With several senior players set to be missing from Steve Bruce’s squad tomorrow, it was always going to be interesting to see who he picked out of our U-23 squad ahead of Saturday’s clash with West Brom.
The reserves play Stoke City at 7pm tonight and the team news shows one big name is missing – Elliot Anderson.
Injuries meant he was named on the bench against Crystal Palace two weeks ago, and his absence from tonight’s U-23 squad all but confirms he’ll be included in Bruce’s matchday squad tomorrow.
Elsewhere, the second string’s starting 11 also features Peruvian playmaker Rodrigo Vilca and former Arsenal winger Stan Flaherty, meaning they clearly won’t be taking a place on the bench tomorrow.
Another area to look out for tomorrow is in goal, with it worth noting that Dan Langley – the U-23’s usual No 1 – isn’t in the squad to take on Stoke.
Back to Anderson, the fact he is one of the only major name missing must be seen as a positive sign, suggesting that we have more senior players available than some expected.
Either way, it would be great to get a glimpse of the local lad tomorrow, with him looking a cut above the rest whenever I’ve watched the U-23’s this season.
He was outstanding in their 4-3 win over Leeds recently and also scored two brilliant goals when coming up against Bolton’s senior side in the EFL trophy last month.
One to watch tomorrow!
Follow us on Twitter (@NUFCBlogcouk) and on Facebook HERE
If “jumping to a conclusion” was an Olympic sport, Toon fans would be on the podium every time.
“… his absence from tonight’s U-23 squad all but confirms he’ll be included in Bruce’s matchday squad tomorrow.”
Unless, of course, he is one of the players confirmed with COVID!
JFA127(Quote)