I agree with resting some players. Give Thompson and Marsh some minutes in final 2 games and give Dike/Morris/Woodrow rest Kane hasn’t done anything from what I’ve seen but if resting Mowatt then it could be his time to shine
Difficult balancing act. For sure we shouldnt be playing anyone not fully fit so if Morris did have a hamstring twinge on Saturday he shouldnt start at Preston. Id be looking to give squad players some gametime but nothing too rash - the usual striker rotation to keep Chaplin and Victor match sharp, Kane should play at least 45 mins and I would say Williams Styles and Britain share it out a bit - possible even giving Oduor a run out but I will see what Val chooses and happily go along with whatever he decides I think Frieser is unlikely to be fit for Preston not sure about Norwich or the playoffs but no need to rush him back
Played better when the games came thick and fast. Main point is to avoid injuries and allow players to recover if they are carrying a knock or strain but still need to keep intensity and focus because if they relax they could well lose focus for the Play offs
Unfortunately there's something like an 8 or 9 day gap between the Norwich game and the first semi final, and another week between the second leg and the final. Wouldn't be surprised if VI puts them through a fairly heavy training session in the week after the Norwich game, rather than resting anyone.
a. they don't have playoffs in the U23s b. the 1st team squad has the greater need, so they'll get put in if they're required
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It’s not that I want to rest players it’s that I want the back ups to be sharp for if they’re required in the play offs. Jordan Williams is next one in if Styles or Brittain get injured or suspended & he’s not started since Bournemouth. Kane (if fit) could do with a start & theres an argument Chaplin & Adeboyejo could do with a run out especially with Frieser been injured currently. I’d also give Walton a start in one of the two games. Assure Collins he’s got the shirt for the play offs but that you want Walton to have a game & be match sharp for if he got injured or suspended. At the most that’s only 5 changes & they’re spread over 2 games.
No definite right or wrong, but personally I'd make a raft of changes for Preston, rest Mowatt, Woodrow, Dike, Morris, Styles and Brittain if we have enough players (!) and play the normal team v Norwich as match practice for the play-offs.