What NUFC XI does Howe pick for Arsenal - and do I agree?

[@VWR7]

----Pope----- Tino-Schar-Kelly-Hall --- Tonali----- --Bruno-Willock-- Gordon-Isak-Joelinton That’s the strongest team

[@craighope_dailymail]

That’s the team I pick, except Burn back in for Kelly because of Arsenal set piece threat. But yes, Kelly at LCB perhaps worth exploring.

[@gordypattison3543]

Correct Craig

[@billrailton712]

@@VWR7 I would play Kraft for Tino other than that I agree with your team

[@rogercookcouk]

BDB for set pieces. The speed of some of their's though, not better suited to Kelly? ​@craighope_dailymail

[@MrComicy]

Also I would like to see Osula given at-least 15 mins at the end dependant on how the game is going.

[@kyled96]

Kelly played centre half in preseason & looked very good. He should start ahead of burn, he offers far more mobility & pace in defence. He is also a big enough lad to defend set pieces. Tonali needs to start as a 6 & bruno 8, the best football bruno has played for us (by far) has always been as an 8 imo, i personally dont see how Eddie can think he is better at 6 when every number 10 in the league has a field day against us. I’d start longstaff with them 2, then willock is good legs from the bench. I really hope we start well tomorrow or it could be a long 90 mins.

[@DanielCordone9]

Kelly is a Championship player. He's awful

[@kyled96]

@@DanielCordone9I’m not really a fan of him at left back, think he offers nothing. But tbh i dont think hes looked a bad player when at centre back. Burn come on against Chelsea & his lack of mobility stood out straight away for me. He has also jumped in way too often this season then been done for pace. Kelly at least has the athleticism to give us some pace back there.

[@ant2533]

I'm with you on team selection, Craig

[@DavidLayfield]

Thanks Craig, you always capture the mood and while I enjoy your honesty when things are difficult it is so much more pleasurable to listen to your upbeat passionate views. I agree, as I’m sure the vast majority of fans will, that Tonali was too good as an orchestrating ‘6’ and we’ve all been crying out for the old Bruno as a more forward facing ‘8’… but after the last game it feels like - at home at least! - we could play lots of the players in lots of positions but as long as we’re all on song all around them we are such a formidable force! Keep up the great work Craig

[@borgegje]

Great points regarding Bruno and Tonali. Tonali has more control and picks the right and simple solutions with the ball. And with Bruno being more creative he would absolutely be more effective in a 8 role. I hope we see that tomorrow.

[@alexanderhowcroft8779]

Tonali is much faster for recovery as well. I think the plan was to buy tonali and sell Bruno to balance the books. His ban fucked up all the plans

[@paolo7688]

So we play Tonali in his best position and he was basically man of the match and shone in the role. If he changes back to Bruno as the number 6 then this would be absolutely ridiculous. Stupid personified.

[@craighope_dailymail]

We’ll see.

[@craighope_dailymail]

Eddie could keep Sandro at No.6 yet.

[@liamwilsonwright4116]

@@craighope_dailymailplays best as a number 6 for me in a Rodri type role

[@Saudi_Mags]

Hahaha he's no Rodri type ​@@liamwilsonwright4116

[@OGA_999]

We're not careful Man City could swoop for Tonali in Rodri's absence and guess what? He'd likely leave unless he's starting over the vastly inferior Longstaff, Willock et al

[@ToonBano]

You're absolutely SPOT ON about Tonali staying as the no.6 I find it ridiculous for Eddie to change that for some half baked reason that he likes to go towards the ball? So? Why does that stop him playing to the right of Tonali? If he comes for ball off Schar then fine. What's the problem? We need him further forward. We need him in and around the box. HE himself wants to play that role. Open your eyes Eddie for God's sake.

[@Jake97x]

I agree tonali needs to be trialed as the 6

[@levstone415]

I'd like Sandro central BUT he does lose the ball a bit more than Bruno and Howe is right that Bruno is the best at picking the ball up off our defence with his back to the opposition. Sandro looks better facing forwards and one touch passing forward. Don't know why we don't do a double pivot.

[@billrailton712]

I think a lot of pressure on Pope especially from Arsenal set pieces, he has to command and control the box. We seen on Wednesday he flapped at a few then claimed a lovely cross under immense pressure. He is a bit of an enigma. Simply must play Tonali at No 6 again and if he plays Big Jo on left then he must play Little Jo as well there link play was the best! Personally I would play Kelly instead of Burn simply because of his speed and athleticism! HWTL

[@craighope_dailymail]

I definitely would like to see that Willock/Joelinton pairing maintained.

[@TonyODOnnell-tt8gh]

Totally agree. Hes been clumbsy, nervous & conseaded goals he should of saved. I'm surprised, actually I'm not, that the jurno's didn't ask such a questions about him..

[@alexanderhowcroft8779]

I do agree, I’d really like to see shar and Kelly at the back. I’ve been unsure on Kelly but I think he needs game time. And shar has been a completely different player this year so it may be when bottman is back we need to go to a Botman Kelly at the back. In popes defense the balls in from Chelsea corners at the weekend were all pinged into the worst position to claim and defend, they all could have easily gone in. We need to get someone putting in corners like that again

[@MarkWeir-cr5tk]

Good to see you kept the discussions to football at the press conference and not Eddie's waistline, even a point on Saturday I think would help in positive momentum. Not lost on me where we have lots of coverage in some positions but none in striker/RW.

[@EverMoreNUFC]

Excellent video mate. Tonali can be the answer for that no6 hole I 💯 believe it. Bruno on that advanced role has the guile to unlock the doors & to get goals with those changes & with Willocks refound form & energy used in the right way we can get something from this.

[@neilsnowdon2863]

I would play Kelly, but Eddie will probably go for Burn. They must not play a high line if they do. We lack pace with Schär and Burn. Let's also see a bit of variety with corners and free kicks. Over 50 corners with no goals!!! Keep up the press, lads!

[@craighope_dailymail]

I just want to see one of their corner routines, even if it doesn't come off!

[@johnson_street_IEMD]

Great preview .. I think the press conference from Eddie may have been about keeping a lid on his selection thoughts.. he won't want arsenal to know his decisions but that game against Chelsea second team should be the basis for what we do moving forward .. surely? I would go for Pope; Tino, Krafthu, Kelly, Hall; Bruno, Tonali, Willockinho; Gordon, Isak, Joelinton ...

[@andyross3097]

Always liked the gilet/hoodie combo Craig...carried off with aplomb. The Gosforth Gilet

[@craighope_dailymail]

Thank you. Comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, it's like Willock and Joelinton down the left.

[@tonymckenzie3091]

Tonali is a natural No.6 and obvious its where he likes to play, the rest of the team should function around Tonali and only then will we start building on the possession based football that EH wants...i also think Lewis Miley will be crucial to this style of play in the seasons to come if they keep Tonali long enough.

[@jimmibarr6433]

I totally agree mate, Tonali is almost wasted not in the 6… he has one of if not the best eye for reading the play in and out of possession that we have.. he should also be used to take set plays. He hits the ball too well not to be used.

[@johnenglish929]

One of the most important issues is what sort of team Bunce provides Eddie with. The side on Wednesday looked to me to be the first time Eddie has been given a team anywhere like fit enough to deliver the intensity which he needs. It’s all very well having fewer injuries, but we don’t want a fit squad sitting at home watching CL matches onTV. We want them to be playing in them !

[@Ozmag1508]

Pope, Krafu, Schar, Kelly, Hall Tonali, Bruno, Willock JL, Isak, Gordon After watching JL fill in as a right side wing back, makes sense to me he could be out right side forward at least worth trying

[@robertharrison4485]

Totally agree with the midfield but Kelly has to come in for Burn, he looks much better on the ball & the difference having pace at centre back is a must.

[@fplstat]

Alreet Craig you really need to say what you think in the press conference we are lacking creativity bruno is our most creative player he is very good in the 6 but in the 8 we would see more goals and assists our most composed player should be in the final third isak will score goals if he gets chances tonalli looks like a very good ball winning/ ball player in the 6 is his best position we seen that at chelsea. Joelington looks like a real threat as a pressing forward on the wing giving us that focus point upfront . Why dont have a number 10 craig why we so focused on a 433 system with a player like james madison isak would get so many chances. Journos needs some balls and to ask some proper questions

[@liamsimmons4217]

Spot on Craig. For me exact same XI but Tonali in the number 6 and Bruno in the number 8 too. Is Eddie doing this just to keep Bruno happy?

[@midlandgeordie]

Hope they can be positive and take a victory 🤞

[@kieranthirlwell5193]

Three decisions to make tomorrow: - Tonali or Bruno in the middle - Willock or Longstaff - Kelly or Burn Positionally, is it worth experimenting in this team? Willock and Joelinton on the right - alternating together and Gordon on the left. ----Pope----- Tino-Schar-Kelly-Hall --- Tonali----- --Willock-Bruno-- Joelinton-Isak-Gordon

[@kyletomey43]

I think he'll start Longstaff instead of Willock. Mainly to protect Willock from another injury.

[@craighope_dailymail]

I agree those are the three calls he has to make.

[@AdrianMills-q3l]

Eddie always does 4.3.3 ,wish he would change .

[@neilnicholas4028]

I’m with you Craig. Keep tonali at 6 and then have Bruno and Wilock in the midfield. Then joelington, Isaac and Gordon up top.

[@craighope_dailymail]

That would certainly get a lot of their best players in the final third of the pitch, that’s my thinking.

[@grahamtowler1761]

Would say 1-1 which will keep the confidence going

[@johnaskew2454]

Craig, vital you keep on top of possible friction between Eddie and Paul Mitchell. Eddie used the word 'harmonious' to describe Arsenal. We can read between the lines. Why mention it if things were ok on Barrack Road. And if there is a divide between the two, it's going to hinder our progress. We deserve to know what's going on and in particular who decides the targets and who has final say. It's absolutely critical to be honest. We need to be United and since Amanda left and Paul arrived, things have declined. Vital it's resolved ASAP .

[@craighope_dailymail]

Absolutely. But a small section of the fanbase don’t like to know this stuff… even if it is true.

[@johnaskew2454]

Vital it doesn't put you off. If there's disharmony on such a fundamental, what chance have we got. Plenty of Mags are concerned !👍

[@johnaskew2454]

​@@craighope_dailymailIt's vital you keep on the case Craig. It really is. There's many Mags have concerns about the relationship between Eddie and Paul Mitchell. If they're not on the same wavelength we could unravel very quickly. What happens if Mitchell signs a player for big money that Eddie doesn't like. Or what happens if Mitchell's not interested in Eddie's picks. And who d cides what. Our future's far too important to get bogged down with flummery and the fans surely have some sort of right to know what's going on. We're constantly told we're the most important people in the game. Let us know what's going on then. We completely mucked up August and we have every right to expect a good January window. Way over half the fanbase want Mbuemo from Brentford and with very good reason. He's not just a right sided attacker ; he can play striker as well. That might be useful !! But we don't even know if he's a target and who makes the decisions. Keep asking in the pressers and you can always say it's the stuff the fans are interested in. And that would be true. Keep up the good work. I fancy 2-1 to Arsenal btw 😭.

[@jamiekirkbride3414]

I'd put Kelly in on the left. He's not a small guy and can deal with set pieces. He's also a lot more athletic than Burn and we're going to need that speed to nutrilize Saka's threat. I think he'll start with Longstaff and bring Willock on 2nd half as an impact sub. Willock will be right up for it, being Arsenal's his former club ofc.

[@gazmo71]

Agree with a lot of what you say Craig however don't be surprised to see Hall being dropped for Kelly which I think will be a mistake. Eddie will worry about Saka's pace

[@craighope_dailymail]

Big test for Hall, but I think he’ll stick with him.

[@Orlando-oq8nn]

Cant understand playing Burn over Kelly. Opposition only have to overload the number 10 position to overwhelm Burn / Schar. We cant continue to be this easy to plan for in terms of opposition game plan.

[@JackBurton3963]

Massive massive game. Can’t go 6 games without a league win. A draw is good normally but not so much on this occasion. The away form is shocking so we must get points at home.

[@kendec1956]

Eddie, brave and right

[@Gary-u5o]

Dont be surprised if hall is dropped for kelly , more height to defend their set pieces !

[@richardwaugh4945]

There are two too many boses in the middle of midfield. Eddie has to get them working and have them believe it will work. Not a easy task when you bought AC MIlan, former Captain.

[@Soulsbyproductions]

Pope Tino Schar Kelly Hall Bruno Tino Willock Gordon Isak Joelinton That would be mine. As rough as a season I anticipate it being, I really like the development of hall and bedding in Tino as the long term right back. I think Kelly's speed edges out burn. Love burn but he simply gets caught out too much. Tino deserves a chance in the 6 and for me Bruno played his best football with shelvey as the 6 behind him

[@Soulsbyproductions]

Urrrrg lol, tonali in the middle not Tino

[@Adamm357]

Surely you can't just play Burn because he's tall. What about the inevitably of Saka getting in behind and Burn being left for dead?

[@craighope_dailymail]

It’s not ideal, is it?

[@phoenixrisin5848]

Tonali was much improved which to be fair, isn't hard. Think he'd won the game on his own the way folk are blowing smoke up his arse.

[@mamofoneteen5178]

Not so long ago you were on here saying we wouldn’t fill a super stadium. Confused, I suppose I better read the article!

[@craighope_dailymail]

I didn’t say it wouldn’t fill - I said it didn’t have to be 80k. I still believe that. Capacity is a different argument.

[@mamofoneteen5178]

@ I definitely agree on that one. 80k would be a big ask to fill match after match, year after year. I’m still can’t wrap my head around the possibility watching Newcastle at home anywhere but SJP. It would be nice to have an all bells and whistles stadium in lots of ways but the history and sentimental nature of SJP would be hard to leave but not impossible if it’s done right.

[@givemesomewine]

I'd put Tonali left midfield, J7 lw, Bruno central ,Longstaff, only because there is no one else, right midfield . I just want to see Tonali on the left, I am sure he starts there for Italy.

[@billparker3276]

Build a container stadium on the town moor, flatten and rebuild SJP from scratch, same location, better design and aim for 85000 of us in there - with clever planning should easily be achieved ⚽️⚽️⚽️

[@jrws89]

definitely would like to see more of Osula with Callum being out for the next 3/4 games. He looked really promising on Wednesday when he came on and the ability he has to mix it up and be physical against that Arsenal backline might work well

[@methik38]

I miss one match on the telly, and now everyone is saying joelinton on the right wing. What did I miss.

[@kevinbelshaw8694]

We need to go out there with confidence… and a huge positive mindset. Don’t respect Arsenal, pressurise them and go for a win. Grab the bull by the horns mentality …. if you let Arsenal play they usual game they will comfortably beat you.. however if we break on their mistakes, we will beat them and we always have enough in the tank to get a goal to draw. Come on. push and turn the corner!!! 👍🏻

[@craighope_dailymail]

A start like Wednesday is definitely needed to get the crowd in the game early.

[@user-ls1lu7gu4u]

-------Pope------- Live--schar--burn--Hall -------Tonali------- ------Joe --Bruno ---- Murphy---------Gordon --------Isak-------

[@patrickhamilton9859]

I'd play sandro as a 6 against arsenal also Bruno will thrive been able get forward more , an we need a number 6 who can defensively shore us up

[@terryfletcher4717]

"Bruno likes to come to the ball". Is this the problem - Howe is letting players pick the team and where to play? We're desperate to have that channel in front of the back four occupied and Tonali is the obvious choice. That's his position! Is the danger that Bruno is becoming a Prima Donna? Scared of losing him so give him what he wants? First the captaincy, then never dropped of played in a position where tactics decide?

[@jackpapaya4383]

early kick off ? I've got a bad feeling ....

[@Coney572]

Keep Tonali as a 6 put Bruno right midfield

[@craighope_dailymail]

I agree!

[@stewartfraser2740]

I think Kelly deserves a starting spot at CB but replacing Schar. Burn has a habit of playing badly but pulling blinders when needed, I think he will fot this one. Much call for JoeLinton on the right, could be a good shout, but should have been tried before this.

[@PaulFranks-cx3yd]

Hopefully a win against Chelsea's reserves, who managed to create probably a dozen chances, isn't a false dawn. Re tomorrow - can't believe Burn comes back in. 4- 2-1-2 -1 shores up the defence, gets the best from Sandro and Bruno, and gives Isak more support. Also think Gordon could join Joelinton at times on the left to overload their right back and vice verse. Pope Kraft Kelly Tino Hall Longstaff Tonali Bruno Gordon Joelinton Isak Having watched kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5mwlox6haxjiNk on how Liverpool pressed Arsenal in the 2nd half last week, I would put Joelinton in behind Isak. 4-2-3-1. Pope Kraft Kelly Tino Hall Longstaff Tonali Murphy Joelinton Gordon Isak

[@George-wy2yb]

I’d make just one change, longstaff for Bruno. Everyone else deserves to remain for arsenal

[@lostinthoughtscalminsilenc8167]

So where does Bruno play then? If you say bench then you are a complete spacca

[@jimmibarr6433]

2-2 for me

[@abrupt_oliver]

Apart from Miley, who else is coming through from the academy?

[@craighope_dailymail]

Keep an eye on Anthony Munda.

[@DaveCarmichael68]

Tonali should be number 6, he’s better and more mobile than Bruno and drives us forward

[@michaelmcdougall943]

This manager never seems to learn if this is true just seems to go back to the same old same old when something else he tries in a game works

[@kicka11]

Please big Joe inside left.

[@paulwalton3391]

Knaa what why divvint PIF invest in the endless 'talent' pool that is the endless armchair 'managers' amongst our expert effing 'fanbase' that think they know effing better!!!!!🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@redl1ght1]

To all viewers this man uses a German greeting.”Well Hallo” .This is Geordie pronunciation that is worse than double Dutch

[@grimreavers]

Depends how deaf you are ......😅

[@manakara9821]

You say again that Wednesday night was a great showing of the team BUT WE WERE PLAYING CHELSEA RESERVES???? At least try and be honest Craig. We were lucky with 2-0, Chelsea RESERVES were still the better team. Arsenal will run us ragged with their crisp passing and movement off the ball.

[@craighope_dailymail]

It was the B team but it’s still a very good B team. And there were signs of encouragement all across the pitch.

[@gordypattison3543]

Sad mackem

[@Ozmag1508]

A Chelsea reserve team that cost £520 million!

[@Jake97x]

Was hardly reserves ffs😂😂😂

[@grimreavers]

We did well ...very well ...let's hope it continues 🙏