Starting X1 v Bolton

[Otherworld]

I'm not expecting us to keep the same 4-2-3-1 formation that we played last season. I think I read that TC prefers a good old-fashioned 4-4-2? Can anyone confirm what formation we've used in the friendlies so far?

[DominanceUK]

I'm not expecting us to keep the same 4-2-3-1 formation that we played last season. I think I read that TC prefers a good old-fashioned 4-4-2? Can anyone confirm what formation we've used in the friendlies so far?

He's been using 4-2-3-1 from what I've seen pal. I'm going to watch the friendly in a few hours so we'll know a bit more then.

[MOT1964]

----------------Wiedwald
Ayling-Pennington-Cooper-Berardi
---------------Vieira-Anita
-------------------Saiz
Roofe-----------Wood--------Alioski

Subs: Green, O'Connor, Dallas, Bridcutt, Hernandez, Sacko, Ekuban

That's also my starting eleven, but I'd have Alioski on the right and Roofe on the left

Considered that, but as Berardi is right footed, I'd prefer a left footer further forward as a result.

Good point, although Dallas on the left would be an option.

Alioski had such a productive season for Lugano playing on the right and cutting inside on his left foot, that I'd like to see him continue in that position.

Having said that, he is quite capable of playing anywhere along the front three in a 433.

If he can quickly adapt to the style of play in the Championship, then I can see him having a huge influence on our season, and he could be our most important signing.

[kennyb41]

Agree,get Alioski on the right,I think Hernandez will rightly start (knowledge of existing Leeds players and Championship) with Saiz replacing him on 65 mins depending on score,good options on bench and on pitch.

[kk white]

...good options on bench and on pitch.

Absolutely. If that first eleven click, the bench will have 5 of last years starting team..... Green, Dallas, Bridcutt, Hernandez, Sacko. They were good enough to get us to 7th!

[Deleted User 728]

That's the team I think TC will select next weekend following our pre-season adventures.
A bit harsh on Roofe but I think he'll go for Dallas for his defensive work down the right with Ayling surging forward regularly.
On the other flank it has to be Berardi because there's nobody else and Alioski looks like a certainty in front of him.
Saiz seems to have played himself into the reckoning since joining, though I could be wrong with Hernandez looking properly fit for the big kick-off.
The midfield is a nice balance with Klich and O'Kane - both are capable of all aspects of the position, unlike the more specialist holding/attacking players we have in the squad.

I'd still like a new DL and definitely a DC but I'm optimistic about the Bolton game and can't wait to see us in a competitive match. Always feels like an age when there's no tournament in the summer, doesn't it ?

[birkybullufc]

Green
Ayling Pennington Cooper Berardi
Viera O'Kane
Dallas Saiz Alioski
Wood

It's great going into a new season with so many options and real depth to the squad. It's also good to see Darlaston performing welloyds in pre season. He was one of the few who really underperformed last season. Probably World Cup lag.
I still expect a couple of additions and maybe a couple of departures before Sunday too.

[Otherworld]

It's also good to see Darlaston performing welloyds in pre season.

I was thinking exactly the same!

[Deleted User 728]

Probably World Cup lag.

Yeah, especially given Dallas was five years old last time Norn Iron made the finals

[Deleted User 728]

It's also good to see Darlaston performing welloyds in pre season.

I was thinking exactly the same!

Beat me to it, mate