Based on Smith not wanting to abandon 4-3-3, and we have a number of recurring problems in the team (too isolated at top of pitch, not enough goals in the team, missing Grealish’s influence central & he’s become too peripheral, wingers are crap) this is what I’d do. #avfc

GK: Nyland - Can’t choose between the 3 of them. All have faults. So Smith has decided on Nyland so let’s stick with him. Constantly changing keeper doesn’t help. #avfc

RB: Gulibert - When fit best of a limited bunch. Would play Konsa there when he’s not available. #avfc

CB’s: Konsa or Engels & Mings - Tyrone is a must start. Prob the biggest leader we have. Konsa & Engels both 7/10 centre halves. Both have faults. Can’t choose really. #avfc

LB: Targett - Despite his faults, he can cross a ball and is therefore better than Taylor. #avfc

CM: Grealish, Luiz, Hourihane
Luiz is the one bright spot of the return. He’s been excellent and that holding spot is now his. Miles better than Nakamba. #avfc

Grealish is the biggie for me. Last season he dictated everything. Set the tempo, started the moves, carried the ball. Started and ended everything. Out wide he’s peripheral, uninvolved. And simply, you have to get your best player on the ball. #avfc

Conor is the hard decision. Not loads between him, Nakamba & Drinkwater. All a bit slow, all have big flaws. But simply put, we are a bigger goal threat when he plays. #avfc

RW - Samatta
The wingers are poor. Never in the game. Samatta has bags of energy, so can do the leg work, but also can get closer to the main striker, and I’d rather he popped up at the back post than El Ghazi. Plus he’s good in the air. Think how Weimann played for us. #avfc

CF - Davis
Relieves pressure. Proper handful. Gives the team a focal point. No brainier for me now. #avfc

LW: McGinn
Tons of energy, great at arriving late into the box, could be a proper nuisance for full backs and probably after Samatta our best finisher. Can also hold the ball up. Might lose a bit defensively without him in the middle, but added goal threat counters that. #avfc

It’s not perfect. But we don’t have a perfect squad. I think it’s worth a go, and would be keen to see us change personnel within the system. Also, don’t think we can play two in midfield. Not strong enough. #avfc