Friday 12 September 2008

Over to you Colin

As if picking the team up from a 5-1 demolition in the Black Country wasn't enough Colin Calderwood heads into this weekends City Ground clash against Burnley with something of a tactical headache after yet more players checked into the treatment room.

At left back it seems as though it is a straight choice between Joe Heath and Chris Cohen to fill Julian Bennett's considerable shoes. Cohen apparently started off at left back and CC may well opt to put him in given his experience at first team level but his selection in defence would leave a hole in the middle, which would not be filled that easily in Lewis McGugan's absence.

I've not seen that much of Joe Heath but the summer transfer policy was to rely on the youngsters as back up for such positions and given the midfield scarcity tomorrow he could well be his chance to shine.

CCs tactical conundrum doesn't end there though and he must decide whether Andrew (the Artist formerly known as Andy) Cole should be handed his first start in the Garibaldi. After coming through a behind closed doors game in the week he appears to be on the verge of full fitness but I still think he'll be kept on the bench for now. The attack that caused constant headaches for the Hornets in the last home league outing should have the ability to create similar chances, although it seems likely that Tyson will be preferred to McCleary. Cole could be priceless to help change the game or come on as a calming influence to kill the game.

That would prob leave us with -

Smith, Chambers, Wilson, Morgan, Heath, Moussi, Perch, Cohen, Tyson, Martin, Earnshaw

Many people have been looking to see how the players are adpating to a higher level - tomorrow's tactical choices might well offer us an insight into how capable CC is in this division.....

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