Starting lineup versus Spain?

[cyris2k]

Canada calling

Josh Simpson and Adrian Serioux have been called up by Canada for a forthcoming friendly international with Spain on Saturday 3rd September in Santander, Spain.

The duo are due to link up with Frank Yallop's squad for a training camp in Madrid after The Lions game at Championship new-boys Luton Town on Monday 29th August.

[MikeD]

I like the idea of experimenting with a different formation, but it's a dream to think that Yallop will do so. Yallop has used the same basic 4-4-2 formation all the way back to his days coaching San Jose, and he isn't going to change now.

Goalkeeper

Sutton earned this spot at the Gold Cup. Glad to see Hirschfeld is playing again though, as that'll keep him nipping on Sutton's heels.

Centre Backs

McKenna's gonna play. He's the captain and he's the future of our defence. The question mark is always who plays beside McKenna. I admit to being conflicted on this issue. On the one hand, I think Klukowski is our best option. On the other hand, I think it's good for morale if Yallop rewards a guy like Gervais for showing up to the Gold Cup when Klukowski and Reda snubbed the national team for that tournament. So my head says Klukowski and my heart says Gervais.

Fullbacks

I don't like Klukowski at left back. Too slow. He's a centre back in my book. I'd rather go with Simpson, since he's the future at this position and it's always good to give your blue chip prospects big-game experiences like this one.

Bernier is my pick at right back. I've seen enough of him in midfield after the Gold Cup. I'm sure Besiktas see something in this guy, so I'm not writing him off as a midfielder for all-time, but I'd rather we give Stalteri the nod at right mid for now and drop Bernier back.

Midfielders

I'm salivating to see DeGuzman and Hutchinson together in central mid. Brennan hasn't been playing much so I say we give Grande another look on the left side (he didn't impress me in the Gold Cup, but he didn't play on the left for very long). Maybe he can score for us on one of his patented rockets from a set piece. Stalteri at right mid. Late in the match we can bring on Peters for Bernier and shift Diesel to the back to help defend our lead over Spain! (Hey, I can dream can't I?)

Serioux is good cover and if we bring him on as a sub he may be able to surprise the Spaniards with one of his cruise missiles.

Strikers

Germans love David Hasselhoff and Yallop loves Dwayne DeRosario. The identity of Dwayne's strike partner is the only question. Gerba scored in our last match so he's my pick, though I'd like to see Hume get a shot one of these days as well.

[mjoni]

Gerba called up for Spain friendly

http://www.sundsvall.nu/gifsundsvall/

[An Observer]

My side

GK

Sutton

RB CB CB LB

Stalteri Mckenna Nsaliwa Klukowski

RM CM CM LM

Radzinski De Guzman Hutchinson Simpson

AM

De Rosario/Hume

ST

Occean

Try to play players in their starting club positions where possible.

Sutton has earned the starting spot in my opinion until someone at club level shows they can play consisently at a higher level.

Stalteri and Kluklowski start at right back and left back respectively for their sides and at a higher level then anyone else in those positions.

McKenna and Nsaliwa are starting at central defense in Bundesliga 2 and they deserve a look to see what they can do together at this level. Reda proved ineffective against Portugal and we know Gervais's limitations. Hutchinson should only be used as cover in case of injury as plays a different position for his club side.

I would like to see Rad wide on the right. He plays there sometimes for Fulham and he has speed to get by people on the wings and spread defenses. I also think Hume/DeRossario are better creators (and more effective in the center than on the wing). I also think this would involve Rad more in the build up which could be of use. Simpson is also fast and can help to stretch defenses. He is a better option than Brennan who is not starting for Norwich.

We need to give De Guzman and Hutch sometime together in central midfield as they are the future and need to gell for next qualifying. Imoff, Grande and Bernier are all decent back ups but I think a step below these two in class.

Hume is more of a creator than a scorer and should play in the hole with possibly De Rosario coming on later.

Occean is your typical target man for the crosses from Rad or Simpson on the left and for Hume to play off of up front.

[drfan23]

Players confirmed: Josh Simpson, Adrian Serioux (Millwall), Jaime Peters (Ipswich) and Ali Gerba (Sundvall).

The rest who Yallop should call:Forwards- Iain Hume (Tranmere), Tomasz Radzinski (Fulham), Olivier Occean (Odd Grenland), Dwayne De Rosario (San Jose Earthquakes). Rob Friend (Molde) likely wont be called up. Midfielders- Julian De Guzman (Deportivo la coruna), Patrice Bernier (Tromso), Atiba Hutchinson (Helsingborg), Sandro Grande (Viking), Daniel Imhof (Vfl Bochum). Marc Bircham (QPR) likely wont be called up. Defenders- Paul Stalteri (Tottenham), Mike Klukowski (Club Brugge), Tam Nsaliwa (Saarbruken), Kevin Mckenna (Energie Cottbus), Jim Brennan (Norwich), Ante Jazic (Kuban Krasnador) if he is healthy. Goalkeepers Greg Sutton (Impact), Lars Hirscfeld (Tromso), Fernandes (Paok).

I dont know if it makes sense to call up Gervais or Braz for this game because I dont think they can give us something we dont already have. I think if they were put in against a team like Spain it wouldnt be pretty because there is a big difference between the A league and La Liga. I know Sutton is our number 1 goalie right now but I wouldnt be surprised if Yallop only called up Hirscfeld and Fernandes and gave them each a half because it would be much more convenient for them because they are already in Europe.

[Javier]

i think that the team that i provided is a strong team...that in any given day can defeat Spain, USA, Mexico........or at least can give them some hard times...

i forgot that mckenna was the team captain so i would put him over imhoff....

but this is a great team i wish mr Yallop can check this out !!

hirschfeld,

stalteri, mckenna ,kuklowki, brennan;

bernier serioux hutchinson

de guzman

radzinski hume

u know short passing ......technical players.......will be better against Spain....u have to treat the ball nicely....u dont have to lose possession, and u have to press...with a faster midfield......

de guzman can be more agressive ..i saw him with DEPOR and he is plays like the irish Liam Brady ...he resembles liam brady.....

regards....and please let me know about this starting eleven that i selected do you agree this team ? is this one the strongest team that u can choose from ? i would like to know what u thin about it.....thanks for your kindness

regards

from argentina

javier

[drfan23]

Also call up Marco Reda (Aalborg)

[ken]

Goalkeepers

Sutton has been the starter and has done nothing to lose that role nor has anyone done anything to take it away. My initial reaction was that Fernandes should be the back up, it would be a good time to introduce him to the squad and, as he played in spain for a while it would be useful to have his opinion of the spanish squad's tendancies. However I wuoldn't be suprised if Lars was called instead as if Sutton is injured in training you don't want to start an unknown in an important game and Fernandes can be brought in for Luxembourg. That said I would prefer to leave lars with his club to get established.

Defenders

FY is going to start Mckenna, that means his partner is going to need some speed, I would suggest Klukowski. Put Simpson and Imhof on the left and right and that gives plenty of speed on the defence. I had originally thought of Stalteri on the right, but his comments seem to indicate a wish to play mid. Have Reda and one of the impact duo of Gervais or Braz as substitutes. If need be Serioux or Bernier can also play at the back. I would like to see Nsaliwa there, but would prefer to see one of the Montreal players rewarded with the back up spot for their showing up for the gold cup.

Midfield

Start Deguzeman and Huthchinson in the middle and put Brennan and Stalteri on the left and right. With those two on the wings we have good defensive support if -as is likely- it is needed. As I said I originally had Imhof on the right, but switched him and Stalteri based on recent comments. I have read that some think Brennan shouldn't start as he is not starting for his club. with all due respect to Grande, I don't think he would be starting for Norwich either. With Peters and Serioux apparantly already called and my choice of Bernier, I don't see room for Grande ( although I am impressed with his national team play), leave him to earn a starting place with his new club.

Forewards

Fy is going to start Derosario and I don't necessarily disagree, I think Hume should start up with him ( I don't expect a call up of Radzinski) I would have called Occean only, but apparantly Gerba has been called too. Friend can wait until Luxembourg too.

As I see it

Fernandes....... Sutton

Reda............ Imhof Mckenna Klukowski Simpson

Gervais/Bras....

Peters..........

Bernier......... Stalteri Hutchinson Deguzeman Brennan

Serioux

Occean.......... Derosario Hume

Gerba...........

That is a ninteen man squad, larger than most of our recent friendlies

leave the introduction of new players to the november game.

[Cheeta]

Bit of an interesting read so far.

Well, I got 21 names in my scribbler right now, and as I'm expecting a 16 man squad guess some trimming is in order.

Three names, Radz, Nsaliwa, and Fernandez are all big question marks for me. Would love to see all three get the invite, especially Tam, but am only expecting to see Radz. Given the age of our strikers (excepting DDR) seems like an odvious choice. I'm itching to see a Klukowski-Nsaliwa pairing but it's not going to happen and there's no way Fernendez gets the nod over a reviving Lars in a match like this.

So Sutton and Lars with the gloves. Got to feel for Montreal. They've been gutted by lads leaving for overseas and they may not be able to stop the migration if Sutton shows well. Still, Sutton is 1# right now.

If it's correct Simpson and Jazic are both confirmed, and we KNOW Big Kev will show, then that leaves us a good guess at Klukowski and Diesel rounding out the back. McKenna's in the back for continuity and I don't think it'll be that bad. I think Klukowski's pretty quick, and like it or no Diesel is going to anchor that right 'back possition. Pretty sure Jazic will get the nod over Josh simply because I think Josh could shift up to wing IF Brennan dosen't get the call.

Serioux is confirmed. Hutch and The Guz are no-brainers. And both Radz and Hume can fill midfield roles so I think I can shave down to 16 now by dropping Bernier and JB. Yeah, that'll work if it has too..

I'm calling SIX forwards. Simply because I'm not the manager and can thus get away with it. Peters and Gerba are confirmed. Radz and Hume will play midfield, and Occean gets to try this target forward business again. DDR will be there because he's DDR.

So, 16 man offensive squad for Spain. (Hope no one in the back takes a knock!)

------Sutton------

Diesel--Big Kev--Klukowski--Jazic

Hume--Hutch--The Guz--Simpson

--Occean----de Rossario

Bench; Hirshfeld, Serioux, Radz, Peters, and Gerba.

Wish list; Nsaliwa, Fernandez

Dropped; The three Bs. Brennan, Bircham and Bernier.

[BrennanFan]

Though i dont like him, im pretty sure imhof will be there since he's been doing well in germany and yallop favours him. Also, i really doubt radz will be called. this is what i think yallop will be fielding.

.............sutton

hutchinson, mckenna, klukowski, jazic

.............imhof

stalteri, deguzman, simpson

.......hume, derosario

subs: hirschfeld, peters, serioux, occean, gerba

(maybe Grande and Reda too if its an 18 man squad. Dont think we'll see brennan, bernier, or nsaliwa this time around).

[Ivan]

My thoughts:

Sutton

Imhof/Nsaliwa, McKenna, Klukowski, Jazic/Simpson

Stalteri, DeGuzman, Hutchinson, Jazic/Simpson

DeRosario, Occean

Subs: Hirschfeld, Imhof/Nsaliwa, Radzinski, Bernier, Hume, Gerba, Serioux

This post assumes Jazic is healthy, Nsaliwa will come if called and Brennan does not feature in future Norwich lineups, although it was good to see him back on the weekend.

[Soccer_Josh]

With Greg Sutton's position with the Montreal Impact being so crucial, and the fact that the season is at the later stages and play-offs are coming, maybe he will want to stay in Montreal and not with Canada.

[miguelbeta]

quote:Originally posted by ken

Goalkeepers

Sutton has been the starter and has done nothing to lose that role nor has anyone done anything to take it away. My initial reaction was that Fernandes should be the back up, it would be a good time to introduce him to the squad and, as he played in spain for a while it would be useful to have his opinion of the spanish squad's tendancies. However I wuoldn't be suprised if Lars was called instead as if Sutton is injured in training you don't want to start an unknown in an important game and Fernandes can be brought in for Luxembourg. That said I would prefer to leave lars with his club to get established.

who`s Fernández? where it`s play?

[miguelbeta]

quote:Originally posted by ken

Goalkeepers

Sutton has been the starter and has done nothing to lose that role nor has anyone done anything to take it away. My initial reaction was that Fernandes should be the back up, it would be a good time to introduce him to the squad and, as he played in spain for a while it would be useful to have his opinion of the spanish squad's tendancies. However I wuoldn't be suprised if Lars was called instead as if Sutton is injured in training you don't want to start an unknown in an important game and Fernandes can be brought in for Luxembourg. That said I would prefer to leave lars with his club to get established.

who`s Fernández? where it`s play?

[beachesl]

quote:Originally posted by miguelbeta

who`s Fernández? where it`s play?

¿Hola amigo paishhhha, que tal? ¡Tiempo largo!¡Bienvenidoshhhhhh otra vezhhhh!

Daniel Fernandes - PAOK , Greece top league, plays Goalkeeper, I think he is second depth, sometimes starting. He is a Canadian, but also has Portuguese joint citizenship, so is sometimes listed as Portuguese officially in Greece so he can play withou a visa in the EU. Not even on Yallop's radar. Sometimes referred to as "Thunder Dan" by some posters here for reasons I am unaware of.

I think Sutton will be called, the Impact have a good second GK for any match they have to play around then. The answer as to who will be bench GK is probably limited to (in this order): Lars Hirschfeld (now has regular spot and doing well with with Tromso, top league in Norway), Mike Franks (from USL-1 Vancouver Whitecaps, who "impressed" Yallop at B camp in early June, but may be needed in Vancouver, the backup at the Gold Cup), Kenny Stamatopoulos (Bodens BK Swedish Superettan Div 2 on loan from Enkopings Swedish Div 3) and Josh Wagenaar (our WYC GK, Joshua Hartwick College , NCAA, and our reserve #3 at the Gold Cup).

[Cheeta]

quote:Originally posted by Soccer_Josh

With Greg Sutton's position with the Montreal Impact being so crucial, and the fact that the season is at the later stages and play-offs are coming, maybe he will want to stay in Montreal and not with Canada.

As good a reason as that may be, I don't know.

This is going to be the signature match for Canada this year so I'm not so sure that it would be in Sutton's best interest to turn down Yallop. If he gets the call.

And the opportunities for Greg at this match! He's got 10 years of footballing in him yet, but it's getting on if he wants to make a real go of it. Even for a 'keeper.

[DJT]

In my opinion, no one from the Impact or Whitecaps should be called. Unfortunately, because the match is against a world power, the focus is shifted away from the types of things we should be doing with friendlies at this time and towards trying to get the best result we can (which to me means nothing) — that's one of the reasons I questioned playing against teams like Spain at this time.

[beachesl]

quote:Originally posted by DJT

In my opinion, no one from the Impact or Whitecaps should be called. Unfortunately, because the match is against a world power, the focus is shifted away from the types of things we should be doing with friendlies at this time and towards trying to get the best result we can (which to me means nothing) — that's one of the reasons I questioned playing against teams like Spain at this time.

Well, I checked the USL-1 regular season schedule (which goes to September 11 this year). The September 3 match may prevent Sutton from playing for the Impact against Vancouver in Montreal on August 31 and at home against Minnesota on Septemeber 4, but the Impact don't play again until September 9. Given Montreal's strong position (on top a point ahead of Rochester with 3 matches in hand), I don't think his missing one or two regular season matches will hurt the Impact at all.

Also, I think DeSantis is itching to play the fine Andrew Olivieri in goal, and the time is optimal now before the playoffs.

[DJT]

I think those final few matches are going to be important for Montreal. They have been slumping a bit (in relative terms) lately and their remaining schedule is tough.

I don't know, I guess I'm just not hyped for this Spain match like everyone else is. Friendlies just don't do anything for me any more. They are little more than scrimmages in my view, what with all the subs and, in this case, Spain using it as a simple warmup for their big WCQ match a few days later.

[loyola]

Olivieri is a very good A-league keeper, he would be #1 if he was playing somewhere else in tje league for the exception of a few teams. Desanstis has to show Olivieri some confidence because he'll likely be the Impact #1 next year.

Sutton should start, Hirsh as the back up (give him the second half if Sutton plays poorly). Call Fernandes for the Luxembourg game, it would be a better time to call him.

[Alex]

Here is my bet for the starting lineup:

---------------Kenny----------

---Reda(Braz)-----McKenna-----Klukowski----Jazic---

---Bernier(Peters)----Hutch(Grande)----DeGuz----Simpson

---Radzinski------DeRosario(Gerba)

bench: Wagenaar, Placentino, Gerba, Grande, Peters, Serioux, Braz

[Gian-Luca]

Reda's not really a right back. I know he was started there against Northern Ireland until Gervais got sent off, but I think we'd actually be better off starting Braz there and leaving Reda as cover for Klukowski. Not sure Jazic is fit enough to start, so I expect we may see Simpson start at left back, and either Placentino at left mid or De Ro with Ali up front with Radzinski.

The inclusion of all three of Klukowski, Simpson & Jazic suggests that Mike will move into the middle. Or not start.

[David C.]

Is Braz any more of a wingback than Reda? I wouldn't think so - they both look like centrebacks to me (but who know what Yallop thinks?).

Without Imhof or Nsaliwa called in, I wonder if Serioux or Bernier would be the better options here?

I see JAY-MEE starting at right-mid.

[matthew]

My bet for the starting 11:

--------------------------Stamatopoulos

--Hutchinson----McKenna---Klukowski----Jazic

------------------------------Grande

-----------Bernier-------DeGuzman-------Simpson

----------------Radzinski----------DeRosario

cheers,

matthew

[David C.]

Just a wild guess:

-------------------Kenny---------------------

--Serioux----McKenna---Kuklowski----Simpson--

--Peters---Hutchinson--deGuzman---deRosario--

--------Gerba--------------Radzinski---------