Two pre-season games to go..........

As everyone pretty much expected the pre-season games up till now havn't really given much away in terms of line ups and formations.

I think most of us expect the last two games at home against good opposition to give us an idea of how we night line up against Wigan.

They have offered a few clues as to the thinking of Paul Lambert plus some interesting obvservations.

(1) Declan Rudd, the game time he has been getting means that PL is probably happy to have him as the number 2 which is a surprise to most people who thought we would get in another keeper.

(2) Aaron Wilbraham, by all reports the guy has done everything he can to make the 25 in the pre-season.
I think its fair to say most fans are suprised he is in contention, most thought he would be moving on.
PL obviously sees something he likes.
The kind of guiy who would give it his all when called upon.
Might be this seasons Russell Martin who was written off before the champs started last season yet turned out to be one of our best players amongst many great performers.

(3) Kyle Naughton, fantastic signing. The fact he can play either side is a real bonus.
Played LB vs Coventry, PL has to be thinking about that as an option vs Wigan.
If he is thinking of KN at LB its almost certain he will get extensive game time at that position in the last two pre-season games.

In the first 6 pre-season games PL has played his hand perfectly.

He has given virtually the whole squad a decent amount of playing time to both improve fitness and impress.

Every player feel like they have a chance of making an impact this season.
And so they should.......with injuries, suspensions, cup matches, 25 man squad and 18 players needed on match days, lack of loan system, most of the players will get some action.

Obviously I have no idea how we will do in the PL against some of the best players in the world.

I do feel the squad PL has assembled is as good as we could hope for.
They will give their all, of that I have no doubt.

We now have many more options in terms of defensive cover and attacking formations.

Saying all that here is my current "guess" for the team vs Wigan

----------------------Ruddy----------------------

R Martin------De Laet-----Barnett------Naughton

Bennett-----Crofts------Johnson------Surman

--------------Holt----------Jackson------------


Subs Rudd, Morrison, Whitbread, C Martin, Hoolahan, Pilkington, K Smith

Wow, that was tough, leaving out players like Fox, Lappin and Tierney from the 18.

Posted By: usacanary, Jul 31, 19:20:32