On the face of it, you arguably couldn't hope for a better game than the team in last, at home, to resume the season.
Based on their last season, they are arguably in a false position, but 21 matches is a fair sample size to suggest they are simply not reaching the levels of last season and that probably won't change.
They were not a team of stars by any means but losing Toffolo and O'Brien can't have helped their cause. They bought some players in, like Helik, who was well thought of at Barnsley and the young Chelsea lad, Anjorin, but they are struggling for goals this time around. Whilst we have two players on 9 goals, one on 4 and one on 3, their top scorers are Rhodes and Ward on 3.
It will not be an easy game but you'd hope with the fans making a long anticipated return after the World Cup that this will help us kick on to the win.
Not suggesting we take this lightly but I would be reluctant to risk anyone given there is then an additional 9 day break to really make the most of the rest.
Anel didn't have anything muscular so he should be ok, same for Egan and Clark. Baldock apparently is fine. Think I'd be just as inclined to stick with Enda, assuming he's still fit and then give the likes of Bogle and Lowe 20 minutes towards the end. We have to play the long game. No need to risk Robinson.
With Fleck once more missing and Doyle having picked up only a small injury I'd hope to see him alongside Norwood.
Berge I'd put in the same category as Lowe and Bogle. We can't risk a relapse. Last 20-30 for me. Let McAtee continue in the position, cutting in from the right, where it finally seemed to click vs Cardiff.
Then up top it would seem unnecessary to risk McBurnie. Likewise the must have had a little concern to see N'Diaye with an ice pack on his leg at the weekend. So I'd happily see him introduced to rapturous applause in the last 20-30 minutes. Another week of training for Oli Mac and perhaps a reserve game midweek with some involvement vs Wigan more sensible.
So perhaps this is a game where Sharp can notch his first of the season and Khadra gets given some freedom. If he's not going to do it against bottom of the league at home then I don't know what chance he's hoping for Some strong subs but I think we play the long game here and hope the crowd sees us through a bit too:
Foderingham
Ahmedhodžić Egan Clark
Baldock Norwood Doyle Stevens
McAtee Sharp Khadra
Subs: Davies, Bogle, Lowe, Basham, Osborn, Berge, N'Diaye
