Based on the size of their strike force, it’s essential Davies plays and McDonald is nowhere near the team. Hopefully Willis will be back too, as a CB with pace is an asset, especially in L2. Plus, he’s more physical and seen as he’s an academy product you’d expect him to be one of the most motivated.
As always, the wings are an issue as we only have one winger and MR doesn’t fancy him. The diamond can work, but if so we’ll need the full backs to be solid, so I’d definitely start Stokes. I worry about Shipley too, he’s quite industrious and at times has a decent technique, but he doesn’t really add much and is inconsistent.
Biamou should be back in ahead of JCH. As I have put on a few match threads; for all his swagger and attitude I’m not really sure what he adds. He should, on paper, be head and shoulders above L2 defenders, but he spends too much time on the floor or too far away from McNulty to link.
Doyle will be key, but I’ve not doubt he’ll put in a real leaders performance.
It’ll be a tense affair on Friday, it’s not only the biggest match for the players but also for the majority of fans. Let’s hope the one game a season idiots don’t get impatient and start moaning/booing. No matter what we need to be the 12th man, cliche as that sounds.
2-0, McNulty, Bayliss.
