Strongest XI?

[KratosBaggie]

Bond would be in my first XI...

I was thinking that, tbh - But the fact everyone else is picking Johnstone, as well as three managers since the beginning of last season, tells me I'm wrong. He was poor against Forest, and doesn't seem to have improved at all.

Johnstone is OK. He'll save points, but will also cost us. We can do better than him - but I guess we could do a lot worse...and TBH I've only seen Bond once, but he impressed me in the cup tie v Brighton.

Johnstone was not poor at Forest. Were you there?

Arguably should have done better for the goal but i’d argue the player should have been closed down. Other than that he commanded his area well and his kick was replay improved.

Was at fault for their opener and was still reluctant to command his box and come off his line to catch the ball. 

I am more than happy with our squad, by the way. But Johnstone does concern me, at times.

[brada_wba]

Edwards would be in mine. Flying machine at this level.

[SW4Baggie]

The thing is Bilic prefers the 4-2-3-1 but got really slated for it at West Ham. However,  he has the players to do it now and convert to 3-5-2 mid game if need be.

I'd personally like to see Ferguson and Gibbs utilised in the 3-5-2 with Furlong, Ajayi and Hegazi as the three. But since Heagzi is injured it makes pure sense to 4-2-3-1 moving to 4-4-2.


4-2-3-1:
Johnstone
Ferguson - Ajayi - Hegazi - Gibbs
Sawyers - Livermore
Phillips - Krov - Pereira
Austin

3-5-2:

Johnstone
Furlong - Hegazi - Ajayi
Ferguson - Sawyers - Willock - Krov - Gibbs
Zohore - Austin

Better suited in 4-4-2 (picks itself):

Johnstone
Ferguson - Ajayi - Hegazi - Gibbs
Phillips - Sawyers - Livermore - Pereira
Zohore - Austin

Cant see Bilic favouring a 3 at the back, hasnt in any of his previous managerial positions

Too many of these teams have Livermore for my liking. Would rather have Barry, Harper or even Brunt.
Back 4 looks good though, especially with Hegazi fit and up top we could be frighteningly good if all the new signings come off. I'd get as many of them on the pitch as possible:
451/4141/433
                        Johnstone
           Ferguson Ajayi Hegazi Gibbs
Diangana Phillips Sawyers Krovinovic Perreira
                            Austin

Opposition players would be able to skip through that midfield untouched!

I realise he's not the most popular player around here, but Livermore and his arse do create a bit of a shield.