On another thread, I've suggested that DA would want to put his starting 11 out tonight. Bearing in mind that Lowery is on the naughty step and unlikely to be considered, what do you think is Artell's strongest line-up, for when the season starts for real? The middle section of the team is going to be the hardest part to judge.
For me (at this precise moment) it is:
Jaskelainen
Ramsey
Daniels
Offord
Adebisi
Murphy
Lundstram
Ainley
Dale
Mandron
Kirk
Subs: Richards (!); Hoban; Johnson; Finney; Griffiths; Long; and Onyeka
Clearly that means no McDonald, who may shape up as the season progresses; no Sass Davies as although he is useful at dead ball situations, doesn't seem to have the temperament at the moment; no Porter who will only be making occasional appearances anyway. Some might wonder about my inclusion of Mandron considering we haven't seen much of him pre-season but I believe his ball holding skills to be essential to our attack. I'm also less inclined to play Ainley and Finney in the same team as both are relatively weak when we don't have the ball and when we do have it, at least Ainley shows considerable skills getting it forward. Finney's one (but very important) advantage, scoring from midfield, may not be as strong if Ainley adds goals to his locker.
Murphy is in for his strength, solidity and ability to calm things down. Lundstram is also calm on the ball and has quick feet. He has also shown he can find space upfront and score a good goal.
Up front was difficult for me. As everyone will know, I whinge and get very exasperated with Charlie. However, I have enough faith in him to expect him to realise that he is being overtaken by others in the production stakes and for him to up his involvement in the game. Dale for me is automatic and the first name on the sheet. We are now very lucky to have Long available. He has come here expecting to get games and he will be included depending on how the team is set up to play. The point is he can easily step in for any of the front three but, I'd prefer him to be wide rather than down the middle (If we are playing 3 up front). In other formations he could play off the number 9. Onyeka will be a great player to have on the bench. His pace is great and he has already shown how easily he can nick the ball off opponents toes. Just the player to come off the bench when the opposition are getting tired.
Artell says he's still looking for a left back and we certainly need cover in that position. All we need now is a another goalkeeper (?)