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11 for Cheltenham?

Discussion in 'Bristol City' started by wizered, Jul 23, 2016.

  1. wizered

    wizered Ol' Mucker
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    Which Bristol City players will Lee Johnson select for Cheltenham Town showdown?
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    Lee Johnson during Bristol City's pre-season camp in La Manga

    There are just two weeks to go until the new Sky Bet Championship season gets underway and Bristol City head coach Lee Johnson is fully focused on selecting a team to face Wigan Athletic at Ashton Gate on August 6.
    City have already completed four warm-up games during pre-season and, having had time to integrate a number of new signings, Johnson will already have a good idea of the 11 names that will appear on his team-sheet on the opening day.
    Given that City are expected to field a side comprising Academy and Under-21 development squad players in Tuesday's fixture against Bath at Twerton Park, Johnson has two further opportunities to assess his players in a semi-competitive environment.

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    He is expected to fine-tune his plans at Cheltenham Town on Monday ahead of next Saturday's final dress rehearsal against Portsmouth at Ashton Gate.
    Of course, City fans will already be engaged in a game of trying to second guess the head coach's thoughts by naming their own preferred starting line-up.
    There is no rule preventing journalists from indulging in the same pastime and, for what it's worth, here is my anticipated line-up to start against League Two newcomers Cheltenham at Whaddon Road.

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    GOALKEEPER: Given that Frank Fielding is still recovering from ankle surgery and is unlikely to be available until October, Richard O'Donnell is a shoe-in selection between the posts. City's first-choice custodian during the second half of last season, he inspires confidence in those in front of him.

    RIGHT-BACK: City remain in the market for Sunderland's Adam Matthews, but that particular transfer is yet to be concluded and an alternative is required. There is nothing to choose between Mark Little and Luke Ayling, but I feel the latter offers more options going forward.

    RIGHT CENTRE-BACK: A key player for the Robins in each of the last two campaigns, Aden Flint has again looked good in pre-season. A dominant figure at the back, he also poses a threat in the opposition penalty area. One of the first names on the team sheet.

    LEFT CENTRE-BACK: Hordur Magnusson has not been signed for £2.5 million to warm the bench and it is important the Iceland international is given an opportunity to forge a strong central defensive partnership with Flint. Comfortable with the ball at his feet and playing out from the back, the 23-year-old could be the perfect foil to Flint.

    LEFT-BACK: Scott Golbourne proved a steady option on the left side of the back four following his transfer from Wolves last season. Defensively more reliable than others in this position, his experience could prove invaluable.

    DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD: Recruited on a free transfer from Norwich City in the summer, Gary O'Neil offers the kind of experience and knowhow the Robins have lacked in this department since Wade Elliott's decision to retire. His ability to set the tempo and take the right options renders him a must selection.

    DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD: In the continued absence of the injured Korey Smith, Marlon Pack should be afforded an opportunity to make this position his own. Arguably City's most improved player last season, his range of passing and ability to protect the back four mean he has become a key player.

    RIGHT-SIDE MIDFIELD: Callum O'Dowda made a good first impression on his debut against Yeovil Town, but it is difficult to ignore the claims of Bobby Reid. Promoted to the starting line-up by Lee Johnson last winter, the Bristolian seized his opportunity and deserves a prolonged run in the team. Could be the goal-scoring option City have been seeking in midfield.

    CENTRE MIDFIELD: City's record signing when he moved from Bournemouth earlier this month, Lee Tomlin is at his best when deployed in a central role just behind a lone striker. A born match-winner, his ability to operate between the lines and create and score goals renders him a must selection.

    LEFT-SIDE MIDFIELD: Like Reid, fellow Bristolian Joe Bryan has come through the club's Academy system and earned his stripes in the Championship. He faces stiff competition from the talented O'Dowda and needs to improve his final ball and goal tally, but he already has considerable experience at Championship level and this could be his season.

    STRIKER: Lee Johnson talks about having attacking options, but there is only really one candidate to spearhead the attack. Jonathan Kodjia enjoyed an excellent first season in English football, scoring 20 goals, and is expected to be even better this time around.



    BRISTOL CITY (4-2-3-1)
    Richard O'Donnell
    Luke Ayling Aden Flint Hordur Magnusson Scott Golbourne
    Gary O'Neil Marlon Pack
    Bobby Reid Lee Tomlin Joe Bryan
    Jonathan Kodjia


    http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/which-...own-showdown/story-29541141-detail/story.html
     
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  2. gdknac

    gdknac Well-Known Member

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    Reckon O'Dowda would start v Wigan but there is now good cover in the shape of Little, Williams, Reid,Wilbraham, Agard together with Smith and Fielding when fit.Thats a strong bench and gives us good options especially as there are U21s like Vyner and Dowling amongst others that can also be used.
     
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  3. Mind the gap!

    Mind the gap! Well-Known Member

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    Need to look at setting up for the season well especially building up the gelling together of midfield and centre backs
     
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