After two big games in the last week, Regis Le Bris has a big decision to make in terms of team selection – do we treat the FA Cup game today at Oxford in the same way we’d would a league game, or do we rotate to give players valuable minutes. As at Everton, I think it’ll be a bit from column A and a bit from column B – a couple of players will get a much needed break, but the starting XI will primarily be made up of regulars. Here’s how we could line up today at the three sided stadium.
Robin Roefs was the hero at Everton in the Third Round with Anthony Patterson on the bench – however new signing Melker Ellborg has since arrived, and there’s a strong argument to give him a game today, given he’s now the number two and would be the player to step in should Roefs suffer an injury or get a suspension. I’ve actually changed my mind three or four times on this one while I’ve been pondering who’ll line up in goal – I’ve settled on Roefs being kept in goal today, but it’d be no surprise to see the new signing getting some minutes.
Defence: Trai Hume, Dan Ballard, Luke O’Nien, Dennis Cirkin
Nordi Mukiele has been struggling with a hand injury recently, which explains why he’s not been taking throw ins, while Omar Alderete is ruled out with an injury suffered against Liverpool. Alderete’s looked in need of a rest recently, and I think the break will be good for two players who’ve played a lot of football over the past couple of months. Trai Hume’s come in for some ridiculous criticism recently, and I think he’ll play in his regular right back role today, with Luke O’Nien coming in to partner Dan Ballard at the back. At left back, I reckon we’ll see Dennis Cirkin play today, with Reinildo given a rest after a couple of very tough games.
Midfield: Lutsharel Geertruida, Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fee
Geertruida’s recent omission has been a bit of a puzzling one, but I think he’ll come into midfield today, providing a defensive anchor to allow his fellow midfielders a bit of space to get on the ball. Those two could be Habib Diarra and Enzo Le Fee, as Noah Sadiki’s looked as though he’s been playing with a bit of an injury in the last couple of games. Chris Rigg is another shout, but he’s barely played in recent weeks and I do think it may be a change too far bringing him in.
Forwards: Chemsdine Talbi, Wilson Isidor, Nilson Angulo
I think we’ll go back to a more traditional formation with a ‘proper’ right winger rather than Hume doing the hybrid role. Chemsdine Talbi could consider himself unlucky to be dropped after the Arsenal game, and I think he’ll come back into the team today. Talbi started the season on the right and I do think the club see him there longer term, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start this game on the right. That frees up the left wing for new signing Nilson Angulo, and it’s a good opportunity for him to get more minutes. Up front, Brian Brobbey will likely get a rest, and Wilson Isidor should start up front.