pre-WBA
Friday, December 13, 2002
We could do with at least 1, and ideally both, of Barry and Taylor being fit. It's bound to be physical (it's all Albion have got - Gregan, McInnes, etc) so we need something more than the collection of lightweights who conceded midfield in the second half v N'castle.
We could also do with the weather being a bit nicer and a firm ref. From all accounts the ref at the Hawthorns allowed them to get away with murder. Anything that allows us to play football and doesn't let them just spoil everything.
If Barry is fit I'd rather see him in midfield (where we need the physical presence) and give UDLC another chance at rightback - he was no worse than JLS last week.
As for resting Mellberg. We can't afford to. If he has to miss the Chelsea game by playing v Albion and Liverpool then so be it. Alternatively if he needs to miss a game before Chelsea it has to be Liverpool - our league position is just too precarious. The tiredness in the 2nd half v Newcastle (and the Ian Taylor injury) showed that League Cup success achieved by using the first XI has a price in terms of league performance.
I can't see Dion being sidelined for this one, but there is a case for it. His 'style' (esp if Darren Moore is playing) suits Albion's strengths rather than ours.
I'd like to see (assuming the midfield doubts are fully fit);
Encks-UDLC,Mellberg,Johnsen,JLS - Hendrie,Taylor,Hitz,Barry - Angel,Vassell
but suspect we'll get;
Encks - JLS,Mellberg,Johnsen,Barry - Leonhardsen,Taylor,Hendrie,Hitz - Dublin, Vassell
Staunton & especially Kinsella shouldn't be starting.
Discuss
Copyright 2008 - Captain Vulture
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