While Bayliss has lacked a bit of form recently, there’s no way we can drop him, as we’d lose all attacking intent aside from Thomas.
I think Bayliss is wasted on the wing, but as we have no alternatives, and it might take the pressure off him a bit, I’d put him and Thomas on the wings, with Kelly and Doyle in the middle, but allowing Kelly to push on as he did towards the end of last season.
I’d repeatedly said it, but when we are allowed to be offensive and play football we look good. Thomas, Bayliss, Hiwula, Chaplin, Kelly, Andreu are all technically good players (even if they aren’t currently showing it), but asking them to play out of position and focus on defending isn’t going to showcase that.
In terms of strikers, we really are limited to JCH if we want to play with a big man, and he’s massivley reverted to the player he was last season. However, I’d try Chaplin and Hiwula up front, with Bayliss and Thomas supporting on the wings, it gives us numerous attacking outlets.
Unfortunately I predict another overly cautious set up, likely 4-1-4-1, with defensive tactics, which is a real shame and proving a detriment to our season.