This is a really tough one to predict – mainly because a number of players staked their claim for a Premier League spot with their performances in midweek. Jocellin Ta Bi, Malick Fofana, Habib Diarra and Jules Ahoka in particular shone, and with few players truly doing themselves justice so far this season it’s going to become increasingly difficult for Le Bris to persist with his favoured starters. Will he make changes today, though? Maybe – although the fact Ta Bi and Fofana played the full 90
in midweek and were both struggling with knocks / cramp towards the end makes it unlikely they’ll find their way into the side. Habib Diarra was withdrawn at half time though, which could signify involvement for him – and with Xhaka, Sadiki and Le Fee all struggling to find their best form at present we could see a change. Jules Ahoka has got to be so close, too – and with this being an almost must-win for Regis Le Bris, does he shake things up or go with what he knows best? I’d like to see us make some changes and play with two proper wingers, but I suspect with Meunier returning we’ll go with a more defensive line up.
Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs
Roefs will be back in goal today – Melker Ellborg played a good game on Wednesday, which will do his confidence no harm at all, but our number one will be back in between the sticks today.
Defence: Thomas Meunier, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, Reinildo
Thomas Meunier’s been a miss – there’s no doubt about that – his leadership is important and we’ve been a better team this season with him in it. I think he’ll come back in at right back today – in our preview pod I had him at right midfield, but whenever he’s played there it’s been Nordi playing behind him, and if he’s fit today Mukiele will surely play in the centre. Alongside him, although O’Nien did well last weekend, I think he’ll go with Alderete, who looked more like himself on Wednesday, while Reinildo will come back in at full back. If I was picking the team I’d go with Methalie.
Midfield: Trai Hume, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra, Nilson Angulo
Nilson Angulo had his best game for us last weekend, so he should retain his place on the left, while in the centre of midfield Le Bris has some decisions to make. Xhaka, Sadiki and Le Fee aren’t in form – and we have serious options here in the likes of Ahoka and Diarra. Personally, I’d start them both – but I don’t think Le Bris will. Given Diarra’s 45 minute outing on Wednesday I think he’ll start, and the question then is where? Is it on the right in place of Chris Rigg, who’s played there in recent weeks and has done ok in patches, or in the centre in place of Sadiki or Le Fee? I think it’ll be centrally, and I think Le Fee could be the one to make way. On the right, I’d love to see Ta Bi, Fofana or even Diarra there (with Ahoka in the centre) but I think Le Bris will go with Trai Hume – keep it tight for an hour then try to win from there.
Striker: Brian Brobbey
A highlight of Wednesday was how quickly our midfield and wingers got up to support the striker – Tutierov – and we need whoever plays today to do similar as whether it’s been Brobbey, Isidor or Timur up front, they’ve been ridiculously isolated. We’ve got good attacking players who can cause problems and score goals, so hopefully we’ll use them to their full ability!
