Tonight’s league cup tie is a well-times opportunity for some of our squad to get minutes into their legs – and given the next run of games is likely to see a few of the needed, it’s a great fitness exercise, as well as being an opportunity to stake a claim in the starting XI for the next few games. While we’ll see a load of changes – I think we’ll see a fully changed starting XI – it’s reassuring to see just how strong a ‘second XI’ we can name.
Goalkeeper: Melker Ellborg
While Simon Moore was named in the Europa League squad,
that was out of necessity given the amount of overseas players we have, and Ellborg’s clearly number two – he’ll be in goal tonight.
Defence: Trai Hume, Luke O’Nien, Omar Alderete, Dayann Methalie
Trai Hume was on the bench at the weekend, and could well be againdt Arsenal too, so I think he’ll be in the team at right back tonight, while in the centre we’re likely to see Luke O’Nien and Omar Alderete pair up – Alderete needs some game time and will be looking for a good performance given the increased competition he’s now got for a central defensive spot. At left back, we should get our first look at Dayann Methalie, which is something I’m looking forward too – this lad’s very highly rated, and it’ll be good to see him in action.
Midfield: Jules Ahoka, Chris Rigg, Alan Browne
With the injury to Habib Diarra reducing central midfield options, we’ll not want to take any risks, so it’ll be all change here, too. New signing Jules Ahoka should get his debut, while Chris Rigg should get a start in his favoured central position too. Complementing them could well be Alan Browne, who might well make his first competitive appearance for us since coming on as a late sub in the first play off game against Coventry back in May 2025. With that three, it’ll be interesting to see who plays what role – while Ahoka was talked about as being a ‘6’, people who’ve watched him think he’s more of a box-to-box player than a holding midfielder… we’ll soon find out!
Forwards: Jocelin Ta Bi, Wilson Isidor, Malick Fofana
Le Bris said Fofana could well get minutes tonight, and while there is a good argument for giving him a night off after such a busy week, an hour of football at the Stadium of Light might be a benefit to him as he looks to build relationships with his teammates and staff. Through the middle will likely be Wilson Isidor, while on the right I’m keen to see Ta Bi get a run out – while he apparently nearly departed on deadline day I think there’s a really talented player there, and am keen to see what he can do.
