If we dont get any injuries and assuming everyone is still in ok condition do we change the team at all for Stoke? Richardson and Turner were good tonight, do we still replace them? (it would be unfair to i think) Do we use Wickham as a bigger man up front and wrap Campbell in cotton wool for this one? (i personally would stick with Campbell) Which keeper is best suited to deal with giants and balls in the air? (honestly dont know) Will Catts be fit.....and if he is does he get into the side? (Colback and Gardner were good) Some big calls for MON, what do you guys think?
From what I've seen MON likes a settled side - also WHY CHANGE!? I've always rated Turner quite highly and I'm pleased to see him back to form, as for Richardson ...I've slated him in the past, but I do like him as LB -my preferred position for him as he gives us a little bit extra pace and bite up front as an extra attacker. I can see Bridge replacing him in that role though once he beds in. Try asking Campbell if he wants to sit it out? Put it to a poll and I'll bet you a packet chocolate biscuits people here will want him to start. I'd like to see Westwood between the sticks for this one, he dominates his area better and I think he's better than Mignolet at the aerial stuff (recall the nightmare CG had last season at the Brittannia) Colback has got better and better this season, I wasn't his biggest fan 3-4 months back and Gardner just gets better and better too. 4-4-1-1 Westwood Bardsley - Turner - O'Shea - Richardson Larsson - Gardner - Colback - McLean Sessegnon Campbell
Exactly what I would go for shamless, Mig flaps in the air and that is Stokes only threat. No need for MON to pick Campbell, he will play picked or not he will be on such a high.
All depends - I am worried that the thugs at the back for stoke (Shawcross and Huth) may cause Campbell a problem as they will go all out to hurt him - if he misses much more football for us through serious injury I am not sure whether he'll play much more and I can see Huth and Shawcross doing that. I'd definitely go for the same team but think Fraizer does need some protection in games like this - although Norwich did a fair bit of kicking last night!! EDIT: Oh and Westwood in goal for me as has been mentioned - Mig flaps too much at crosses
Campbell starting is a tough one, he will be exhausted and very sore from yesterday. Stoke are a physical side, and I would hate to see Campbell (or Sess to think of it) get battered and bruised/injured. Sorry to Wickham, but part of me is thinking "rather him than Campbell". Wickham will also hold the ball up well against a physical stoke side. On the other hand, when Campbell does manage to get away from the Stoke players (without being pushed off the ball), I dont think Stoke will be able to cope with him and Sess.
dan agree totally about Wickham - but Campbell held the ball up superbly last night as well as everything else - if he is like that every game he is the first choice striker once fully match fit - not worried about pushed off the ball - more kicked up aheight!!
Would definitely play Mig in goal - seem to remember him standing up very well to Stoke thugs at home game earlier this season - got treatment 3 times even though we were winning comfortably - completely different from the limp noodle goalkeeping display by Gordon at last year's away game. As for Campbell - as much as I'd love to see him play, I would be worried as well about the Stoke tactics and would hate to see him hurt again after making such a big impact on his return.
Think he will stick with the same team. Like stated would prefer Westwood as he commands the box better. I also believe Wickham could defend himself better against the legal thuggery of stoke than Campbell. Having said that can the stoke defence actually get near sess and campbell with the pace they both have.
I think we will see our Big Greek at Stoke - a physical presence to keep their bullies quiet I thought Mig played well last night.
