This is our biggest test of the season – a depleted squad against one of the best teams in the world, who seem to be building up a head of steam in the Premier League. It’s one of those games where anything
would be a bonus, and I think we’ll go back to a back five today in an attempt to win a tactical battle – which would give us the platform to then surprise the opposition tonight. With injuries and international call ups affecting the squad we’re down to bare bones. With three players on four yellows – and tonight being the last game a suspension for five might be incurred – Le Bris may usually have been tempted to rotate, but we simply don’t have the depth of squad to do so. Here’s how I think we’ll line up today.
Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs
It’s likely to be a busy game for our Dutch keeeper, who’ll need to be in top form tonight.
Defence: Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele, Lutsharel Geertruida, Omar Alderete, Dennis Cirkin
Dennis Cirkin’s inclusion was something of a surprise against Leeds, and he did fine on his Premier League debut. He should keep his place tonight in a five man defence that could see Geertruida drop back into the back line alongside Mukiele and Alderete. Another option would be Luke O’Nien, who’s now free from suspension – Le Bris may be tempted by this as he could then keep Geertruida in midfield, but it’d be a massive call and I think it’d be a risk.
Midfield: Granit Xhaka, Enzo Le Fee, Chris Rigg
Xhaka and Le Fee will definitely play in a three man midfield, and the question is who will be the third player? It’s a straight choice between Chris Rigg and Dan Neil, and given the reluctance to give Neil any real minutes this season I think we’ll see Rigg deployed in the centre. I think he’s struggled out wide so it’s better he does play here, but again it’s a big ask against quality opposition – but one he’s capable of answering. The midfield will be supplemented by one of the forwards dropping back in out of possession, with Rigg pushing wide too.
Forwards: Elezier Mayenda, Brian Brobbey
We’ll look to hit City on the break, and Brobbey’s hold up play could be important here. Alongside him I think we’ll see Mayenda – he’ll play from one of the wide areas but the two of them can cause a threat and give us a chance of getting in behind City. Mayenda’s been underused this season, so hopefully this will be an opportunity to really stake his claim for the second half of the season.
