Question Starting XI

[davewebbsbrain]

Nobody putting Coker in the starting 11 yet on the Coker thread people up in arms when zones dare suggest we let him leave.
You couldn't make it up

 

[Liam AAS]

4 at the back please

Nope

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Nobody putting Coker in the starting 11 yet on the Coker thread people up in arms when zones dare suggest we let him leave.
You couldn't make it up

The thread was asking what people thought our starting line-up would be, not would it should be.

Personally I’d have Collin as our keeper but I think Maher will go for Hayes. Similarly I’d stick with the Noor-KAF-Coker midfield but think Maher will go Cav-KAF-Austin.

 

[Bearded Shrimper]

I don't think we'll have a first choice XI this season. The defence is pretty settled, up front 2 from 4, but the midfield could be anything. I wonder if Parillon might play a role up top. Him coming from deep alongside Hopper could be fun

as for first game of the season, I have no idea therefore just for fun. we know Maher wants to play 352 (as in 3 cbs, 2 wing backs, 1 defensive mid, 2 centre mids, 2 forwards) and Nick Hayes in goal therefore

Hayes
Taylor Goodliffe Ralph
GSM Miley (coz a tough away game) Boyes
KAF Austin
Kendall Hopper

 

[Shrimpergonzo]

I don't think we'll have a first choice XI this season. The defence is pretty settled, up front 2 from 4, but the midfield could be anything. I wonder if Parillon might play a role up top. Him coming from deep alongside Hopper could be fun

as for first game of the season, I have no idea therefore just for fun. we know Maher wants to play 352 (as in 3 cbs, 2 wing backs, 1 defensive mid, 2 centre mids, 2 forwards) and Nick Hayes in goal therefore

Hayes
Taylor Goodliffe Ralph
GSM Miley (coz a tough away game) Boyes
KAF Austin
Kendall Hopper

I'd vote for that too, Parillon coming on against tired legs later in the game

 

[Canterbury shrimper]

My starting XI would be

Hayes
Gus Taylor Goodliffe Ralph Boyes
Morton KAF
Austin LCP
Kendall

 

[bluethroughandthrough]

What it will be more than likely based on last season

Colin
Gus Taylor goodlife Ralph Boyes
Husin
Kaf Austin
Kendall hopper

Id love a 433 setup

Colin
Taylor goodlife Ralph Boyes
Husin
Kaf austin
Gus hopper Kendall

 

[RHB]

There's only been one friendly so far, on that basis it's impossible for me to predict my starting XI at the moment. Maybe I'll revisit after the friendlies with an informed view.

 

[BEERMONSTER]

I don't think we'll have a first choice XI this season. The defence is pretty settled, up front 2 from 4, but the midfield could be anything. I wonder if Parillon might play a role up top. Him coming from deep alongside Hopper could be fun

as for first game of the season, I have no idea therefore just for fun. we know Maher wants to play 352 (as in 3 cbs, 2 wing backs, 1 defensive mid, 2 centre mids, 2 forwards) and Nick Hayes in goal therefore

Hayes
Taylor Goodliffe Ralph
GSM Miley (coz a tough away game) Boyes
KAF Austin
Kendall Hopper

Agree.
I get why people like to debate the “best XI”, it’s part of being a fan. But truth is, the whole idea of a fixed first choice 11 doesn’t really fit how the modern game is anymore.
These days it’s all about the squad. Managers build teams around starters and finishers, players who can come off the bench and actually influence the game, not just make up the numbers. It’s not just about who starts, it’s about who can help win the match over 90+ minutes.
Yes, there are always going to be a few key players who, if they’re fit, pretty much always start. They’re the spine, the ones the tactics are often built around. But even they might get rotated depending on the opposition, the system we’re using, or just managing minutes.
Injuries, form, tactics, fatigue — they all play a part. And with multi subs now, having a strong bench is almost as important as the starting lineup. So for me, instead of thinking about a first choice XI, it’s more about having a solid core of players the manager trusts to do a job, whether they’re starting or finishing.
That flexibility is what wins you games and keeps you consistent over a season.