Rate my team 22/23

Bailey scored again...

Think I'm sold.

Thanks very much. Just took him out for Zinchenko.

The Community Shield is after pushing me off Grealish and Diaz and onto the premium defence thing and feeling that bit more confident about Haaland.

Current draft is 5-3-2

Ederson

TAA Robbo Cancelo Perisic Justin

Salah Saka Bailey (Pereira, Dasilva)

Haaland Jesus (Archer)

There are definitely guys in there that I don’t feel tied to. Ederson could become a 4.5 without issue and I think Perisic is a bit punty given the minutes risk (albeit with a very high ceiling).

These are guys that I wanted to sacrifice to beef up the midfield, as I didn’t love the idea of going with only 3 in the middle, but without a complete restructuring of my team (that I otherwise quite like), where is getting rid of Ederson or Perisic for someone a bit cheaper actually going to get me?

The lack of 5.5-7.5 midfielders worth having is a problem to me. I feel like I’d be better served going with the defensive guys who I feel are well primed to score points early and then restructure when some guys in that midfield price bracket inevitably change how we view them.

Would you consider Ederson and Justin to Ramsdale and a 5m def? Trippier rotates nicely with Pereira when they play City and Pool. Just don't trust Leicester and I think an Arsenal defender is a good shout with their fixtures.

Are you in confident on Bailey as a Villa fan? Only thing worrying me about him are the injury concerns. In saying that, I just realised i recommended Trippier who also has a checkered history with injuries!

I brought in Perisic myself this afternoon after their friendly, he was very attacking by all accounts.

I do like your logic of going heavy on defence to start and then jumping on whatever mid priced mids that emerge.

I've got Jesus, Saka and Martinelli in my latest draft and I'm not opposed to it... Was going with a triple up anyway so why not 3 attackers! I know it's only pre-season but there's a serious confidence and positivity around the club at the moment and they look like they might be great value. Good price points to run away from too if it doesn't work out.

Agreed! I’m going in light I know. My thinking is that Saka can be moved if needed, or James/Robbo to a 4.5 and Neto to a 7/8m mid.

Glad to see someone else on board the lightweight midfield template!

I’d imagine he’s referring to the 8m mids in particular - Maddison, Mount, Mahrez, Diaz (if no triple Liverpool).

As I have Jesus, I’m tempted to move Saka to Maddison/Mount but Saka being on pens is such a bonus.

What’s your midfield out of interest?

But you're able to move from Saka to the 8 mill mids if one takes off, no? What you and I can't do is change structure in 1 move, but can anyone? Those that have packed their budget in midfield would find it equally tricky to move to big at the back.

Ultimately the conversation is going to differ between those who think the premium defenders are the value now due to the pricing, or whether they're taking away from midfield which over the years has produced alot of points.

Speaking of Perisic, Conte said after the game:

"In this moment we have two players, Ivan Perisic and Doherty, they have to continue to work and reach the peak of fitness because after a long injury they are struggling a lot. We need to have patience."

Hmm not sure about him now.

Slightly updated the draft and worried now about no Arsenal mid and Jesus up top:

Ederson

TAA Cancelo Zinchenko Dalot

Salah Rashford Bruno G. Bailey

Haaland Kane

Ward N.Williams Pereira Archer

Bazunu

Trippier zinchenko TAA Dias Collins

Salah Sancho

Nunez jesus Haaland

Ward, Colback, Rice, Andreas

Very light in midfield and will most likely play 5 2 3 most of the games.

Bazunu should get plenty of save points.

Collins is a goal threat and Wolves were solid at the back last season.

Andreas should be the key playmaker for Fulham.

Rice can be an option when they are at home to teams you would expect them to beat for a clean sheet possibility.

Sancho has looked in pre season what United fans were expecting last season.

Allows two premium defenders and four premium attackers.

Basically yes

Bailey & Diaz or Martenlli & Grealish is a tight call for me. Anyone any thoughts? Think Grealish might be more involved this year as he could be quite integral to Haaland ( although yesterday didn't inspire confidence).

Very punty wouldn't be one for me, minutes a doubt also. Would rather go for someone like martinelli or bruno G.