The back 5 is sort of set in stone at the moment.
Any views on what Slade will do on the evidence of last Saturday's problems in central midfield? Assuming he agrees there were problems!
O'Keefe and Gunnarrson had full outings in the midweek game.
Personally I'd go with Ralls and Dikajcho. Whitttingham to join the bench.
Being an away game against supposed favourite to be in the top 6, Slade may adopt caution and keep Whittingham in but for me that would be unjustified. If he is going to play then it can only be a 4-5-1 with him in an advanced role.
Out wide? Noone has laid down a marker. Pilkington did well v Fulham and Ameobi was surely brought here to play when available. Difficult choice. I'd be tempted to play 4-4-1-1.
As for the forwards, if it is 4-4-2 then Jones or Doyle or Revell to partner Mason? I'd go Jones just for his experience with Doyle on bench and Revell loaned out or sold to a League 1 club.
My team:
Moore
Peltier Morrison Connelly Malone
Noone Ralls Dikajchoi Pilkington
Ameobi
Mason
Any views on what Slade will do on the evidence of last Saturday's problems in central midfield? Assuming he agrees there were problems!
O'Keefe and Gunnarrson had full outings in the midweek game.
Personally I'd go with Ralls and Dikajcho. Whitttingham to join the bench.
Being an away game against supposed favourite to be in the top 6, Slade may adopt caution and keep Whittingham in but for me that would be unjustified. If he is going to play then it can only be a 4-5-1 with him in an advanced role.
Out wide? Noone has laid down a marker. Pilkington did well v Fulham and Ameobi was surely brought here to play when available. Difficult choice. I'd be tempted to play 4-4-1-1.
As for the forwards, if it is 4-4-2 then Jones or Doyle or Revell to partner Mason? I'd go Jones just for his experience with Doyle on bench and Revell loaned out or sold to a League 1 club.
My team:
Moore
Peltier Morrison Connelly Malone
Noone Ralls Dikajchoi Pilkington
Ameobi
Mason

but if he can be kept fit I believe he has 20+ in him at this level. The fact he hasn't been booted out the door with Guerra, Alf etc. suggests to me the management believe he has a future here.