Saturday's First Eleven?
Note (11.08.05) - It was announced today that Ledley King will not be fit for the Portsmouth game, and (11.08.05) Edgar Davids has also pulled out with a knee injury sustained in training This article has been amended accordingly.
I was watching the Reserves last Monday, and there were a few pointers there as to who will be starting and who will have to sit it out on Saturday.
Starting at the back, it looks like Paul Robinson and Paul Stalteri are fit just in time for the new season and that they will be first choice for Goalkeeper and right back. If fit, Naybet should line up next to Anthony Gardner (the second choice left sided centre-back), but Michael Dawson is clearly above Gardner in the defensive pecking order. I would expect Dawson to start in the absence of Naybet. Erik Edman is likely to get the nod at left back, but Stephen Kelly is a capable deputy on the left or right. Kelly can also cover the middle, so he is a versatile substitute. In the longer term, there are rumours that Wayne Bridge may join us from Chelsea.
I think the starting line-up will be a default of 4-4-2, but in the latter stages against Porto, Martin Jol deployed three main strikers and went with 4-3-3. First choice in the middle will be Carrick, with either Tainio or Mendes. Teemu Tainio has been really impressive in the pre-season, and sometimes he may start on the right, but whatever the line-up, I am sure he will play a part in most games. That leaves Wayne Routledge and Andy Reid to battle for a wide berth in away games, with probably both being used at home.
It looks like Defoe and Mido will start up front, with Keane and Kanoute on the bench.
So, my predicted line-up this week (amended again due to injury news!) is Robinson; Stalteri, Naybet/Dawson, Gardner, Edman; Routledge, Carrick, Tainio, Reid; Defoe, Mido Subs:- Cerny, Kelly; Mendes; Keane, Kanoute
I have to admit, it is difficult to make my mind up, and with a fit squad, Martin Jol has both an envious and difficult job!
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