Not a bad 2nd XI

[Has1978]

Don't you just hate international week? Too much thinking time!

Anyway I was just thinking about whether we've had ever had a stronger second string.

Here's my assumption on the 1st XI - I actually think Ramos eventually settle on this when everyone is available (please don't all go nuts with the Jenas thing)

442

------------------Gomes-------------------------

Hutton--- ---King--------Woodgate-----Gilberto

------------------Corluka------------------------

Bentley----------- Modric------------------Bale


--------------Bent--------Pav----------------


Pretty fucking good I think.

Now for the all important 2nd XI

451

-----------------------Sanchez

Gunter -------Dawson- --------Zokora --------BAE

-----------------------O'Hara---------------------

Lennon---------Jenas--------Huddlestone------Dos Santos


-----------------------Campbell-------------------------



Now I don't want to argue about whether BAE/Dos Santos/Jenas should be first choice as it's horses for courses.

What I'd like to get across is that is not a bad 2nd choice XI. I think it would comfortably survive in the Premiership. Proven keeper, slightly shaky though not shameful defence. And a very interesting midfield and forward line.

In short, we're in good shape

(if King and Woodgate stay fit)

 

[kcmei]

BAE > Gilberto and i think campbell is more threat than bent

 

[aarontag]

BAE > Gilberto and i think campbell is more threat than bent

lol

 

[Rackybear]

If ramos would go for Gilberto at LB, then why has he not got anywhere near the first team so far, he is not injured.

Bale first choice LB, BAE second. Gio first choice LM as a result..

 

[Defsta]

BAE > Gilberto and i think campbell is more threat than bent

Oh dear





If you like Manure players so much, why don't you go and support Manu then?






And can someone neg rep this gooner as I can't?

 

[guy]

BAE > Gilberto and i think campbell is more threat than bent

BASED ON WHAT EXACTLY?? Did you watch HULL alot last season?

I dont like Bent myself but this is just silly!:shrug:

 

[davros]

There are a few debatable choices in your first and second team selections, but in a way that only backs up what you are saying. We will see all (or most) of your second XI in the first XI during the season, and we are unlikely to be considerably weakened for it. Some versitile players in there as well.

 

[General Levy]

BAE > Gilberto and i think campbell is more threat than bent

There is a reason why you are a red - do you see why?

Also, BAE, great at crossing, shit at everything else.

Gilberto (Brazilian INTERNATIONAL)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BAE

 

[General Levy]

Has,

Sorry to piss on your parade but who actually gives a fuck about a 2nd XI?

 

[Hunter]

Bit Harsh General Levy.

Yes we have a very strong second string as well

 

[General Levy]

Bit Harsh General Levy.

Yes we have a very strong second string as well

Are we the only set of fans who cares about their 2nd XI?

 

[DC_Boy]

442

------------------Gomes-------------------------

Hutton--- ---King--------Woodgate-----Gilberto

------------------Corluka------------------------

Bentley----------- Modric------------------Bale


--------------Bent--------Pav----------------


Pretty fucking good I think.


(if King and Woodgate stay fit)

have to disagree Has - for me it's imperative we play 3 proper mids in our team - Bale for Gilberto and JJ for Bale - modric on the left side- then we're talking

 

[davros]

Has,

Sorry to piss on your parade but who actually gives a fuck about a 2nd XI?

I do.

It is pretty important to have quality options on the bench and a good selection for the manager to pick from when players are injured/cuptied/exhausted/lose form etc. In fact, if a large chunk of our second XI was in last season's first XI then it implies that we have acquired better players, have tougher competition for places, and that certain positions in the team are stronger now than last term. That might be interpreted as progress, but we will see as it is obviously relative to the rest of the league and must be validated through results.

 

[Bill_Oddie]

This thread proves once and for all the insanity of even considering players in the context of a 'first eleven.'

Harmless enough to debate it on here but let's be honest, we've got at least 16 players who can be considered 'first choice.' The likes of GDS, Bale, Corluka, et al wouldn't have signed otherwise. These guys will start 30-40 games at the very least and be used off the bench many more times. They'll also need to be ready to adapt to different roles, like JJ did on Sunday.

We have a squad. Get over it.

 

[Seth]

Dont agree with Corluka in midfield. Its a similar situation to King, he can but its not his natural position.

 

[Flatters]

This thread proves once and for all the insanity of even considering players in the context of a 'first eleven.'

Harmless enough to debate it on here but let's be honest, we've got at least 16 players who can be considered 'first choice.' The likes of GDS, Bale, Corluka, et al wouldn't have signed otherwise. These guys will start 30-40 games at the very least and be used off the bench many more times. They'll also need to be ready to adapt to different roles, like JJ did on Sunday.

We have a squad. Get over it.

Well said. :up:

And stop leaving Lennon out, ffs.

 

[hughy]

Are we the only set of fans who cares about their 2nd XI?

As Arsenal tend to play theirs for the majority of their domestic Cup games, I'd assume not.

 

[mil1lion]

The defence is still the problem area. It does show how far our midfield has come though. And Campbell up front doesn't exactly compare to Defoe and Bent of last season. So no, not a bad 2nd string (add Taarabt and the odd cameo from Bostock aswell) but its not a particularly good one either.

Next season will see the squad complete with the likes of Ekotto, Dawson, Gilberto, Taarabt needing to prove themselve or they'll be out. And O'Hara and Huddlestone could also fall into that category.

 

[nicdic]

What I can't believe is how you left Zokora out of both teams. Yeah right.

 

[DJS]

Slightly worried about that 1st XI - the midfield has 2 defenders in it?

What I can't believe is how you left Zokora out of both teams. Yeah right.

Beat me to it! :lol: