Assuming he does join, I think it will be too late for Knibbs to start the first game but I see him starting off as a sub and taking the "10" role pretty soon. I don't think TC and Olafe would work, it will.be one of them with Kelman/Godden/Leaburn, unless we start with a front 3.
How much will we learn from tomorrow’s starting XI in relation to what it means for Watford a week later?
I'd say it will be closest to first team as can be imo probably 8-9 bankers and then a few he's still making his mind up maybe to start against Watford.
I've a hunch that Doc will get the 'Coventry role' this season .. Kaminski .. Ramsay, Jones, Gillesphey .. Apter, Carey, Knibbs, Docherty, Edwards .. Oloafe, Kelman
Yes, this looks as good a bet as any - will be a bit harsh on TC though so would see him as first off the bench. Also wonder whether we are going to keep Ahadme for his aerial ability if we need a last throw of the dice / launch it into the box option at the end of a game if all else has failed? Aneke and Hylton have gone and Leaburn isn't that type of player so??
I've a hunch that Doc will get the 'Coventry role' this season .. Kaminski .. Ramsay, Jones, Gillesphey .. Apter, Carey, Knibbs, Docherty, Edwards .. Oloafe, Kelman
How much will we learn from tomorrow’s starting XI in relation to what it means for Watford a week later?
I think it was RC who said on his last post match pod that the team who started our last friendly last year was the team that started the first game of the season.
What an amazing choice we have after all these years. Never be perfect but we are comparatively spoilt for choice. I have not got a clue for the 11 but looking forward to this time next week.
Based on fitness and what we've seen in pre-season
No room for Fullah unfortunately, Mannion, Burke, Godden, Berry and Taylor miss out through injury, I'd expect A. Mitchell, Kanu and Ahadme to have left by this time next week.
Enslin and Dixon alongside Fullah to be the wildcards that could break into the first team squad/impress in cup games
Comments
Ramsay
Jones
Gillesphey
Apter
Coventry
Rankin-Costello
Carey
Edwards
Olaofe
Campbell
Kaminski
Ramsay Jones Gillesphey
Apter Docherty Coventry Edwards
Carey
Leaburn Olaofe
Could also see Bell for Gillesphey and TC for Olaofe and maybe JRC for Docherty at a push
I'd hazard a guess that it'll be TC & Olaofe but I can't really decide
That leaves five spots up for grabs IMO:
LCB (Gillesphey but could be Bell)
RWB or CM (depending on where JRC plays)
AM
and the two forwards
Assuming we are sticking with the trusted 3-5-2 from last season.
Apter
Ramsay
Jones
Bell
Edwards
JRC
Coventry
Carey
Kelman
Olaofe
...is my prediction but NJ may well go for Doc over JRC
Kaminski, Ramsay, Lloydy, Coventry, Edwards, Gillesphey, Tanto & I think TC will likely start.
Players who I expect will start at some point like Bell, Knibbs, Kelman will need more time probably.
That leaves 3 spots up for grabs, the right side slot, centre mid, attacking midfielder.
So maybe Apter, Doc/Costello and Carey.
Something like this:
Trialist B
Trialist C
Trialist D
Trialist E
Trialist F
Trialist G
Trialist H
Trialist I
Trialist J
Trialist K
Ramsay Jones Gillesphey
Apter Doc Coventry Edwards
Knibbs
Kelman Leaburn
Ramsay
Jones
Gillesphey
Apter
Edwards
JRC
Carey
Coventry
Oloafe
Leaburn
back up for Coventry though.
Still at the full of hope and expectation stage
No room for Fullah unfortunately, Mannion, Burke, Godden, Berry and Taylor miss out through injury, I'd expect A. Mitchell, Kanu and Ahadme to have left by this time next week.
Enslin and Dixon alongside Fullah to be the wildcards that could break into the first team squad/impress in cup games