Well, here it is folks – the game we’ve all been ‘looking forward to’. Putting aside all of the noise surrounding the fixture, it’s going to be intriguing from a team selection persepective as to how Regis Le Bris approaches this game. Will we attack from the off or will we try to to soak up their energy before countering? Will we go five at the back or will we be confident in a four? How will our young players adapt to the atmosphere? Loads of questions to be answered during the course of the game – but
here’s how I think we’ll go into the match today.
Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs
Roefs has been exceptional this season, and his ability to claim the ball in his box will be vital today.
Defence: Nordi Mukiele, Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo
I think we’ll go with a back four today, as we won’t want to give Newcastle a numerical advantage in midfield – that said, I think it’ll be a fluid formation that will enable us to switch with ease. Reinildo’s back after missing City, which is great news, and I think we’ll see Nordi at right back, with Ballard and Alderete in the centre of the defence.
Midfield: Trai Hume, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fee, Simon Adingra
Xhaka and Sadiki thankfully came through the City game, and they’ll line up in the centre of midfield – with Le Fee in there too. I think Le Fee’s all round game will be important today and we’ll see him in the thick of the action. The wings are interesting – I have a feeling we’ll see a surprise here, with Trai Hume replicating the role he did later on against Bournemouth and at Liverpool, which gives us strength in front of Mukiele and a bit more protection for Le Fee, too. On the other wing, I’m taking a flyer here and going with Simon Adingra – he’s been left out of the AFCON squad and will have a point to prove. Talbi’s looked a bit indifferent out there in recent games and it’s probably too big an occasion for Mundle to start, so I’m thinking Adingra might get the nod today.
Forward: Brian Brobbey
This is a tough one to call as there are compelling arguments for both Brobbey and Isidor to start – however I think Brobbey’s strength and experience will get the nod to start, with the plan of Isidor coming on for the last 30 against tiring legs. We’ll see…
