09 Oct 2026 14:36:57
Iraola has confirmed Isak and Gakpo are ruled out for the game on Sunday. What do people think the front line will look like and particularly who will play centre forward?
Barcola seems first choice with his experience, at the same time, I can't help think that Koumas has that relentless work rate that would be ideal to pile the extra pressure on City's back line, given the situation that could prove very effective. Don't actually see him starting but I do hope he gets minutes, could be huge for the kid.
Thoughts?
09 Oct 2026 14:40:41
Koumas all day long. He is our new Crazy horse/Darwin engine.
Wirtz false 9. Dom in the 10.
Munoz as the other forward.
09 Oct 2026 14:45:06
Wirtz could fill the void as a false 9 and Szoboszlai could play behind him. This would leave Gravenberch and Nyoni to partner Macca.
09 Oct 2026 14:51:03
Barcola-Wirtz-Munoz (Bring on Rio & Koumas if its not working)
09 Oct 2026 14:51:41
Wirtz in the false number 9 with Barcola and Munoz on the wings.
Nyoni, Dom and Mac.
09 Oct 2026 14:58:52
Koumas through the middle. Imagine the already pumped up crowd with him doing his best Duracell bunny impression. Barcola left Dom right. Smother them.
09 Oct 2026 15:13:37
I can see Wirtz playing as the centre forward which would totally contradict the calls that he needs runners ahead of him when playing 10
Koumas might press a lot but he's not really a goal threat as proven with 4 goals in 40 championship games last season.
Whichever 3 from Barcola, Munoz, Wirtz, Rio, Chiesa or Koumas that AI goes with they currently have 1 goal between them for this season.
09 Oct 2026 15:21:14
If Koumas is the backup no9, then put him in. Barcola on the left and Munoz on the right. Wirtz, Dom and Macca in midfield. Don't think we need to rearrange everything.
09 Oct 2026 15:55:04
Rush, Dalglish up front. Terry Mac and Steve Heighway on the flanks. Ian St John always warm and ready to come on.
Tommy Smith waiting in the tunnel for half and full time.
10 Oct 2026 01:48:53
Barcola at CF, Wirtz on the left, Dom in the middle and Rio or Munoz on the right with Trey and Macca behind them.
{Ed666's Note - I wonder if Will Wright gets a place on the bench?
10 Oct 2026 09:53:49
The limited highlights I've seen gives the impression that he is useful - puts himself about, finds a yard of space and knows where the goal is. I wouldn't be surprised if he's on the bench.