Ghost of Clough

Marriott is underperforming vs his non-pen xG (0.45 per 90 vs 0.52), whilst Collins is marginally overperforming (0.33 per 90 vs 0.30)

Elder played very well on the left and was my pick for best player in the first half. Moved to CB for the final 20 mins when Bradley came off.

We didn't even name any U18/U21 full backs or wingers in the squad tonight, presumablydue to a lack of depth available for thr upcomign FA Youth Cup fixture. Robinson (CM), Osayande (CB) and Cox (CB) all playing at full back. Our first team players occupied the other wide positions during the game. Games like tonight are extremely valuable to the youngsters and management, as it's only in these situations when you can see how close a player is to being ready for mens football. For example, I would say Cox, DRobinson, Fapetu and Weston all showed a level of composure to show they're ready. Whilst DBrown reminds me of Whittaker when he was introduced in to the first team 1 year too soon.

Weston is also more of a 10 with Brown being a 9. The change at HT gave the side better balance. For some reason, Brown has to play with Collins, rather than with someone who will play a bit deeper and get involved with play more.

This season, in league games only: Marriott: 8.2 shots per goal - 5 goals from 41 shots Collins: 6 shots per goal (9.3 in open play) - 5 goals from 30 shots (2 goals from 2 penalties) Waghorn: 4.3 shots per goal - 6 goals from 26 shots Washington: 2.7 shots per goal - 3 goals from 8 shots

I'm expecting Sibley and Fapetu on the wings

Needs to take 10 shots per goal and is an injury risk. No thanks.

It'll be a starting 11 made up of players who haven't been in the side much recently (except for either Nelson or Bradley at CB alongside Cashin). That means the likes of Forsyth, Nyambe, and Mendez-Laing will be rested. Elder and Waghorn only returned to training on Monday, so I can't see them being risked from the start, and will likely come on for the last 20 mins. That leaves only Ward, Wilson, Sibley and Barkhuizen and viable fullback and winger options. An U21 player could be used on the wing to move Sibley into the middle, but that would mean one of Collins and DBrown won't start - one of which needs to top up his match fitness, the other needs to be given first team game time.

Spotted wearing red for Liverpool U18s yesterday (finished 1-0 to Blackburn)