City face Burton Albion on Saturday in what is a massive game in our season as we look to turn a corner and get back to winning ways.
There is much debate over what system we should employ in the game, after Mark Kennedy switched from his usual back-five to a back-four at the weekend. The attacking change didn’t help our goal scoring fortunes though, with the game ending in a goalless draw at the stadium MK. We still however looked good defensively proving we can lose a defender and still look comfortable at the back.
We are getting back towards a fully fit squad, with Lewis Montsma set to feature in the matchday squad for the first time since his injury against Oxford United over a year ago. Although Lewis obviously won’t start, it will certainly be a welcome return and a big boost for the rest of the season. Matty Virtue is still someway off but there is a big boost with the returns of Sean Roughan and Ben House likely after they only just missed out on the fixture at the weekend.
The Backline
Carl Rushworth, Sean Roughan, Adam Jackson, Paudie O’Connor and Regan Poole
I’ve made one change to the back four that played against MK Dons as they were faultless from a defence point of view. Carl Rushworth keeps his place in goal, and he’ll be hoping for another clean sheet to add to his Imps tally. I’ve kept the pairing of Adam Jackson and Paudie O’Connor as I think they are the strongest we have, despite Joe Walsh staying fit I think he has failed to outperform Paudie and Adam so I have gone with them. The ever-present Regan Poole stays in the team, and I think it is fair to say that doesn’t need much explanation.
The one change I have made is taking out my MOTM from the weekend, Harry Boyes. I think Harry has done well since coming into the side but the likely return of Sean Roughan is massive for the side. It would be harsh on Harry to drop him but getting Sean back in his crucial to our chances, Harry could still play his part from the bench later in the game if we need a more attacking option down the left.
The Midfield
Ted Bishop, Lasse Sorensen and Danny Mandroiu
I have switched the system to a 4-2-3-1 and I have to admit it is a risk and an attacking one at that, which I could imagine the fans would get right behind. We are really lacking options in the middle of the park, I’ve been sat here for about forty minutes pondering over our limited midfield options, Tashan Oakley-Boothe doesn’t look like he will get in at the moment and the form of Max Sanders and Lasse Sorensen has not been inspiring.
I have gone for an attacking team that can pen back Burton. A midfield two of Ted Bishop and Lasse could work in theory, but in that we lack a real defensive option. That being said Ted has played as the deeper midfielder in the 4-3-3, so he is capable of playing a disciplined role. It was hard to pick out of Lasse and Max in the second spot, but Max did look the worst out of the two against MK Dons.
I’ve put Danny Mandroiu in the number ten role. We’ve only seen him in this position on a few occasions and especially against Charlton, it was where he came to life in a creative sense. I understand the midfield is risky, but we have to take risks if we are going to move forward and beat a team that did us over less than a month ago.
The Attack
Mide Shodipo, Ben House and Jack Diamond
The one change I’ve made in attack in bringing in Mide Shodipo. I think even if Mark doesn’t make a statement and go with the 4-2-3-1, I think Mide will start for us. He recently started a game for QPR, so there is no need to get him up to speed and he has had a week of training. We desperately need pace in the side and Mide adds that to our side. Jack Diamond has been criticised recently, but he still is so crucial to our attack, so he gets in ahead of Charles Vernam, who could be on his way out.
I’m hoping Ben House will be fit and I’ve put him straight back into the side over Tom Hopper, who has been highly disappointing in recent weeks. Ben will be a massive boost if he starts and could be the difference between three points and no points.
