Luton Outlaws - The Avenue of Evil

Team for tonight

Posted by Zobra The Greek <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Zobra+The+Greek' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 7:06:46

I’d like to see a 4-2-3-1. Although not sure how suited Naismith is in a back 2, wouldn’t mind seeing this line up:

GK Keeley

RB Nigel
LB Bramall
CB Mads
CB Naismith

CM Saville
CM Baptiste

LM Alli
ACM Clark
RM Kodua

FW Yates

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Mayor of Rudebury <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Mayor+of+Rudebury' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 12:43:45, in reply to "Team for tonight"

I really hope Yates is not left isolated up front again.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by PaddyHatter <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=PaddyHatter' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 9:58:08, in reply to "Team for tonight"

Whoever plays......please.......play with urgency. We looked so casual against Bradford while getting outfought for almost every 50/50 ball.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Round Green Hatter <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Round+Green+Hatter' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 9:36:56, in reply to "Team for tonight"

I'd go

Beresford

Foley
Johnson
Coyne
Davis

Pelly
Nicholls
Barkley

French
Howard
Hill

And for the goal kicks, just launch it.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Melbourne Hat <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Melbourne+Hat' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 12:33:24, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

Must have Matthew Taylor and JLV on the bench, surely?

Re: Team for tonight

I was debating starting Taylor back, just think Sol is better suited for a game like this, even at 45.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Ostrich spotter <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Ostrich+spotter' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 8:59:20, in reply to "Team for tonight"

It is certainly difficult with h the gaps in the squad plus the ridiculous number of injuries. 4 at the back seems to be the way to go although Naismith on the left of the 4 worries me. Therefore, Bramall instead of him plus Naismith or/ Fanne instead of Saville and Baptiste. I know Fanne hasn't shown much although we have pissed about playing him all over the place. He offers a bit of speed and a lot more athleticism.

I am not overly convinced by Clark. Great servant, can't knock his effort but effort alone is not enough. We need a spark

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Father Ted <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Father+Ted' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 14:06:57, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

Clark was by a mile the worst midfielder on Sat but was the only one not to get hooked. Played well for a few games towards the end of last season apart from that he's been shit.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Norm's Curry Goat $<iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Norm\'s+Curry+Goat' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on 19/8/2025, 9:54:31, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

For whats its worth, regading Fanne -

Was on a boat tour in The Philippines earlier this year and met an AIK fan.

Said he was the best player in the league at 20 years old, just did what he wanted when he got the ball.

Told him our management see him more uptop. He looked at me in utter disbelief.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Doctor Ince <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Doctor+Ince' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 10:50:02, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

From what I've seen of him I think he's a decent player, not sure if we think he's a new Yaya Toure or if it's just our club policy of playing people out of position

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Andy Cappuccino <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Andy+Cappuccino' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 9:50:12, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

Isn't Fanne banned?

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by bbb <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=bbb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 9:52:47, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

After 28 years and 3 kids, It definitely seems that way..

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by RGDave <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=RGDave' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 10:53:14, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

Nice one.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Well <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Well' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 9:06:01, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

Clark is the biggest mystery to me.

Was a great player but he offers nothing anymore in my opinion.

Time to say goodbye.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by HeathHatter <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=HeathHatter' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 13:27:09, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

Clicker always struggles when he plays on the right of an attacking three. He's a number 8. This has been obvious for years.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by jimmyp <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=jimmyp' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 17:00:30, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

Except he hasn't really got the legs for it any more but still has a goal in him.

COYH, Jim

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Earls <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Earls' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 9:10:15, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

Yet apparently Clark was named MotM by a street by the supporters on the coaches on Saturday. (Which baffles me, as I thought he was rotten and couldn’t figure out why he wasn’t subbed.) Textbook onions!

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Well <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Well' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 9:15:05, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

I can’t remember the last time he had a good game.

Genuinely.

Re: Team for tonight

Yep me too, he's been poor every since coming back from injury in the Premier league. Was a close thing between him and Hashi for our worst performers in that season.

Re: Team for tonight

If Wells is fit then he should play up front with Yates, without Walsh we create very little

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Zobra The Greek <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Zobra+The+Greek' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 9:04:24, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

I’d definitely include wells, but sounded like he won’t be fit for tonight.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by bbb <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=bbb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 7:54:05, in reply to "Team for tonight"

Yates up front on his own would be fuckin ridiculous. Did you not watch Saturday? He offered nothing. Partly down to him having very little service, Partly down to the fact he's(so far) not looking anything like the kind of player we needed.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by RADSB <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=RADSB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 8:45:20, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

+1

With respect, how low have we sunk to think that one up front at home, 4 defenders and two holding midfielders is a decent line up. Leaves 4 to break down their 8 or 9 man defence - just like the AFC game.

Mr J.C. Lomax having been called upon to give his opinion upon the proposed formation of a Town Club, said he was most emphatically in favour of a proposed Luton Town Football Club - 11th April 1885

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Music Critic <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Music+Critic' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 9:14:05, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

But 3 at the back isn't working either. We create next to fuck all with 2 up front in a 3-5-2/5-3-2

At least with a 4-2-3-1, in possession we can probably go with three up front with two wide forwards (Kodua and Alli for example). Out of possession it's a 4-5-1

But I have no idea what Plan A or Plan B are supposed to be. In wide attacking areas, we seem to have recruited for a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 but in terms of central forwards, defenders and midfielders (and the bonkers lack of full backs) we seem to have recruited for a 3-5-2/5-3-2

It's a complete mess. What is our identity and personality? What is our style? I haven't got a clue and, seemingly, nor has anyone at the club

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Bombz <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Bombz' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 10:41:08, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

Well done mate, at long last someone with the truth. You have summed it up in 4 sentences. If we don’t do something soon you know what will happen, the atmosphere will turn nasty, I can see it happening.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Hattersman <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Hattersman' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 11:36:08, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

Doubt it unfortunately, MC isnt the manager.

Re: Team for tonight

People have been crying out to ditch 3 at the back.
Would be interested to see your line up and how you get some width, pace and creativity into the midfield if you’re playing two up front (also who plays up front with yates? Nordas?)

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Bombz <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Bombz' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 12:50:37, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

Gordon Turner

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Letchworth Hatter <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Letchworth+Hatter' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 11:11:10, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

Alli

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by RADSB <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=RADSB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 9:26:26, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

That was not a pop at you. I think you've probably nailed our best 11 available atm. I've no idea what the plan is, even Plan A. I'm just repeating to myself over and over what MB and many of us have said, it's not a one window fix. There are so many sick notes to unload and so many to new players to recruit and that takes time. We're just in a mess at the moment and patience is the key for all. My guess is that we will spend a few seasons in this division with many comings and goings including managers before promotion.

Mr J.C. Lomax having been called upon to give his opinion upon the proposed formation of a Town Club, said he was most emphatically in favour of a proposed Luton Town Football Club - 11th April 1885

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Hatters88 <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Hatters88' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 12:20:42, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

I agree it's not a one window fix but you still have to question what has happened, and whether they have gone about this in the right way, for example before the window opened we had a squad overloaded with CB's, so what do we do? We add 3 more players who are primarily CB's, how does that make sense? Where is the planning, was signing 3 more CB's really a priority?

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by RADSB <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=RADSB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 12:31:06, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

I don't know why but a jigsaw popped into my head - you put down the pieces you find when you can, it doesn't look good for a long period and the full picture isn't visible until the last piece is in place.

Mr J.C. Lomax having been called upon to give his opinion upon the proposed formation of a Town Club, said he was most emphatically in favour of a proposed Luton Town Football Club - 11th April 1885

Re: Team for tonight

Trouble is you spend hours doing the jigsaw to find a number of pieces are missing. That is where we are at

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by RADSB <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=RADSB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 16:01:38, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

Exactly

Mr J.C. Lomax having been called upon to give his opinion upon the proposed formation of a Town Club, said he was most emphatically in favour of a proposed Luton Town Football Club - 11th April 1885

Re: Team for tonight

lol... yeah maybe, get what you mean.....but with a jigsaw you know you already have all the pieces to hand even if you dont know quite where they go..... we dont have this, we had/have obvious pieces missing...

When you only have limited resources you should be prioritising the areas where you are weak not adding to an area of the squad where you are already relatively strong.

Re: Team for tonight

No worries, I didn’t take it as such.
Was just genuinely interested to hear.
I think one up top works as long as we’re not just lumping it forward, which we did so often last season.

I (sadly) am beginning to agree that we might be here for longer than we all thought we’d be. Something just feels off. I think the squad is actually decent (one more attacking player and a full back short of being decent anyway), and I think the manager is good. But something just isn’t right. I also don’t think it’s fair blaming the board for all of our ills. I sometimes just think when you’re in a downward spiral it’s very hard to shift momentum.

I do wonder where we’d be if they’d sacked Edward’s in November and brought in someone who knows what the club is about, like Sheehan.

Re: Team for tonight

Not sacking Edwards in November was a huge mistake. 2020 have admitted that and apologised. RE behaved badly, was a divisive figure, hid from the players and had lost the dressing room. November to January - those two months tore the club ethos apart, the identity, the fight, the cameraderie - all things that give you a draw when you deserved to lose, give you a win in an even game and so on. That isn't a one window fix.

If MB doesn't see us to promotion then he may well play a big role in fixing as much as possible for another manager. So again, patience is the key - we have to play our part. No billy big bollocks thinking we have the divine right to promotion.

Mr J.C. Lomax having been called upon to give his opinion upon the proposed formation of a Town Club, said he was most emphatically in favour of a proposed Luton Town Football Club - 11th April 1885

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Newton <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Newton' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 8:53:07, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

The problem we have is that we have a surplus of excellent CBs, plus Naismith is to my mind simply not suited to be one of two CBs.

I do wonder if Naismith could play CDM in a 4-1-2-3, that might help.

Re: Team for tonight

You could argue we had a surplus of CB's before the window opened yet we added 3 players who are primarily CB's, how does that make sense?

Re: Team for tonight

Drop him if we play 4 at the back.

Re: Team for tonight

+1 Naismith to holding midfielder all day long.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by MVhatter <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=MVhatter' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 8:59:12, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

As it's early doors, and no-one is being critical of the team it's a good opportunity to experiment.

I think, we're all thinking could Naismith do a job CDM, would help give us more flexibility than insist on a back three to accommodate him.

Re: Team for tonight

Then we all need to stop thinking that. He's not mobile enough to cover the amount of ground required to play that role and we haven't got two box to box types to do the donkey work for him to just sit.

To (possibly) answer MC's question, I'd imagine that we were actually recruiting to evolve to a 343 which we could then transition quite easily to a 4231 once we'd identified (or recruited) whichever centre-halves can play as a two.

As others have said, we need to move a few on and we clearly can't bring too many in until we have. Although, from what MB's said, LWB would appear to be on the agenda.

COYH, Jim

Re: Team for tonight

Although it was only one game Naismith did look good last season when he played there away at derby and only got dropped cos we were playing Bristol city next.
For what its worth I dont quite agree about the lack of box to box midfielders either, onions and all that.

Re: Team for tonight

Fair enough, nut with regards box to box types, I thought Saville was quoted as being one, maybe Fanne too,Walsh seems to be able to progress the ball neatly, sometimes. Perhaps we have got players to let Naismith just sit.
I think 3-4-3 has been the preferred formation for a while.

Re: Team for tonight

Saville, yes. Fanne was supposed to be a defensive midfielder so fuck knows why wouldn't at least play him as a box to box player, since he's quick and athletic. Baptiste, Walsh and Clark all no, although against the lesser teams if we had a dedicated defensive midfielder we could get away with one of those and Saville.

Naismith is still not that guy. Marv of two years ago is. Can he be again, who knows.

COYH, Jim

Re: Team for tonight

Marv coming back would be fantastic, but I suspect that ship has long sailed.
3-4-3 makes most sense with the players we have, even with the wing back issue, Saville and Fanne in the middle should be strong.
Brammal and Kodua wing backing.... neither quoted as being fully fit.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by StanBaker <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=StanBaker' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 11:20:07, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

I agree with you.
Naismith (and Mengi!) are best suited to be holding CMs. Many of our midfielders were signed as box-to-box players. Age might have reduced that but it's still their expected role.
Whatever formation we play they all require a CDM capable of dropping into the back line as an extra CH against the brake.

Re: Team for tonight

But then we’re back to square pegs in round holes. And we already have four other players who can play there.

Re: Team for tonight

Then it's a question of will the manager just go for players in their best positions and hope those dropped respond professionally.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Madpig <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Madpig' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 8:16:44, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

Surely that's exactly how all our centre forwards look?
They have to create their own chances and then rear into the box to get on the end of their own crosses.
Why should he be treated differently?

Re: Team for tonight

“Did you not watch Saturday?”

Thankfully no.

Re: Team for tonight

Lucky you....
Yates needs support, looked a lost cause on his own. Only one decent through ball to him all game.

Re: Team for tonight

Fair enough.

Just a tricky one to get creativity into the side when you’ve got two up top.

Re: Team for tonight

Perhaps, as we haven't got that much creativity in the team, just go top heavy and attack, attack, attack.

Re: Team for tonight

Agreed on Yates. Shown nothing so far but apparently he didn't have much of a pre season at Swansea so hopefully he's just getting up to speed.

Also, and I don't want to be accused of being negative, but what's the long term plan with his signing? We've spent millions on him apparently, but if he was good enough to play in the championship for us next season (hopefully), he'd still be in Swanseas team

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by The Outsider <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=The+Outsider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 8:12:49, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"
VIP

We've spent millions on him apparently

The only reference to a fee that I have seen is the BBC report of "a seven figure sum".

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Nearly a Genius <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Nearly+a+Genius' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 9:48:25, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"
Legend of Outlaws

£00001.00?

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Earls <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Earls' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 8:06:11, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

I gather it was a Morris-esque £1.2m, not “millions” plural. If he does enough to help get us promoted, that’s the fee repaid and we can worry about the future next season.

Re: Team for tonight

Yes fair point

Re: Team for tonight

Probably the best CB currently available to achieve a back four. Slow though, be great when Christ returns.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by MG <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=MG' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 8:42:46, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

He's back Saturday isn't he?

You're right, he makes a big difference.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Earls <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Earls' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 7:22:20, in reply to "Team for tonight"

I’d be very similar but, assuming we’re sticking to 5-3-2 where Naismith fits best:

Keeley

Bramall
Naismith
Andersen
Lonwijk
Kodua

Fanne
Saville
Clark

Alli
Yates

Subs: Shea, McGuinness, Walsh, Baptiste, Nelson, Phillips, Nordas

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by E5 Hat <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=E5+Hat' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 12:02:03, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

Spot on. We have a forward line with this team!

Re: Team for tonight

Looks good.

Would just have Baptiste for Clark and Woodrow for Phillips.

Re: Team for tonight

Don't hate that, tbf. I look forward to reading that post again in about seven hours time.

At least it would give poor Nige a go at something more like his natural position.

COYH, Jim

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by RandomHatter <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=RandomHatter' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 8:01:17, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

Yes i would go with that. No way should Baptiste be starting 2 games in 4 days.

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Red Kite <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Red+Kite' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 12:52:14, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

I like Earl's team but would make a couple of adjustments, bring in Zac, as he does have the ability o go past a player, something missing from our other midfielders and he can be the wider front/midfielder. I would then use Walsh, as he looks more creative But Alli has to be given the opportunity of attacking without a thought of defending.

But whatever we do we need to be on the front foot not back as Saturday

Keeley

Kodua, Lonwijk, Andersen, Naismith, Bramall

Saville, Walsh

Nelson, Yates, Alli

Subs: Shea, McGuinness, Fanne, Baptiste, Phillips, Nordas

Re: Team for tonight

Don't hate that either, half an hour before we see what MB reckons.

COYH, Jim

Re: Team for tonight

Posted by Earls <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/info/user=Earls' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/8/2025, 13:10:46, in reply to "Re: Team for tonight"

I know Clark was poor v Bradford, but harsh not to have him on the bench when you’ve only picked six subs. (I hear you on Nelson, but imo Fanne can do that and has added defensive abilities.)

Re: Team for tonight

Fair comment Yes meant to include Clicker in the subs, and acknowledge you could make a case for a number of the midfielders. But just want to see us looking to attack more rather than defend

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