another CF) in, then yes, I'd be happy to start with that v Gillingham.

 

[Sothall_Blade]

I wouldn't be very optimistic for the season if that was the team for the first game. That side would struggle to make the playoffs in my opinion.

I'll go for.....

------------------Howard
Freeman--Collins--NewCB---NewLB

----------Bash--Coutts--J.Wallace

Done------------------------------Murphy
-----------------NewFWD

I would probably go with something more along those lines too (but keep Harris in and swap Collins for a new CB)
My OP was trying to guess who Adkins will pick based on his selections and comments so far.

 

[The Jackal]

.
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.

Think McC will start @ CB with Coll, then just swap JCR with Wool when at home for more attacking threat.

Sharp ? No thanks.

 

[HighfieldBlade]

I'm going to be seriously pissed off if we fail to win at Gillingham...

 

[Worksop II]

I'm going to be seriously pissed off if we fail to win at Gillingham...

Thats a whole season in the Dumps HB, I am gonna give it till the first home before I plummit into the depths of despondency

 

[mattbianco1]

This lack of transfer activity... Is it because we are skint again. Or maybe that Adkins has seen enough in the team that he has and isn't panicking.

What I mean is, if Collins had played all season last year, we would've been more solid at the back and potentially could've finished higher. Nigel Clough has a lot to answer for in how he froze Collins and Butler out and to some extent JCR & Higdon

 

[mattbianco1]

Anyway, with what we have, I'll go

Howard
Freeman Collins McEveley Harris
Cuvelier Basham Wallace
Adams/Done Woolford/Murphy
Higdon
​

It's interesting as that leaves no room for Scougall, Baxter, Reed, McNulty, Diego.

The more I think about it, the more I feel a good man manager would've got us promoted with ease last season. Would be nice if Adkins is the man.

 

[I should coco]

Howard
Freeman Collins McEveley Harris
Cuvelier Basham Wallace
Adams/Done Woolford/Murphy
Higdon

Two wingers on each side and that gives us 13 players.

I would imagine even United should be able to make numerical superiority count.

 

[HighfieldBlade]

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.

 

[Grecian2000]

Higdon
​

It's interesting as that leaves no room for Scougall, Baxter, Reed, McNulty, Diego.

Perhaps we need a bigger dressing room if the super size one is in the squad.

 

[Kian_barlow00]

How do most of the teams not include Adams, should be starting most games

 

[Grecian2000]

How do most of the teams not include Adams, should be starting most games

Not on the basis of the form he's shown when starting games so far he shouldn't.

I'm expecting good things from him this season but slower than you are obviously.

 

[Dnblade]

I know Collins is our only recognised experienced Centre Back,but to tell the truth I'd rather have Bash and JM than Collins...I'm hoping we bring somebody in,but Collins worries me,surely we can do a lot better if we want to be serious about getting promoted.

 

[Barney]

I think it could be something like this

Default line up:

Howard
Freeman, New CB, New CB, Harris
Woolford, Basham, J.Wallace, Murphy
Done, Sharp

With McNulty stepping in for first few games untill Done is back. I'm being hopeful of us signing those all important centre halves I must add as well. That team could just about do it I think if Adkins is able to get that bit more out of our current players and also players like Wallace and Adams start to deliver their potential.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

Wasn't Adkins quoted as saying he likes try 3 or 4 different styles and formations in every game?

My god, that's going to baffle loads on here.

244 baffles me.

 

[cahill]

Surprised several people are including Higdon, what does he offer, poor mobility, no pace, but a big lad (must be this) ?

 

[Sothall_Blade]

http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/sheffield-united-cheltenham-2561708.aspx?

Reserve team playing for first 60 minutes tonight (plus J.Wallace).
Baxter promoted to first team?

 

[Liaminho9]

http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/sheffield-united-cheltenham-2561708.aspx?

Reserve team playing for first 60 minutes tonight (plus J.Wallace).
Baxter promoted to first team?

Possibly just extra time for the fringe players to stake a claim for the first team. Too early to have a definitive 'Reserve Team' IMO

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Team for Cheltenham (from S24SU Twitter): Long, Dimaio, McGahey (c), Wallace K, McFadzean, Scougs, Wallace J, Reed, Calvert-Lewin, DeGirolamo, Adams
1-1 atm. Adams for us. They equalised just before half-time.

 

[Pinchy]

Not on the basis of the form he's shown when starting games so far he shouldn't.

I'm expecting good things from him this season but slower than you are obviously.

That's because you're a little older and a little wiser. That said, it's clear Che has the potential to be a bit special, isn't it? Our best young prospect, in my view. I'm looking forward with a good degree of excitement to his progress next season. I don't think he'll be "starting most games" just yet, though.

 

[Sothall_Blade]

http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/sheffield-united-cheltenham-2561708.aspx?

Reserve team playing for first 60 minutes tonight (plus J.Wallace).
Baxter promoted to first team?

We will surely be playing the first team for most of the testimonial against Newcastle on Sunday (60 minutes).
So which team will be playing tonight? Reserves for 60 minutes again? Or first team for 60 minutes? Or half each?
Any chance that the players who haven't featured yet will be able to play?

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

We will surely be playing the first team for most of the testimonial against Newcastle on Sunday (60 minutes).
So which team will be playing tonight? Reserves for 60 minutes again? Or first team for 60 minutes? Or half each?
Any chance that the players who haven't featured yet will be able to play?

The new centre backs won't be playing.

 

[itsinyerblood]

The new centre backs won't be playing.

Fallen out with Adkins already??? Next thing you know they'll be loaned out to Donny never to be mentioned again.

 

[Living In a Fantasy World]

Howard
Freeman Collins New CB McCeveley
Woolford Basham J.Wallace Murphy
Sharp Higdon

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

Sharp ... oh come on man snap out of it!!
Keep McEvelrly away from left back, he was so socking in that position last season.
I thought Woolford was brought in to basically play cover, I doubt he will be a starter.

 

[BushBlade]

Sharp ... oh come on man snap out of it!!
Keep McEvelrly away from left back, he was so socking in that position last season.
I thought Woolford was brought in to basically play cover, I doubt he will be a starter.

Think Flynn's carrying a knock so it's Woolford, JCR or one of the kids. Probably start with Woolford and use JCR or Adams as an impact sub.

 

[Sothall_Blade]

My prediction for Gillingham line-up now:-

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

 

[Harry's Game]

My prediction for Gillingham line-up now:-

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

That's not looking too far off, hope you're right about the new CB. And I wonder if J. Wallace will play instead of Baxter?

Would also like to see us slot Adams in somewhere.