Cover for first team places

[AucklandRover]

There has been a lot of talk in the media about our "big" squad, but I think it is a gross exaggeration. The arrival of Armstrong and Payne has certainly improved things, but before they came, we had 25 in the squad. Two of those were the reserve keepers; Hart and Feeney are out on loan; Wharton is probably not really in contention; then we have had Lenihan, Whittingham, Evans, Gladwin and Chapman all injured. In reality, therefore, Mowbray was selecting from about 16 players last week, with U-23s - such as Tomlinson and Travis - making up the numbers.
As it is, we are looking at the following in each position:
GK: Raya (Leutwiler, Fisher)
RB: Nyambe, Caddis
CB: Mulgrew, Downing, Ward, Lenihan (Wharton)
LB: Williams (J. Doyle)
RW/M: Bennett, Chapman
DCM: Smallwood, Evans (Travis)
ACM: Whittingham, Payne (Tomlinson)
LW/M: Conway, Gladwin
Link Forwards: Dack, Armstrong, Antonsson, Samuel
CF: Graham, Nuttall.

Until Lenihan is fit, I would say nine of those just about pick themselves: the back five, Bennett, Smallwood, Dack and Graham (although TM says he will not select Graham for every game).
It is going to be very interesting to see how the rest are juggled, especially if we get everyone fit at the same time.

[robinrover]

One thing I will add is the arrival of Payne is a crucial one as he can play on either wing or in a dack style role.

[AucklandRover]

One thing I will add is the arrival of Payne is a crucial one as he can play on either wing or in a dack style role.

Quite right, Robin - especially as I forgot to add Antonsson to the list of those injured.
How about this for Saturday:
Raya
Nyambe Downing Mulgrew Williams
Armstrong Bennett Smallwood Payne
Dack
Graham?

Too many "artists"; not enough "soldiers"?!

[robinrover]

I would be inclined to leave the same players that started against Shrewsbury
The thought of Payne and Armstrong coming on with 20-25 minutes would frighten a lot of teams.

[AucklandRover]

Yes - an unchanged team is a real possibility. If the situation allows, Armstrong and Payne could then replace Samuel and Conway for the final quarter.