Even with only one of our usual back five playing (in their correct position any way), I'd back us to win with that XI.
Wow, I'd just assumed that Barnard was gonna be out for ages, great to see him back, that looks a good team albeit quite attacking!
Seems that NA really wants a win here, as that's a pretty strong lineup for a cup match. Bit surprised to see Barnard over Lee.
Opportunity to give Barnard some game time. Even before this most recent injury of his, he looked badly, badly short of match fitness in the handful of late cameo appearances he made (around October/November time).
Will be interesting how the midfield lines up full-stop, as I don't believe that Reeves is a natural CM. Could be a wide diamond, with Hammond at the base, De Ridder right, Reeves left and Puncheon behind the strikers (or Reeves and Puncheon the other way around). Or maybe 4-3-3, with De Ridder up top.
Yeah, I'd have thought that getting Lee a lengthy appearance might outweigh that, though, as Barnard is less likely to provide immediate help.
Would be great to see the kids get a go on the pitch, but then the prospect of seeing Lee is a big one too...
im confused by reeves, his profile says hes a defender- but has been used as a striker. where is his main position?
Barnard is fit, he's starting today. And if we are thinking about the future, we ought not get too many players in one position, or else there'll be no pathway for the youth to break into the first team
Never thought of that! That would be a giggle. Bet Lee (Barnard) would snigger at it too. My guess is that after such a lengthy injury it would be Barnard that would be subbed for Lee not Lambert. We need Rickie back to full match fitness
Give Lee a cameo part if we are winning comfortably. Not a game I'd want to start him in...save him for SMS. Wouldn't be surprised to see him only as a sub at home either, needs to get up to speed. Of course he could turn out to be superb, but he hasn't played for a while. Good strong team though...very positive from Nigel.
