As we near the start of the season and our opener against Southampton, thoughts of new signings slowly give way to thoughts of the starting lineup. With a near-fully fit squad to choose from there’s selection problems almost all across the pitch bar up top but is the most intriguing selection dilemma at full-back?
Last season it started as the 2022/23 season did with Trippier and Burn automatic selections when fit, Tino as back up and Lewis Hall struggling, self-confessed, to get to grips with fitness and tactics. As fixture pile ups, injuries and loss of form took hold, by April, Hall and Livramento were in possession of the full back shirts.
How did we get to this? Well Burn’s short comings were quickly figured out by the opposition and, without the high intensity press to put us on the front foot, Burn found himself increasingly facing the wrong way and chasing wingers far too fast for him. On the right side, Trippier appeared to be steady but a severe loss of form and some high-profile mistakes cost him his place in the team. Up stepped Tino who was brilliant in both defence and attack and later on Hall joined the party with both youngsters showing real attacking quality and being the perfect foil to our wingers who love to cut inside.
Cut to Saturday and what to do? Does Howe, loyal to a fault with players, revert to his trusted players and both Trippier and Burn start? Does Burn remain at centre back with Kelly being eased in slowly? Do Burn and Trippier start as full backs? Does the late season form of Hall and Tino ensure them a starting place?
For what it’s worth, I would love to see a back four of Tino, Schar, Burn, Hall. The attacking threat of both fullbacks, their overlapping, and their ability to go past players should be perfect against a newly promoted side. However, I think it’s more likely we see Trippier, Schar, Burn and Tino.
Why? This line up allows Kelly time to fit into the squad and tactics as he’s been injured and we’ve seen before that Howe likes to introduce signings slowly. Trippier’s influence and professionalism is still as important to the club as it’s ever been. I witnessed from the East Stand on Saturday, Trippier guiding young Alfie Harrison through the match as you’d expect from a senior pro. He had a decent Euro’s playing out of position and largely being ignored by his England teammates when he was in space. Added to the fact that he is still probably the clubs best set piece taker and is an assist machine.
Schar is a must start, arguably one of our players of the season last year and likely one of the first names on the team sheet. We know how much Eddie loves Burn and I felt he actually did really well at centre back last season when he was taken out of the firing line at left back and as I outlined earlier this allows Kelly time to find his feet. That leaves left back and while we do have options there in Burn, Hall, Kelly and Targett, I feel Tino is the most likely to start there. He’s already played there and looked comfortable in the role without compromising his worth to the team both attacking and defensively.
Whether you agree or disagree with my opinion it’s clear we’re pretty well stocked for fullbacks and it’s a selection headache that most managers would love to have
