Originally Posted by
pass_and_move
Personally I tend to throw the form book out of the window at this time of the season. Those in peril such as Cheltenham, or ones looking over their shoulders with arses twitching such as Cambridge, Reading and Burton (all of who we still have to play) are more difficult fixtures imo than the ones in mid table such as Charlton or Northampton who's players may well be planning their summer holidays. Owt can happen.
The squad was utilised in terms of team selection against Carlisle with Cole being left out for Cosgrove, Russell coming into the 'Luca' deep midfield position with Connell replacing the suspended Herbie in a more attacking midfield role. Williams went back into the defensive trio for the injured Pines or dropped McCart.
I thought both Russell and Cosgrove staked a claim to remain in the starting XI with their performances at Carlisle. I was impressed with Cosgroves movement, touch and physical presence. I think this lad could be a really good player given a consistent run of games. I'd start him again against Cheltenham personally. Cosgrove is currently playing better than Cole imo.
Russell is an intelligent footballer and does the holding midfield role very well when he puts his mind to it. However, Luca is the better player of the two and will always start ahead of Russell when fit.
Cheltenham arrive in desperate need of a result. Their away record is very poor but as I say, ignore the form book in these types of fixtures. I'm hoping we edge it 1-0.