Looking at the Citeh game, I wonder if OG isn't just going to husband the squad before the big semi. For all the reasons that were given re Mats coming off, I wonder if the manager just wants to keep him uninjured and ticking over but fresh.
In the same vein, I was surprised Hughsie didn't start but Yamada did. I wonder, here, if they want to keep him fresh, uninjured, out of the book but fit.
I was astounded when Mats came off for Hughsie: no striker? Extraordinary.
That did start me wondering about the above scenario. There's balance between keeping the players fit but lessening the risk of one or two players being ruled out of the semi, through injury, or maybe a sending off.
Am I being silly thinking any of this?
For me, our strongest team would be Hendo; Richards, Max and Guehi; Munoz, Adam Hughsie and Tyrick across the middle: Sarr with Eze and Mats up front.
If we are able to put that side out, we are well capable of beating the Villains. They're in fantastic form and I'd like them to keep on winning and for us to look 'out of form' going into the match. I relish the underdog role with Palace.
It will be fascinating to see the league match teams that he puts out between now and Wembley. Will we see more rotation?
It's so weird: my life seems to be on hold, waiting for the match.
I've got it bad.
England
