Keeper: Was never a fan of Kennedy. He was a baby scummer I had to watch grow up and the thing he seemed to be working hardest on was worst haircut in the league. That bowl cut... special. BUT... I'm a big fan now. He's barely put so much as a toe wrong, maybe one goal where he was slow to get down and possibly unsighted at first. Since then he's been excellent and utterly consistent. Issues: None.
Back four: Baro and Golec I'm very happy with and McGing at RB is still doing very well and has put in some of the better balls I've seen. Rose well... Issues: Baro is short on pace, but generally his superior position and reading of the game makes up for it. When Golec makes a blunder, he makes a blunder. He could give away a goal. But then he'll likely save two and I love the sprit with which he plays the game. McGing can get caught in two minds as his decision making is not the fastest yet - and I say yet because I don't want to be unfair on him as this is a new role and he's also young. Rose is easily exposed for pace and has become a grappler, he has been getting rolled and skinned and his man has too often been getting in behind. He's my biggest worry of our backline. He cost us the derby and he's clearly struggling, and yet, I prefer Rose to Roux at LB.
I don't see us keeping SFC scoreless, but with proper screeners in front of them, I don't think Sydney will score the bagfuls that they have against some other sides. Unless Arnie has written it on his on his magic whiteboard of course.
DM's: Tom able to start is huge news for us. We all know what he brings. Melling does not have Wout's smarts, but he's faster, has plenty of mongrel, is fit and won't be intimidated by SFC and their lordliness. Issues: Tom's fitness, I'm sure Melling can get through the ninety, but you'd have to be betting Tom can't. L.Rose has not shown himself an adequate replacement and seems to refuse to impose himself on games. Yet injury is very likely going to give him one more chance - it will better for everyone if this time he takes it and has a blinder when he comes on.
Attacking Mids: Appiah we know what he will do, and I love 80% of it. He terrorised Wilko last time we played and at least we know he won't let SFC just rest easy. Think we should play him left. At least he can cut back onto his right to shoot, will make no difference to his crosses and lets Wales play where he belongs. He's shown he can whip in killer balls, so that's a huge plus to set pieces but I'd love to see that in open play off his right foot this time. Hoole... I know he has a lot of critics now, but he does work hard and hold the ball very well, but that's also his problem. Issues: Hoole not releasing and turning back to beat men when a simple pass is on. Slows the play, tires him needlessly and makes him look like a hog and misses key chances to do a number 10's prime job, put through deadly balls and get the attack firing. Appiah, can't cross, can't shoot. Wales, young and may be intimidated by the occasion and will likely tire early.
Forwards: I like Powell. His positioning is good, play is intelligent and he works hard, if he was a few yards quicker and just that bit more agile, I think he could be a great striker. But as is, unfortunately he's only a solid workman. Skapetis, I'm hoping we have another legitimate striker on the bench. But only time can tell. Issues: Powell is unlikely to ever create something from nothing, skin defenders or outrun opponents... nor have I yet seen him bring down a ball with his back to goal and pivot and shoot yet like a good target man should... As a defender he's not easy to boss around, but he is relatively easy to contain. Skapetis: unknown. Let's hope he impresses with a winning goal.
