RWB: Neal Eardley
There’s an element of me taking the piss a little bit here, because who else would we play here? Even if we had options, we would almost always choose Neal Eardley. Hell, even Kieran Trippier might struggle to get a game in Eardley’s place, such is his standing with Imps’ fans.
Player of the Year, find of the year and arguably scorer of goal of the season, Eardley was last season’s success story and if he’s as good for us this time around we’ll be all the better for it.
LWB: Harry Toffolo
I might be a bit controversial here, but I’m yet to be 100% convinced by Toffolo. I’ve not seen the matches against Boston or Scunthorpe so I can’t really comment too much, nor have I seen him in competitive action, but the early indications have left the jury out somewhat.
That isn’t to say I don’t rate him, nor am I knocking him, but I’m keen to see him in competitive action. Of course, I’m still picking him at left wing back and that isn’t because Sam is injured. I thought last season Sam struggled for much of the campaign and to have that genuine left-sided player in competition will help. I also don’t think of Sam as a wing back as much as a left back, but with Toffolo I think he’s more comfortable in the advanced position.
He’ll need to build an understanding with Scott Wharton as the Blackburn man will need to drop out to cover if our attacking phases break down suddenly, but I’ve no serious concerns on the left side of the pitch.
I really can’t see Danny leaving Frecklington out.
If you are right with this team selection, then I think this will be the first time since our return to the EFL that we will not have any of the National League winning team on the pitch.