It’s been over three months since Town last played. It’s been over six months since I last updated this blog. So expect both Town and this blog to be a bit rusty and make the odd mistake.
I thought I’d ease myself back into the blog by having a wild stab at predicting Danny Cowley’s starting eleven for today’s game against Wigan. These predictions are even less likely to be correct than usual given how long it is since Town last played and how little we know about the condition of Town’s squad.
Here’s my prediction about how Town will lineup at 3 O’Clock today.
Goalkeeper: Lössl
Town brought in Jonas Lôssl on loan from Everton because Kamil Grabara picked up a nasty head injury against Hull. Presumably Grabara is fully recovered and is in contention to start between the sticks. Even if both keepers are fit and available, it has to be Lössl starting in goals for me. He’s more experienced, has better distribution and is less likely to make a mistake (though has made a few howlers in his time).
Defence: Simpson, Stearman, Schindler, Toffolo
There’s been a fairly settled look to Town’s back four since Toffolo and Stearman arrived in January. Stearman has slotted in fairly well alongside Schindler and brought some experience and leadership to the team. While this central defensive partnership isn’t the quickest, both are canny enough to avoid getting caught one-on-one with quicker players.
Toffolo has been a great addition and has handled the step up to the Championship very well. He tends to get forward and provides width, which has helped when Karlan Grant has drifted inside from the left wing. Jaden Brown has been unlucky to see his opportunities limited since Toffolo’s arrival but it’s clear that Toffolo is the better choice.
Danny Simpson started incredibly well when he arrived at Town at a point where we looked terrible. He steadied the backline and provided a much needed alternative to Hadergjonaj’s erratic play. The limitations of Simpson’s game became more obvious as the season went on and the 33-year-old’s lack of pace has been exposed at times. A shortage, x of viable alternatives means he’s likely to start but we may see Bacuna or Duhaney in this position if Simpson struggles to make an impact.
Defensive midfield: Hogg and O’Brien
This is probably the area of the pitch that Town have the most options, with Bacuna, Chalobah, King, Stankovic and Daly all capable of playing in this position. If Cowley chooses to go for an attack-minded 4-2-3-1 system then I think he’ll want some energy and bite in the midfield, so O’Brien and Hogg provide the required spirit.
There have been times where Hogg has looked a bit out of touch this season but he always gives maximum energy and is a vocal leader on the pitch. Given there will be no fans to cheer the club on, Hogg’s high expectations and finger-pointing aggression may help to keep the rest of the team motivated.
Left wing: Pritchard / Number 10: Smith-Rowe / Right wing: Willock
I expected Alex Pritchard to be our star player this season. After struggling to find space to fully express himself in the Premier League, I hoped that the more generous defences of the Championship would allow him to dictate play and create havoc in opposition areas. A nasty sounding knee injury has meant he’s hardly played but I’m hopeful this post-lockdown mini season will be his chance to shine.
Smith-Rowe’s too good to drop for Pritchard, so one of them will have to play wide to fit them both in the team but I can imagine both of them interchanging and popping up in unexpected places. It may be seen as too risky to play these two together but I think it would be good to see our two most creative players alongside each other.
Willock looked amazing in Town’s last home game, the 2-1 victory over Bristol City, which seems like it took place half a lifetime ago. The former Arsenal player showed glimpses of why he was so highly rated as a youth and will hope to recapture that form against Wigan. His pace and direct running made him a genuine threat – something we’ve missed on the wings this season.
Striker: Grant
Karlan Grant has played most of this season on the left but I’d prefer to see him play further forward and in the central area. While he’s great at drifting into good positions from the left, he has to expend a lot of energy tracking back and I’d prefer to see our most potent goal threat as near to the goal as possible.
Frazier Campbell may be preferred up front and Grant may slot in on the left but I’d prefer to see Campbell kept on the bench and used as an impact sub for the later stages of the game. Steve Mounié could also be in with a shout but he’s likely to be the third choice option for now.
What do you think? Put a comment below with your predictions. Or open your front door and shout them into the street.