First XI

[Kiedis]

But Lennon's main strength was running at pace at the full back down the wing in a 442 where he had space ahead of him to operate in.

Now in a 4231, he needs to be smarter with the ball and make better decisions. What you inevitably find is both him and Walker operating the same space and them treading on each others toes - where Townsend is more effective is that he's playing like a raw youngster with everything to prove coupled with the fact that he can take the ball inside and be a threat cutting in and taking pop shots.

The narrative you use about finding space applies more aptly to Lamela so I do have genuine fears of where Lennon fits in in our side or certainly for a player of his ilk as quite rightly, he'll still want to be playing first team football, week in week - that just simply isn't going happen now.

We pretty much played 4-2-3-1 all last season, and I think Lennon had one of his better seasons, up until the fatigue and injuries started taking toll.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying he's the Messiah, but he's still a very good player that gives us another great option at right wing.

 

[sebcole]

Soldado​

Lamela Eriksen Townsend​

Capoue Sandro​

Rose Vert Chiriches Walker​

Lloris​

Holtby Defoe Dembele Lennon Sigurdsson Kaboul Freidel (7 names subs)​

Adebayor Chadli Paulinho Dawson​

I think this might be the ideal in time.
It is impossible to choose though.
I prefer more attacking options on the bench than DMs, hence siggy - but I guess more often than not Paul would be there over him. I don't see why Kaboul can't be played as DM or even winger if needed to, because I can see him dominating midfield and dribbling it down the touchline well with his strength and pace. Lennon is always good as an impact sub like Defoe because they change the style and dynamic of play that the opponents have grown used to throughout the match. Holtby and Eriksen might be interchangeable the way things are shaping up. Can't see why Dembele can't play on left wing either if needed.

 

[JimmyG2]

We seem to be challenging for the Premiership with poorest team this century.
Full backs iffy, centre backs doubtful, forwards spluttering.
Thank god for Lloris and he's a bit suspect lately.
Thank god for the manager then.
Chelsea substitutions? Oh wait.