How we decide to play against Stoke will strongly influence the team selection for the game against Mansfield on Tuesday so working backwards I will pick MY team for the Stoke game first.
At home, we will need to take the game to Stoke. That's the way we are playing now anyway so it's just a case of what system we play. With Dawson back in the frame it does give us the option of playing four at the back again albeit with Dawson at right back. Would I go with four at the back or would I stick with the three?
For this game I would revert to four at the back. I saw Etebo play in the World Cup and he's a good player. He has legs and we will struggle in the middle of the park playing a two so I'd prefer to play three with Morrison playing at the top of the three but able to drop deeper when needed, with Barnes out wide. Sam Field in for Brunt even though I know Big Dave won't go that way. The only other question is Rodriguez, Robson-Kanu, Gayle or Burke up front? Can Gayle play up front on his own? Well it depends how we use him I suppose but with the likes of Morrison in behind and Barnes able to cut into the pockets inside I'd take a chance that he can and I'd go with him.
4-2-3-1
Johnstone
Dawson Bartley Hegazi Gibbs
Livermore Field
Phillips Morrison Barnes
Gayle
Subs: Myhill, Adarabioyo, Townsend, Brunt, Rodriguez, Burke, Robson-Kanu.