It’s been an interesting week.
NCFC Twitter has been its usual charismatic self with a few panicking about our transfer methodology following an interesting tweet from an account that is often making claims we are expected to believe.
The lads dissect the arguments from both corners about whether City are actually prepared to face Liverpool on the opening day of the season or whether it’s going to be another turgid season of pain ahead.
Compared to 2019/20
Defensively stronger Hanley has improved from third choice to first Gibson has more experience than Godfrey with now Obamidele , Zimmerman and Sorensen as back up. Compared to an injured Klose and underwhelming Armadou last time – however if we want to move to 3 at the back will need another.
Giannoulis compared to Byram/ Lewis and a more experienced Aarons is stronger at full back / wing back but cover is Mumba, Byram and Pllacheta if Byram breaks down we need another ASAP
Centre midfield:
Gilmour, pLM,, with McClean Rupp and Sorensen is stronger – last time we had high hopes of Leitner, Trybull, Amadou, Vrancic and their failure to make the step up put pressure on Tettey and McLean to be fit and play
Offensive midfield Last time Roberts was a weak signing, Stiepermann, Duda and Vrancic struggled whilst Onel lacked end product against better defenders. Cantwell did well but should be even better now. Buendia was very good but was isolated in a struggling team. This time we have Rashica, Dowell, Cantwell, Rupp/ McLean and we need regular goals and assists – I hope to be wrong but we have a Buendia shaped problem we don’t look dangerous enough to open up good defences and Onel and Placheta off the bench are not going to have the end product. Tzolis or someone else is vital.
Up front we.had Pukki supported by Drmic, Srbeny and Idah. When Pukki injured his toe our goose was cooked. The issue is Pukki will now be a yard slower than two years ago. And cover only is Idah who should be much stronger and Huggill who lacks Grant Holts touch. The other issue is Pukki needs Buendia style service to unlock premiership defences
Overall last time we started well but could not cope with injuries.because the signings of Drmic, Roberts, Amadou, Fahrmann, Duda and Rupp were poor and hadn’t strengthened the side whilst too many players who looked brilliant in the championship struggled to make the step up.
Last time only Krull, Tettey McLean, Arrons, Byram, Cantwell, Godfrey, Buendia, Pukki regularly made the grade before operation restart sent us into an Icarus plunge this time we need. 15 to make the grade so we need the new signings to really work and we need to be very lucky with injuries.
The Athletic is reporting that the possibility of Skipp on loan is still live. Not sure if I believe it, but as they say, it’s the hope that kills you!