The NUFC side set to start vs Arsenal as things stand – A terrifying reality check..

With no Rafa, no new signings, no new manager in place, Perez sold, Diame released and Rondon and Kenedy back at their parent clubs, it’s fair to say we are extremely light on numbers and quality.

I could cope if a takeover was in the offing and we had a few months of the window remaining, but the sad reality is that the season starts in just over 4 weeks time – and we’re as unprepared and dishevelled as I can ever remember us being.

Arsenal await on Sunday 11th August and, not only is it a game that many are set to boycott, there’s every chance this is the sort of team we’re forced to field:

Dubravka – Manquillo, Schar, Lascelles, Dummett, Ritchie – Ki, Shelvey – Murphy, Gayle, Almiron.

The likes of Lejeune, Yedlin and Atsu would normally start, but with the first two yet to feature in pre-season training after recent injuries and the latter doing hamstring on international duty with Ghana, it’s unlikely that any of those start.

As for Longstaff, he’s yet to take part in full training and has been linked with a move to Man Utd, so his involvement in the opening game of the season is also under serious doubt.

It may be that any new manager (or Redfearn!) come in and change the formation or even make the odd signing, however it’s hard to see any big changes being made for as long as we’re manager-less and in the dark over a potential takeover.

Here’s our current squad as things stand:

Goalkeepers: Darlow, Elliot, Harker, Dubravka
Defenders: Clark, Fernandez, Lascelles, Lazaar, Manquillo, Schar, Sterry
Midfielders:  Colback, Saivet, Hayden, Ki, Ritchie, Shelvey 
Attackers: Gayle, Joselu, Muto, Almiron, Aarons, Murphy
Fitness tbc: Dummett, Lejeune, Longstaff, Yedlin, Atsu.

As things stand we need 2 strikers (Rondon & Joselu replacements), a right-back, a left-back, a central midfielder or two (two if Hayden leaves) and a winger or two.

With just 30 days left until the window shuts, we better get our skates on, because the above squad will simply not survive in an ever-improving Premier League.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

2 thoughts on “The NUFC side set to start vs Arsenal as things stand – A terrifying reality check..

  1. I’m sorry to say this but as long as the fan’s keep filling sjp and buying shirts then Ashley can do whatever he likes.
    No manager
    No new signings
    Bruce is a depressing option
    Two of our top goal scorers gone
    I give up tbh

      (Quote)

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