Only 2 should start. 3 start if AArmstrong starts upfront and he’s so much better and more effective from one side or the other, not centrally. For a balanced bench, rather than overloaded with attacking players, he wouldn’t make my bench when everyone’s fit. Bench of: Lumley, Bree, Stephens, Charles, Rothwell, Aribo, Brooks, Edozie, Mara. That’s already 4/5 attacking options, all of whom have shown more than Sulemana. We won’t stay injury free so we may still need him. But as I say, doesn’t get in my matchday squad when everyone’s fit.
Fraser Che Brooks is our best front 3 IMO, assuming all are available. Second choice if Fraser/Brooks are out: Edozie Che A Armstrong I always prefer Che as 9 and I always prefer Sulemana nowhere near the 11. Until he does it as an impact sub, I don’t think he deserves to start
I thought the point on the Total Saints Podcast about trying Kamaldeen as a striker was a good one. He has so much potential and we really do need to bring it out. We own him and his development is more important than playing loans.
Sulemana is such a wildcard though. I'd have him in the squad over Edozie TBH. When he came on against Sunderland, he instantly went on a run down the line and beat 2 or 3 players in the process. I do think he needs to cut inside more and have a shot - mix his game up but he does excite me when he comes on.
From the Echo Ross Stewart and Juan Larios remain out with long-term injuries but have returned to the grass for the next step of their recovery.
Did I see somewhere that tomorrow is the last day for Bedders to avoid a yellow card, to prevent a suspension? If that is the case, and with him also having been ill during the week, it might be the ideal game to play the man that needs to be squeezed in - Jack Stephens - and have Bedders refreshed for Monday’s game.
I hadn’t realised the staggered kick offs for the top 4 teams tomorrow. “All four of the promotion-chasing sides play at different times on Friday, with Leicester visiting Bristol City in the lunchtime kick-off. Saints play at 3pm before Blackburn Rovers versus Ipswich kicks off at 5:30pm and Leeds visit Watford at 8pm.”
Matchday at last! Seems like months since we played. 3 points please, and keep the pressure on the top 3.