I’ll get this one in here good and early. I think there’s just two major decisions for MON to make, providing CCV is available which it sounds like he is.
Trusty or Scales - I think it will be Scales and I think it should be Scales.
Tounekti or Hogh - I think it will be Hogh but I’d prefer Tounekti.
I think Johnstone starting midweek is a clear sign he’s been brought in as no 1. I don’t think he would change keeper midweek like that if he wasn’t been brought in to start. He did ok midweek so we will see how he goes over the coming weeks.
I thought Tounekti was frustrating the other night, some decent moments and some poor moments - overall it wasn’t enough for a player who is playing for their career. Doesn’t look like a player playing with confidence. In saying that I think he needs to start as he’s our only fit natural left winger. Forrest can replace him for the final 30. Duran needs to play up top IMO and I don’t think he’s suited on the left as he likes to cut in. Hogh was poor on Wednesday, he is the type of striker IMO who when he’s not getting service is not going to offer a lot. His hold up play is a bit clumsy looking, he doesn’t have that top end pace to get in behind and he doesn’t look very clinical. He reminds me a bit of Idah tbh. Early days I know but if we have everyone fit and ready I don’t see where he starts.
The midfield is the big worry. It’s going to be McGregor, Baur and Nygren and that offers us no protection and Nygren is effectively a man down out of possession so we will be needing a goal or two from him on Sunday - I do fancy him to score but whether that will be enough or not. I’ve found it strange Oxlade hasn’t got a look in the last two games after a couple of decent outings v Dundee United and Aberdeen. I think he’s far more likely to hold his ground more in that midfield but his legs would be a worry.
The huns look to be very poor but the notable thing is they seem to be a little more solid defensively in recent weeks. 3 clean sheets and 4 1 goal victories on the spin. They have rode their luck in those games but that builds confidence and given the volume of players they have brought in I’d be a little concerned that they are grinding the results out now as you’d expect them to improve as time goes on.
Our injuries/unavailibilites at the min make me a lot less confident than if we had the likes of Yang, Jota, AJ available and some proper cover at LB but it is what it is. I think the next 10 days domestically will define this season. If we can beat Rangers twice in that time I can’t see McInnes surviving this season and it would give us a massive boost before the international break where we should emerge from in a much stronger position with returning bodies.