It’s going to be interesting to see how we approach this one. Coventry on Saturday is our biggest priority this week, however this game offers an excellent chance to get to the Quarters – and from there anything can happen. I want us to win things, and really don’t buy into this narrative of picking and choosing which competitions we take seriously. That said, we will make changes – so let’s hope the team we put out is strong enough to overcome Brentford’s line up – after all, while the performance
against Leeds was better, it wasn’t the type of game that make anyone undroppable, so there are places up for grabs.
Goalkeeper: Melker Ellborg
Ellborg will be in goal tonight, which will give him some good game time should he be called upon in the Premier League any time soon.
Defence: Trai Hume, Kevin Danso, Omar Alderete, Dayann Methalie
Despite playing for Spurs earlier in the competition, Danso is available and should come into the centre of defence alongside Alderete, who looked sharper at the weekend. Methalie is sure to start on the left, while Hume will probably have to play unless Meunier is fit again.
Midfield: Habib Diarra, Jules Ahoka, Alan Browne
Jules Ahoka can count himself unfortunate not to get more game time – but his time will come and he’ll relish this opportunity today to stake his claim further. Habib Diarra should get another chance today as he builds up his fitness – he’s looked bright in his recent appearances and I do think he’s like that proverbial new signing – we’ve never really seen in in full flow, and he could be a really important player for us. Completing the trio could be Alan Browne – he’s a bit of a forgotten man, but has great experience and could be valuable with so many youngsters in the team tonight.
Forwards: Chemsdine Talbi, Timur Tutierov, Malick Fofana
Angulo 2 played for the under 21s on Monday, which suggests he won’t start tonight, so it could be another game through the middle for Tutierov. Contrary to some people’s views, I think Tutierov has done well through the middle – he makes very smart runs when balls come into the box and is capable of scoring goals, too. Either side I think we’ll see Talbi on the right and Fofana on the left – who knows what’s really going on with Talbi but Le Bris showed on Sunday he’s willing to give him a run out, while Fofana will get another chance to bed in playing on the left.
