Sorry how many do we need ?
Looking at our first pre season game, of course it's hard to judge without Cabaye and Tomkins playing but if we are to play that 3-4-3 formation most of the season. Then how many do we need?

Gk
Rwb (1 or 2)
Cb- (2)
Cm-
Rf/lf
St-

7 players for squad or is that overkill

Edited by CPFC/SCCC (19 Jul 2017 7.18pm)

Andy Johnson Magic, He wears a Magic Hat
When he Sees the match ball, he says he having that
He scores one with left foot, he scores one with his right
And When his playing Brighton, He scores all f***ING Night!

He may think that Cabaye can play as that number 10, the little striker playing off of Tekkers, who knows..so with that in mind, Wickham is the back up Target man, cabayes back up would be whoever replaces the possibly outgoing McArthur.

If we play 3-4-3 then we definitely need a right-wing back, but in those positions you really need someone with pace (it's a pity PVA or Schlupp isn't right footed).

In terms of centre backs, you have Tompkins, Jairo plus one other. Could Dann fit into being the centre of those 3 ?

A new keeper (ie. Clissen) would be good, but I feel another centre forward is badly needed.

1. In my humble opinion, Townsend is not a wing-back as he struggles defensively in this position.

2. As for Delaney, the last thing he wants is to be drawn out of the centre and exposed on the flanks in a one-on-one situation.However I don't expect him to start and one would think his appearances will be limited.

3. Yes Benteke was isolated, I think because Liverpool had the possession and control of the game so we never really threatened in the final third although we had our moments.That said I thought he could have been more physically imposing.At times we had 5 at the back with our wing-backs pushed deep and had trouble getting up the pitch with Liverpool employing a 'High press'.Certainly our defenders weren't comfortable playing out rom the back !

Lots to consider for De Boer and his team and if they haven't already will undertake a deep analysis of the game/performance etc. Yesterday's game might have taught them a lot !

Edited by Willo (20 Jul 2017 9.01am)

This is a worrying development as far as I am concerned.

We all have our opinions of course but to my miniscule mind, Puncheon has been a big disappointment for a while and we should have been looking to show him the door.Staggering decision as far as I am concerned.

I agree to me our biggest need is a creative no.10. Yesterday showed yet again that if our wingers are stopped we have nothing going through thd middle. Puncheon is just too slow, seems to wait until he gets the ball before deciding what to do with it and then gets dispossessed too easily. Having said that, if we are really playing 343 shouldn't wilf and Andros play further infield, just behind benteke?