With Olise now out for the foreseeable future, is it feasible to finally give Franca an opportunity to finally start a league game. I don’t know whether I am missing something, but I cannot fathom why Hodgson overlooks his involvement in every game. From the small cameos I’ve seen, he definitely looks the part. However, his confidence must be shattered by Hodgson’s total lack of faith in him. It’s only my opinion, but Franca should have replaced Olise in the Sheff Utd game. He would have least given us an outlet further forward, rather than bringing on two defensive midfielders and then defending for our lives for the rest of the game. Enough has already been said about the debacle of bringing on a less than semi fit Olise against Brighton when we’re already 3 down, but again, why didn’t he rest him and not put Franca on at half time? There must be more this than we know, but he looked pretty useful when he did finally come on, and if he’d more game time in the past then he’d have put his one opportunity away, which would have made the score 3-2 at the time.

IMO yes.

I still don't think he is anywhere near ready, but Jeff is proving to be to ineffective going forwards, I don't know what choice we have.

A front 3 of Ayew, Jeff and JPM aren't going to score in a month of Sundays (especially with Hughes in a number 10).

IMO we have no other option but to start him, and work out a plan to protect him.

I think Roy Hodgson holds a grudge against Brazilian players ever since Roberto Carlos spoke the truth.

Edited by southnorwoodhill (06 Feb 2024 10.45am)

These are desperate times. I agree with the comment that if we start with Schlupp on the left and Ayew on the right, regardless of the striker, we won't score.

If we stay 4231 maybe Franca in the Eze role with no defensive responsibilities is worth a try. If we want to be tighter then maybe Ahamada could play that role as he should be able to get up and down (like Doucoure role at Everton).

Alternatively maybe Ahamada on the right so Ayew can stay left as surely Schlupp cannot start another game on the LW - if you are not convinced watch the 2nd goal on Sat. Young RB walks into our box, stays there when the first cross gets blocked, and scores when the 2nd arrives. Jeff looking on 30 yards away.

An alternative is a more solid 442 with OE and Mateta upfront and maybe Ayew and Ahamada supporting Lerma and possibly Wharton in CM.

They can’t be worried about the physical side of it, he comes from South America, I think the tricky players get used to having lumps kicked out of them over there from a young age.
Now is the perfect opportunity to give him a run, as long as they give him the freedom to play and go at defenders, even if he keeps losing it, he just needs that confidence to keep having a go

Let the boy play. Let him off the leash and give him a few games to see what he can do. He’s been training with premier league players a lot of whom are internationals too. Surely he knows what expect by now.

And wouldn’t it just be magic if he linked up well with Wharton.

A man can dream.