Hopefully we’re in for a more improved performance where we actually take our chances! McKenna ringing the changes - some enforced, some sensible, and some confusing.
Walton has a potential chance to stake a first team claim if he can calm the defence and distribute the ball better than Palmer (a key issue for him I think). However, Walton’s weaknesses are well known and in evidence on Tuesday - he’s too vulnerable to a low shot. Part of me does wonder if we maybe gave Muric another chance, he’s playing so well in Serie A.
That defence is probably our strongest, most reliable back four. But they’ve had issues, mainly communicating with our central midfield. Kipre needs to put Boro behind him and prove he’s better than Greaves. Both O’Shea and Davis need to improve their recent form.
Jack Taylor starting is a bit strange. I assume it’s a message to Cajuste and Nunez after a couple of poor recent games. I do cautiously question it because I’m not sure he’s starting level quality in the Championship, but I hope he takes his opportunity. Matusiwa looks to be put into that other central midfield position - maybe to cover the Davis run forwards?
I think McKenna has settled on his favoured front four - Philogene, Szmodics, Egeli, and Hirst. I’d argue the only one who has consistently impressed has been Philogene. Egeli comes with a big price tag but is still young and learning. I just hope he can deliver a stand out performance we can hang our hopes on. Szmodics and Hirst need to do more for me. On current form, both are too wasteful in front of goal despite the amount and quality of chances we’re producing. I’m not yet convinced Azon is starting material, but I think Jack Clarke can feel hard done by he hasn’t got a starting position today.
