This is an interesting one, and the fact that we have debates for every position on the pitch is very exciting, especially given the youthful nature of the side.
The debate for the Goalkeeper spot is one of development versus experience. On the face of it you wood pick Nyland, late 20's, promotion with two clubs and a regular in the Norway squad. However, he hasn't actually got much more first team action than Travers, at least in England. Never seen much of him to be honest. All I know is that he has been the second or even third choice wherever he has been. Travers is a difficult one. When he debuted against Spurs a few years back, I am pretty sure everyone who was at that game would agree that has to be one of the finest goalkeeping performances for some time at Dean Court. From that game I was convinced he would go from strength to strength, but he hasn't seemed to. I am sure though he will prove to be a good keeper in the coming seasons. Surely a year as number one ought to help him achieve that. That is why I would like Travers to be first choice with Nyland as back up.
The subject of defence doesn't get any easier. For me personally you have to have a mix of experience and youth. We have both in abundance, with the addition Gary Cahill, and the emergence of Jordan Zemura and Zero Ibsen-Rossi. I will assume we will play a back four. The centre back partnership (and by partnership I mean playing with and only with the person next to you) is one we have many solid enough players for at this level, we have five in total for two positions. What I will say is you have to have one of Cook or Cahill in the best XI, never both. The idea of that makes me shiver. I am pretty sure Ted Mac could still give these the run around. What do you go for, sentiment or pedigree. Without knowing how either of their current playing capabilities I will assume that they are the same as the last time they played. With a Champions League medal, two premier league medals, you will struggle to argue against Cahill. As I have previously dismissed Cook and Cahill partnership, that leaves Kelly, Mepham and Ibsen-Rossi for the left side of centre back. As great as he has been I think we are starting to see a few flaws to Zeno's game, Mepham too has been a great asset this season and has come back a different player to last season. Surely though Kelly is certain for that role, after all he had been selected as the current captain. Also, I think he is maturing into a good player. He is definitely one for the future. For me it is Cahill and Kelly. The two full back positions are interesting. On the right you have two experienced players and on the left you have two inexperienced players. I haven't seen enough of Davis to comment on him but he would have to be some player to take JZ's spot as he has been immense since that tougo WBA fixture. Smiths versatility makes him so useful but Stacey's energy and attacking threat gets him in for me.
Is far we have:
Travers
Stacey Cahill Kelly Zemura
Now onto the midfield three. A is single or a double pivot? I think personally we have the squad for a double pivot but Scott Parker obviously prefers the single pivot in front of the back four. It depends on whether you want a playmaker or a ball winner there. Every player has there strengths and weaknesses but in my opinuin there is only one man for this role who has everything above mentioned. That is Lewis Cook. On his day he is one of the finest players yo watch... not just at this club, but in the country. I really mean that too. The two more advanced players will have to do a mix of get up to support the centre forward and come back and help the holding midfielder protect the back four. I have been open about my criticism of Billing in the past, I think we all have, but he has really shone over the last year. He has to be in. Some of the runs he makes are superb. Then you have Lerma, Marcondes and Christie. We will have to wait and see with Christie. I always admired him, never thought we coups acquire him for that little of a fee though. I think he might adapt nicely but we shall see. Marcondes was one that brought about some real excitement, for some of the fan base. Not for me though. I have never rated him. Still don't. Clever enough player but he hides for 88 minutes. Rarely does anything. I will be honest, I am just not a fan. Surely, with the way we are playing, Lerma has to be in the best XI. The way he presses, box to box runner, the way he carries the ball. All of these things make him one of the best players in the league. All about balance too. I think if either Lerma or Pearson was the holding midfielder, we coyod afford to play two of Billing/Marcondes/Christie. That would mean no Lewis Cook, though. For me the midfield is Cook with Billing and Lerma advanced.
So far:
Travers
Stacey Cahill Kelly Zemura
Lerma Cook Billing
The frontline. Options on the left. Anthony, Rogers, Lowe and Stanislas. Anthony has showed a lot of promise, but has faded in recent games showing that maybe we cannot pin our hopes on him over 46 games. Rogers is an unknown quantity. Lowe is good of the left but I see him in the long term as a striker. I think Stanislas fully fit is the best man for the job. A premier league player without a doubt. On the right, it is out of Brooks and Christie. Has to be Brooks. As for the striker. Solanke is our most valuable player. If he gets injured it could really damage us even with Lowe as cover.
This is the best XI for me.
Travers
Stacey Cahill Kelly Zemura
Lerma Cook Billing
Brooks Solanke Stanislas