We have a massive amount of momentum, self belief and confidence after Saturday’s draw against the Black Cats but do we have enough energy and mental strength to overcome a lesser opponent who are scrapping for their lives at the wrong end of the table. This will be a tough test and they will be up for it big time. They also have the advantage of playing at home in front of a raucous group of fans and a second advantage of not playing on Saturday as their game against Blackburn was called off be cause of bad weather. NH will have been looking at the whole squad to see who can go again on Wednesday and whether he will need to make changes to reflect a different sort of game.
One certainty is that there is no need to change the keeper. He could do little about the goal he conceded but still made some other good saves. Leonard did not play his absolute best on Saturday but he will be up for a new challenge tomorrow. Likewise Tango and Hutch. The latter got praise from NH so that ensures he will keep his place. I don’t think the same can be said about Joe. He was up against it on Saturday and did not shine. Danny is waiting patiently in the wings for his chance at Fratton Park. Casper will be up for it but I am not sure whether Sav has enough gas in the tank to go again. Wintle is waiting to step up. Esse is keen to start and so is Watmore but has Azeez staked his claim with his sensational late equaliser? Or maybe NH sees him as an impact sub?
Will NH persist with two up front or does George start as a ten? A tough call.
My thoughts are
Jensen
Leonard Tango Hitch Danny
Esse Wintle Casper Azeez
Tom Coburn
Subs Roberts Murray Wes Joe Sav Watmore Honeyman Emakhu Serb
One certainty is that there is no need to change the keeper. He could do little about the goal he conceded but still made some other good saves. Leonard did not play his absolute best on Saturday but he will be up for a new challenge tomorrow. Likewise Tango and Hutch. The latter got praise from NH so that ensures he will keep his place. I don’t think the same can be said about Joe. He was up against it on Saturday and did not shine. Danny is waiting patiently in the wings for his chance at Fratton Park. Casper will be up for it but I am not sure whether Sav has enough gas in the tank to go again. Wintle is waiting to step up. Esse is keen to start and so is Watmore but has Azeez staked his claim with his sensational late equaliser? Or maybe NH sees him as an impact sub?
Will NH persist with two up front or does George start as a ten? A tough call.
My thoughts are
Jensen
Leonard Tango Hitch Danny
Esse Wintle Casper Azeez
Tom Coburn
Subs Roberts Murray Wes Joe Sav Watmore Honeyman Emakhu Serb
