Matchday thread - Toon v Man Yoo

[Sanchino]

This. I'm not convinced on Elanga but he has looked a bit better last couple weeks but as someone mentioned only 1 goal and no assists yet there's people complaining about a declining Murphy when at least he's scored 4 + 3 assisted in all comps. Either way not really bothered who starts on the right-wing nowadays as there both not of the required standard to take us to the next level.. maybe give Osula a start out wide and see how he does?

Elanga is definitely growing in confidence- and it has been a confidence problem that has hindered him - but he’s looked much sharper , kept possession usually and been up for their run at defenders now .

I'd personally keep him there and bring in Murphy when we need to steady things - and Osula when we need to steal a goal and game is still stretched

Osula will struggle to do much against a low block - but when the game is more open he is our wild card on the right.

For Barcelona the obvious selection to start up front is as yesterday- our 3 pacey front men could cause them big problems . ( perhaps play Wissa & Murphy in FA Cup)

I think our focus needs to be CL - if we can get past Barca and get a decent draw - who knows


News from Barcelona is good- Jules Koundé (Right-back): Suffered a hamstring injury & is expected to be out for roughly 4 weeks, likely returning in early April.
​Alejandro Balde (Left-back) also out fir our match .

So 2nd string defenders playing g against us - I think there could be several goals in both legs - we need a 2 goal advantage to take to Spain

Yeah good points.

Horses for different courses but all can be effective in there own way. Plus if we want to be more attacking we can always take Trippier off for Murphy who can play RB and Elanga/Osula can be ahead of him in RW. So they can all play there part. Yes the jury is still out on Elanga but last couple weeks he seems to be better in possession, taking players on and using his pace to his advantage BUT still not end product aka no more goals/assists and as a winger that's what counts too. I think that will come eventually, might not see that version of Elanga till next season I feel but here's hoping he scores and assists a few from now till end of season.

But yes feel we should start the pacey front three (Elanga, Gordon, Barnes) against Barca and maybe Murphy n' Wissa against City? Would love too see Osula somewhere there too but as some have mentioned as much as that was a great goal let's not get too excited as when he does start games he seems to struggle but there's definitely a player there just needs to do more of that (scoring) on a consistent basis.

City line-up?

Ramsdale
Trippier Thaiw Botman Hall
Ramsey Tonali Joelienton
Murphy Wissa Osula*

*I know he can cut in with his left foot so I'm sure he's good on his right foot too right? If not play Gordon there and get Osula on as super sub or maybe start Barnes?

Osula just looks more of a threat out wide than playing CF but maybe with him scoring it'll be good to see him start as he will be brimming with confidence. Maybe start him over Wissa and play Barnes/Gordon LW?

Barca line-up?

Ramsdale
Trippier* Thaiw Burn Hall
Ramsey Tonali Joelienton
Elanga Gordon Barnes

*Chance Tino might be fit by then so give him a good 30/35 mins in second half if he is back fit? OR if Miley's back fit then do similar with him.

[Remember Colo]

Regarding Osula as a threat, I agree he's been more threating out there, but I wonder how much of that is him, versus how much better we are are moving the ball out wide and creating space for our players off the wings. My biggest criticism all season is that whether it be because of squad construction, tactics, coaching or players, we don't seem very effective at getting our strikers on the ball in threatening positions.