Four ways Graham Potter could set up for Brighton v Watford
The second match of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Premier League title charge sees Watford visit the Amex and gives Graham Potter several difficult selection decisions to make.
I have decided to do him a favour and give him four ready-made starting XIs to face the Hornets. Before I get straight into the first option, it would probably be sensible to say I am working from the assumptions that Joel Veltman will end up being available despite what Potter said in his pre-match press conference.
Tariq Lamptey however still hasn’t recovered from his two-week strain picked up last December and Dat Guy Welbz isn’t quite ready to start yet, so neither of those two are up for consideration.
Option 1: Continuity (3-5-2)
Sanchez; Webster, Dunk, Duffy; Alzate, Bissouma, Mwepu, Gross, March; Trossard, Maupay.
With everybody fit and firing, there is a lot to like about the team that started against Burnley – not least the fact that they won the match.
The problem in the first half at Turf Moor was where Potter used the players. This is my attempt at putting them in something resembling their positions, as you can see with no Pascal Gross left back or Adam Webster right back. You end up with a midfield that has everything and a back three that are experienced and rock-solid.
Potter picking this team for Brighton v Watford is pretty unlikely though. Given the impact substitutes made last week and Graham’s habit of tinkering, I just cannot see him starting a completely unchanged XI (does anyone remember the last time that happened?)
Option 2: Mac Allister + Lallana (4-2-3-1)
Sanchez; Veltman, Webster, Dunk, March; Bissouma Moder; Trossard, Mac Allister, Lallana; Maupay.
How about this for a drastic shift in formation which grants both of our super subs from the 2-1 win at Burnley a starting berth?
The main reason for lining up this way is because it is the only suggestion which fits in both Adam Lallana and the man Messi bases his look on, Alexis Mac Allister – albeit with Lallana playing in a wide playmaking role.
In the remaining two teams I pick only one of the diminutive, classy creators, having to choose between youth and form, and experience and papier-mâché hamstrings.
Option 3: Safe option (3-4-1-2)
Sanchez; Duffy, Dunk, Webster; Veltman, Moder, Bissouma, March; Lallana; Trossard, Maupay.
A return to the split strikers system which yielded such impressive results last Spring. In the absence of Dat Guy Welbz, Leandro Trossard takes up the role of partnering our beloved and short-tempered Frenchmen up front, with Lallana in a free role behind them.
Moder once again partners the Malian Modric, although the Polish international could just as easily be switched for the likes of Enock Mwepu or Steve Alzate.
Option 4: Everyone in the goals last time out (4-4-2 diamond)
Sanchez; Veltman, Webster, Dunk, March; Bissouma; Moder, Gross; Mac Allister; Trossard, Maupay.
What a midfield, right? We have paid for it by sacrificing a centre back and forcing Solly March into a more defensively-minded full-back role which is not exactly his forte, but he and Veltman would still be providing most of the attacking width and so he would still be able to contribute all he normally does going forward.
In conclusion, I think Potter’s line up will most resemble option three, but you would be a fool to put any money on it given how England’s future manager likes to keep us on our toes.
My personal preference would be option four simply because that midfield is a thing of beauty – and I am still working on a way to get Alzate, Mwepu, Lallana and Taylor Richards in).
These selection dilemmas, it must be reiterated, are simply testament to our incredible squad depth – particularly in the middle of the park – and are brilliant problems for Potter to have, alongside being Sussex’s newest fashion icon.
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