The Imps face Port Vale tomorrow, and team selection will be hugely interesting.
This is the first of three home games in a row and a chance for us to put down a marker before December. Win, and we know we’ll make up ground on either Stockport or Barnsley, Huddersfield or Wimbledon, and Luton or Bolton, all of whom play each other. All of those teams, if they won games in hand, would be above us.
So, what team do I think we should put out for tomorrow’s fixture?
Goalkeeper – George Wickens
There is no change here. Recent goals conceded have largely come from defensive issues rather than anything from Wickens. He stays in.
Right back: Tendayi Darikwa
Club captain, so he keeps his place. His leadership and forward play remain important, and with Adam Jackson not yet available, no alternative changes this selection. If Jacko were fit, Tom Hamer could, feasibly, get a shout.
Centre backs: Sonny Bradley and Tom Hamer
This pair picks itself with Jackson out. Bradley provides presence and leadership, while Hamer continues to offer no nonsense defending plus an attacking outlet with his long throws and overlaps.
Left back: Adam Reach
An automatic pick until January. Reliable, experienced and steady in the role.
Holding Midfield – Conor McGrandles and Tom Bayliss
This partnership has underpinned our season so far. McGrandles is the anchor and Bayliss provides the transitions and link play.
Both rank highly in the division for holding midfield metrics, and neither has given any reason to rotate at this stage.
Number Ten – Jack Moylan
If he is fit to start, he plays. His creativity lifted the performance against Wycombe, and he gives us the spark required to break down a compact Port Vale side. 45 minutes may be his limit, but even that can set an early tone.
It’ll be better to have him on, get the goals early doors and let him leave, than have t make another impact in the second period.
Wide Left – Ben House
His movement and intelligence off the ball remain vital. House is working back to his best, and his runs continue to create chances for others and himself. He starts for me.
Now the sole pressure for goals has been taken off his shoulders, he’s fought back to be a firm starting player.
Wide Right – Reeco Hackett
Fitness assumed after his appearance at Wycombe. When he is on the pitch, he carries presence and senior attacking quality.
He is a natural pick if Street is used centrally.
Centre forward – Rob Street
This is the point to commit to consistency. Street must be selected centrally rather than out wide.
He scored 12 for Doncaster last season and has shown he carries threat when played in his natural role. It’s time, in my opinion, to give him three or four matches as our starting nine and look to the future.
Final XI
Wickens
Darikwa, Hamer, Bradley, Reach
McGrandles, Bayliss
Hackett, Moylan, House
Street
Up the Imps.