[Albion] Stoke team news

[casbom]

Out of interest that what you predict or would prefer (re: Gross MacAllister)? I would like to see those 2 reversed

I would like MacAllister to be next to Caicedo as we looked more solid however, aware that he likes to be further forward

 

[Jeremiah]

Go to go with our strongest side available in all positions. This may be our last reasonable chance of winning something if the expected "Summer Sale" goes ahead

 

[brighton_tom]

We've had time off because of the Newcastle postponement, so i'd say go full strength

 

[Justice]

The reluctance to strengthen in January does appear to be shortsighted. We must be the only top half team or possibly the only PL team to finish the season with a weaker squad than when we started.

 

[HCxUK]

I'm with you, Caicedo - MacA just seems like a seamless partnership. Gross in the no.10 with pace around him and a bit of freedom to try to unlock routes to goal seems the better option to me at least. I felt we lost a little something with them the other way round v Fulham.

I'd argue it's worth sticking with Mac Allister as a 10 - Palace and Fulham were frustrating but he recorded an xG of over 2 in both of those games combined. He's not a bad finisher and I'd fully expect him to start converting some of those opportunities given the chance.

His understanding with Caicedo is brilliant but I feel he has a lot to offer in a more attacking position in an RDZ team.

 

[oldboyroy]

Roberto is certainly taking it seriously. He says its not just an important game, its crucial! We should be too good for Stoke but likewise we should of been too good for Charlton. Looking forward to being there tomorrow and hoping we'll win comfortably

 

[Bold Seagull]

I'd argue it's worth sticking with Mac Allister as a 10 - Palace and Fulham were frustrating but he recorded an xG of over 2 in both of those games combined. He's not a bad finisher and I'd fully expect him to start converting some of those opportunities given the chance.

His understanding with Caicedo is brilliant but I feel he has a lot to offer in a more attacking position in an RDZ team.

I don't disagree with any of that, but the question is whether what you lose with him next to Caicedo with say Gross there is compensated by what he can do in the 10? I don't think it is, but RDZ is certainly having a look at it, so he clearly thinks so.

 

[el punal]

The reluctance to strengthen in January does appear to be shortsighted. We must be the only top half team or possibly the only PL team to finish the season with a weaker squad than when we started.

Results so far prove otherwise. We’ll find out about mid-May either way.

 

[pure_white]

Go to go with our strongest side available in all positions. This may be our last reasonable chance of winning something if the expected "Summer Sale" goes ahead

Yes good point. Listened to Radio 5 post Moan U Newcastle final and they were discussing how often (especially out of top 6) clubs make it to a final never mind win it. We probably have the best Albion ever so if we are going to win something it has to be now. I will be absolutely gutted if we go out - we don't want another Charlton.

 

[Right Back]

Alex Neil very positive about us on the Stoke forum. Does refer to a Norwich v Albion game but not the 5-0 we all remember!

 

[Swansman]

Stoke is not a "should win it blindfolded, one-legged and hung-over" like Charlton and I saw their game last week, thought they were pretty alright. Still shouldn't be too much of a problem and I'd like to see some game time for a couple of the fringe players like Sarmiento, van Hecke and Undav, but without going too far in the reserve direction.

 

[Reddleman]

Results so far prove otherwise. We’ll find out about mid-May either way.

Since the window closed we have sneaked a late win against Bournemouth, drawn with Palace and lost to Fulham so I would say the jury is out as it stands. We are now missing Trossard, Colwill, Gilmour, March, Estupinan and Lallana from tomorrows match so squad is about as stretched as it could be.

 

[raymondo]

"Lewis, why have you never played for a proper team....?"

Sounded like a 'come and get him' offer!

 

[Hugo Rune]

We’ve had a shortage of left backs for years now. We didn’t have one at all at the start of last season until Cucurella signed. It’s bizarre that we’ve never brought anyone in as cover for that position.

Chelsea nicking Zak Sturge was a huge kick in the
sacchetto di nocis

 

[Horses Arse]

The one left back in the squad at a time rule really has been asking for trouble for quite some time! Maybe there will be an under-23s player coming in for a debut but I agree with everyone else, it'll be Tariq at left back and I'm concerned he's going to be exposed.

Samuel has looked good to me when I've seen him. Great delivery on him, but not been around the first team squad so presumably not quite ready.

 

[HastingsSeagull]

If Lamptey plays I’d expect him on the right, and a CB shifted to LB. Otherwise something crazy like Mitoma or Enciso at LB with a more defensive RB like Veltman. I’d rather play a 3 but expect DZB to stick with 4-2-3-1 but as usual it not to be symmetrical.

Caicedo and Ayari behind Bounotte, McAllister and Sarmiento for me as a midfield.

 

[DavidinSouthampton]

Think they was saying IF it is long term it is bad. Which would be correct. They weren't saying it actually is long term.

Indeed…. He actually used the word “if”!

 

[Couldn't Be Hyypia]

I've been nervous about it lack of cover for Pervis for months. He is so integral to our shape under RdZ. Shouldn't be s huge loss today but if he misses a few Prem games I worry for us.

 

[Hugo Rune]

If Lamptey plays I’d expect him on the right, and a CB shifted to LB. Otherwise something crazy like Mitoma or Enciso at LB with a more defensive RB like Veltman. I’d rather play a 3 but expect DZB to stick with 4-2-3-1 but as usual it not to be symmetrical.

Caicedo and Ayari behind Bounotte, McAllister and Sarmiento for me as a midfield.

Perhaps something like this:

———————Steele———————
Groß—-Veltman—Webster—Lamptey
——-Ayari————-Caicedo————
Buenonotte——-Mac———-Sarmiento
———————-Undav——————--

 

[GT49er]

The one left back in the squad at a time rule really has been asking for trouble for quite some time! Maybe there will be an under-23s player coming in for a debut but I agree with everyone else, it'll be Tariq at left back and I'm concerned he's going to be exposed.

Since last month the likely candidates for that are playing for Motherwell and Leyton Orient!