Friday, October 12, 2012

Clarkson & Riordan Out Of Burton Clash?

David Clarkson likely to miss out
Mark McGhee yesterday revealed that strikers David Clarkson and Derek Riordan, who were substituted last Saturday with minor knocks, look likely to miss out on playing against Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.

Earlier in the week it was suggested that both players should be fine to feature this weekend but it appears their knocks are taking longer to heal than previously expected. There is still a chance Clarky could play, but it'll be a late decision made by physio Phil Kite once he's reassessed the stand-in midfielder. Riordan is almost certain to miss out following a hamstring injury, which is something that can't be rushed or worked on - rest is all that is required.

If the two D's are ruled out, it would look likely that Tom Eaves and Eliot Richards will be paired together up front for the first time. It could be a potent partnership against a Burton side who like to attack themselves, so the aerial threat of Eaves would give plenty for Richards to feed off. The young Welshman has a lot to prove having only netted the one goal so far this season (that's counted anyway) and there will be no better chance for him than tomorrow afternoon.

Elsewhere in the team and it looks like Michael Smith will come back in to the right back position following an impressive cameo last weekend, whilst Matt Lund could retain a place in the starting eleven by moving in to central midfield. Wayne Brown may be chosen to occupy the right midfield position but he'll face competition from Joe Anyinsah who looked lively against Fleetwood 3 weeks ago. Whoever McGhee chooses to play in midfield will be in for a tough battle, but the passing philosophy that has been implemented will hopefully suit us against Burton, who are renowned for mixing things up.

Calvin Zola looks like he may miss out for the Brewers - he netted their consolation goal against us at the Mem in their 7-1 mauling last April - meaning highly rated Billy Kee could come back in to contention. Midfielder Robbie Weir misses out through suspension but manager Gary Rowett feels he can trust youngster Jack Dyer to take his place. They'll not be phased by the prospect of facing Rovers but they certainly won't be taking us lightly. We've lost just one game in 5 and defeated Exeter City on our last away trip - we're not the porous team that many teams came up against throughout August and September.

A win at the Pirelli would be a superb result - here's hoping that the league table has Rovers 3 points better off by 5 o'clock on Saturday evening.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Leave your thoughts...