Rousseau

I said a while ago that to fix Man Utd I would install Ralf Rangnick as DoF and let him rip up the structure completely; It needs gutted. I didn't think they'd appoint him as manager, though (albeit interim)! He's one of the best in world football, IMO. Exciting times!

I don't know if it's just because my nerves were shot by that second half, backs-to-the-wall performance, but I wasn't too impressed last night. Of course, GvB's only had a couple of days, so we can't expect too much change. I thought it was interesting that we were playing a 4-4-2 in defence, which is a solid set-up. I don't think we pressed high at all, it was more of a mid-block. I did think our defenders were a lot more aggressive, though. And, we did press higher second half. It was a 4-2-3-1 in attack. Kent and Hagi were noticeably wider, with moments where they played it well, then others when they didn't. I expect that to improve, though. Aribo as the #10 was interesting, because it suggests GvB doesn't want a 'creative' #10, but more of a second-striker, someone with energy that can play in tandem with the striker. (Then again, Aribo and Hagi swapped position after a while, so it's fluid.) Generally, I was a wee bit disappointed. I would like to see more controlled possession in my teams. That may come, though, as GvB works with them. The result was all that mattered, at the end of the day. Job done.

Livingston v Rangers

Strange results... quite a few had us losing! Correct Result (1 pt): Rousseau, Dado, Yorkie, Mack, One, DJ, Franc, TB, 26th, FS, T-1000, CammyF, r_s and Ted. Correct Number of Rangers Goals (1pt): Dado, DJ, 26th, FS, T-1000 and CammyF. FGS (2 pts): One, TB, T-1000 and Ted. Correct Score (3 pts): DJ and FS. Latest Standings:

That double save, though! Jeez...

We had 4 full-backs on the pitch at the same time tonight. OrangeBall?

What a cross! 👀

I don't understand Tavernier's crossing sometimes? Smash it across the goal, or cut it back to the edge of the box. Why try to whip it high when you're approaching the box? It's almost impossible that way.

Our best plays have come from some runs in behind. I'd like to see more, though.

What are you talking about? Kamara, Aribo and Hagi have been our best players! You've clearly got an agenda.

We should be cutting this team apart. Sparta Prague are so gung-ho in their attacks, but we're panicking a bit with their swarming. I think if we work out how to pass through it, we should score a few. Easier said than done, though.

I'd say you are wrong on that count too, but it is subjective.

But, fun, though... no?

Thanks for playing, I suppose. Better luck next time. In all seriousness, I do believe GvB has played a 4-4-2 with Feyenoord to combat a superior Ajax side. He might set-up specifically for this opponent, but I see him starting as he wants to go on (i.e. His preferred 4-3-3/4-2-3-1).

Harsh...

Kamara is absolutely a defensive midfielder. Yes, I'm a big fan of Aribo, and he has been in good form; he doesn't deserve to be left out.

My team for tonight: Kent - Morelos - Sakala Hagi Kamara - Jack/Davis Barisic - Balogun - Goldson - Tavernier McGregor I went with a front three to emphasise the wingers, but I think it'll be a 4-2-3-1. I get the feeling GvB will play a #10, but I could also see two #8s, which is a simple change. That defence disappoints me, but I don't think we have too many obvious changes, here. I feel GvB will fall back on the 'first choice', to see what they can do; give them a fresh chance to impress.

Does Dave Vos count? Looks to be another coach added. We're linked with Zeb Jacobs, too, another coach; Belgian, and head of development at Royal Antwerp. Both sound quite promising.

It's not a proper transfer thread without @Bill deriding it. It has now been christened.

Why do I keep forgetting Sakala? His tune is a banger! He's the obvious choice out wide.

I think we'll see more traditional wingers. (The two #10s we've been running was Gerrard's quirk.) It'll probably be a 4-2-3-1. Kent should be one of the wingers, but I don't know who else can play there? Barker in from the cold? Pep likes wide wingers, often using forwards, so what about Morelos out wide?

So... what are we all expecting team-wise?

This is a bit of a free hit, in terms of the GPL: who will start, will there be a style change, what's the approach? A lot of unknowns. I wonder if Kent will start after big Roy told him off?! Then again, GvB likes wingers, and Kent is pretty much the only one we have. Rangers 1 - 0 Sparta Prague FGS Kent

Rangers vs Sparta Prague Apologies - I've just realised I'm a day late with this one.

Juan Alegria is training with the first team too - has he always been involved with the first team?