Today’s game offers us a big chance to progress in the FA Cup, and I do think we should take the competition seriously this season. A decent draw or two could see us get to the latter stages, and who doesn’t love a cup run? Regis has players coming back from the AFCON plus some in need of a rest after a busy schedule, so who will we see in the starting XI today?
Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs
Roefs should be in goal today. He’s our number one and if we’re taking things seriously he’ll be in the team. Although he’s played every
league game he’s not going to be fatigued like outfield players, so there’s no reason to make a change here.
Defence: Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele, Lutsharel Geertruida, Reinildo
Dan Ballard still looked to be carrying an injury at Brentford, while Omar Alderete looked tired and completely off his game – he’s played a lot of football in recent weeks so could maybe be on the bench for this one. We won’t want to make wholesale changes, so I think Mukiele could be partnered by Geertruida in the centre of defence, with Trai Hume at right back and the returning Reinilido slotting back in at left back.
Midfield: Granit Xhaka, Chris Rigg, Enzo Le Fee
In midfield we hae the opportunity to give Chris Rigg a run out in his more favoured position, and I think we will see him partner Granit Xhaka in the middle of the part today – potentially Noah Sadiki will come on to replace Xhaka after an hour or so. Enzo will want to shake off the Brentford disappointment too, so will play in his usual role as well.
Forward: Bertrand Traore, Elezier Mayenda, Romaine Mundle
Brian Brobbey has been excellent over recent weeks, but has been carrying a slight hamstring injury by all accounts, so we may take the opportunity to let him have a breather today. Mayenda’s been impressive over the past month and I think we’ll see him start up front. Traore’s back from AFCON and will likely resume his role on the right of the attack, while on the left Mundle could get the chance to get more minutes in his legs and stake his claim before Talbi and Diarra are back in contention. I really like Mundle but he’s looked off the pace since returning from injury – so this will be a good opportunity to really assess where he’s at.
