Blackpool

[D_D]

So, with injuries racking up and fatigue a potential issue, what team do we opt for? My guess would be:

Butland

Christie
Keogh (is he cleared to play?)
Shotton
Forsyth

Eustace

Hendrick (Bryson's ill isn't he?)
Hughes

Russell
Ibe

Martin

I'd personally like to see Mascarell start at CDM over Eustace, simply to rest John's legs. Martin could perhaps do with only playing an hour, and it'd be great if we could rest Will at some point too.

Regardless of the team selection, we really should be taking all 3 points tonight.

[su4eranio]

D_D, dont think I would play Shotton on left side of CB pairing

Hopefully Brys is over his illness and fit to play, as I think he has been looking like Brys of old. If not, Jeff steps in straight swap

Chance for Johnny R to stake his claim tonight. Hope that Mason gets a place on bench too as see him as impact player out wide

Looking forward to this one. Hope the M6 isnt a car park on the way up tonight!

[dcfcdavecov]

Strongest team possible is the one you've chosen, but i'd play the left-footed Whitbread.

Go all out for 60 mins, get 2-0 up and sub Eustace for Mascarell, Hughes for Hendrick, and Ibe for Calero.

Easy.

[SlimyLimey]

With the high winds, will our ground passing attack be an advantage?

[Toggles]

Keogh and Bryson are travelling up and seem to be in contention according to reports.

M6 might not be a car park, but could be a canal!

I'd keep Eustace in, due to experience of playing in these conditions, which I'm (narrow-mindedly?) guessing Omar hasn't come across too much?

I'd start with Calero or Mason and rest Ibe for this one, make sure he's on it for Wigan. He seems to have ended the last few games shattered/ill/knocked, and playing in these conditions tonight will be very sapping. Hughes too, as I've mentioned on another thread. Maybe chance for Coutts to get 20 mins if we're comfortable?

[D_D]

Some good points chaps.

Regarding Shotton, I'm unsure who I prefer: him or Whitbread. I'm just going on the fact McClaren's rotated the two recently.

As for Russell, he's looking very lively at the moment. He just needs to add a little bit of consistency and he'll be flying.

I can't see us starting Calero, but with Ward injured, he's certainly an option from the bench.