We'll certainly have had three players on the treatment table. Sessegnon with his "pulled something". Cairney who took a number of hefty thumps, especially from the thuggery of Huddlestone. And Kalas, whose 'slight' hip injury seems similar to what kept him out for quite a few matches earlier in the season. Won't dwell on Sheffield United gaining an advantage in calling off Saturday's game against Burton 3 days early. Although surprise, surprise their attacking pair Wilson and Brooks are now available to play. Nonetheless the season is beginning to take it's toll on them and their not quite the team we played in the 5-4 thriller at theirs back in November. Their main threat these days is from set pieces and in particular corners. Invariably the ball is swung in and they employ two basic tactics. One is to block defenders, allowing someone - usually Jack O'Connell - to run into space. And the second is to have a player running in at the back post. Don't quite understand the xG stats used by everyone these days but Sheffield Utd's is the highest in the League from set pieces - likelihood of a goal, xG = 0.16 (ours is way less than half that!). For us, Johansen is back to his best energetic performances but with it has come a bagful of yellows. He was taken off in the Derby game after picking up another, presumably to ensure it didn't become worse, and is now on 9. One more before the game 37 amnesty will see him banned for 2 matches. If we were only one game away from that cut off date (after Saturday's match against Preston), could see the Gaffer definitely 'resting' him but ... ?? Judgement call I guess. That aside, and dependent on those injuries, with two more tough games this week Jokanovic may decide on a bit of rotation. Probably, wishful thinking and optimism rather than realism but I'm sticking with Saturday's starting Xl ........................Bettinelli.............. ...Fredericks..Odoi....Ream...Targett.. .......................McDonald... ................Cairney.......Johansen..... ......Ayite...........Mitrovic.....Sessegnon... If Sessegnon misses his first game of the season, then Piazon on the left.
I've a feeling he might make a few changes again bearing in mind we have Preston also on Saturday. Perhaps Christie and Norwood coming in. I'd rather your team but Joka did say his success at Watford came from using the squad at the times games came thick and fast. Either way looking forward to it and praying we can make it 9 wins in a row at home. The good thing is that we have options.
The man holding the centre tonight is Keith Stroud. The Wessex whistler had a field day the last time we saw him. That was the 4-1 thumping of Ipswich at the Cottage in January. He booked 7 - Ream, Piazon and Kebano were our 3 - as well as sending off 1 of theirs. Apart from being 4th official at our recent 2-0 win over Villa that's the only time we've had the pleasure this season. He's a pretty experienced chap but he don't half jump for his pocket. Stroud's record this season is 106 yellows and 7 reds in his 25 games so far.
Mitro is Chris Martin. Just a stronger, faster, less moody, more aggressive version. He's exactly the focal point this team needs; I love the strength and directness he has which brings our other attacking talent into play. He's likely going to cost at least £15m if he does lead us back to the Premier League and if he keeps going like this he'll be worth every penny.
We're too good to be true Unplayable tonight. Gosh knows what the score would have been if they hadn't had a rest at the weekend.
Difficult to pick a MOTM. * After getting elbowed in the face by Stearman early on, Mitrovic really was a "beast" and his two goals were marvellous, as was his defending at their corners * Cairney completely ran the midfield from the first 10 minutes or so onwards and took his goal really well. [114 passes with a success rate of 96.5%] * Ream was imperious and as for that tackle which led to our third ... !!! * McDonald as usual unsung, managed the team throughout and prowled all over the pitch If he hadn't been brought down by Hack O'Connell and if he'd have scored from that pitch length run in the second half, Odoi would have been up there for entertainment value alone. Despite all of those performers, two others ought to get special mention - our fullbacks. That was Fredericks 7th assist of the season for Mitrovic's first. And Targett was so strong defending. Honestly can't remember ever having so much confidence in our fullbacks.
Not helped by the Wee Warbler from Wessex who did his level best to give them every advantage possible.
unbelievable stuff. So good to watch. Feet back on terra firma for Preston though. Very physical side.
