We've had a number of important games this season, but this one really feels like a must win, as the matches against Burnley and Portsmouth were, and if we can do to Wolves what we did to them, I'll be more than happy. If other results go our way, this game could see us up to 13th which will be a massive pscyhological boost for the club.
I've not had the chance to post since the Arsenal game. To be honest, I think it all went to plan! We saw a few youngsters, played well and can now concenntrate on the league, job done. Of the youngsters, there were two main ones on show. Fabio Daprela at left back really impressed me. He had the confidence to go forward and also covered well at the back. He is also quite big for a full back which I like to see, it can make it harder for the winger to beat the back with a cross if he has the height. I would have no hesitation in playing Fabio on Sunday in the place of the injured/out of form Illunga. Frank Nouble was the name people were possibly more interested in seeing. Frank is a raw, young talent that will need nurturing. He has the strength and pace and reminded more of Heksey than of Cole. His was not the most impressive debut but he was up against Champions League quality defending and will learn from the experience.
So, my starting eleven for Sunday (live on Sky) goes like this;
Green
Daprela – Upson – Tomkins – Faubert
Collison – Parker – Kovac – Behrami
Diamanti
Franco
Bench: Kurucz, Stanislas, Noble, Nouble, Da Costa, Spector and Edgars
Have to say Kovac and Faubert have come in for a lost of criticism in the past from myself and other fans, but they were both excellent on Sunday and have shown real improvement. Diamanti can cuase some havoc floating behing franco who could do with the support. Not sure if Cole is ready for bench warming as yet, but if he then obviously he gets a place there.
Be good for the lads to really launch the New Year with a good result here, I'm going for a 3-0 win to the Hammers, let's hope we put on a good show.
Come on you Irons!!!