On paper, is this Oxford United starting lineup the best?
It gives supporters of United the perfect chance to decide who they believe ought to start.
To find out who would be in our starting lineup if every player were healthy and available, we put ourselves in the position of U’s head coach Gary Rowett. Since joining the team, Jamie Cumming has been United’s best goalie, and there is no reason why that should change. Simon Eastwood, who was not included in the 25-man squad last season, might be promoted to backup keeper due to Matt Ingram’s injury last week. The optimal configuration for the U’s is up for dispute, but Rowett will be adaptable from game to game, just like last season.
The 4-2-3-1 system that was employed in the most recent game, the 2-2 draw at home versus Coventry City, is the one we have chosen. Brodie Spencer, Michal Helik, Ciaron Brown, and Greg Leigh make up the back four, which is arranged from right to left. In the coming weeks, Ben Davies, a Rangers loanee, could be a perfect backup for the injured Brown as the left-sided centre back. The matchup between the two will then be exciting.
Jack Currie did well at left back when on loan at Leyton Orient last season, but Leigh has the advantage due to his goal threat and extra physicality. This season, the always reliable Sam Long will be a valuable asset because he can fit in anywhere along the backline with no difficulty. As a midfield duo, Cameron Brannagan and Brian De Keersmaecker have already shown encouraging indicators, so anticipate that trend to continue. Will Vaulks is a good third option due to his leadership and perseverance, and this season, his long throw-in will continue to pose challenges for opposing defenders.
With the three players in the 4-2-3-1 formation behind the striker, this is when things start to become tricky. Rowett like a hybrid winger who can drift infield from one side and a classic winger on the other. In light of that, we have chosen Filip Krastev, who arrived on the deadline, on the left, and Stan Mills on the right. According to reports, Krastev can play centrally or from the left, which is where Leigh, at left back, is helpful because he will bomb on and let Krastev drift inside.
Tyler Goodrham has generally always played his best football centrally in the No. 10 position. Despite his struggles this season, he is capable of great things. From the bench, players like Przemyslaw Placheta, Siriki Dembele, and Luke Harris offer attacking alternatives. Will Lankshear is a real handful up front and has already scored two goals since signing on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. In his brief appearances from the bench this season, Nik Prelec has also made an impression.
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