29th September 2004: If it wasn't
difficult enough already to get a result in the Premiership, the FA
took an unusual step in using video evidence to charge Albion's player
of the season so far with violent conduct. To be honest, it is probably
justified. Although Darren Purse actually hit Ricky Scimeca, I believe
he intended to strike out at Robbie Elliott and would've received
a red card much earlier had the referee seen the incident.
Ironically, if he had done, Albion would've been better off. We would
still have lost the game, but Purse would be sitting out three games
when it is almost certain he will receive an additional three
game ban to go with the one match suspension for his eventual sending
off.
Coupled with Clement's suspension, Albion are likely to be without
two key players for the next three crucial games against Bolton, Norwich
and Palace, and Purse should also miss the game at home to Chelsea.
Purse will be a big miss as he has been the rock at the heart of defence
so far this season. Providing Robinson gets fit, Albrechtsen will
be a straight replacement in central defence so let's hope he can
take his chance well.
Clement's position is somewhat different. He's been a full back playing
in midfield and, at times, it has been glaringly obvious. Megson has
a number of choices.
His first choice midfield appears to have been Koumas, Clement, Johnson
and Greening. With Clement out, he has Gera, O'Connor, Scimeca, Sakiri,
Haas, Dyer, Wallwork and Adam Chambers at his disposal. I suppose
Dobie can play right wing and Horsfield has been seen there on occasion
this season, but let's discount those two for now.
Of the remainder, Chambers and Wallwork have not appeared in a first
team squad at all this season, and while I'd like to see him on the
bench at least as he was at Layer Road, Sakiri does not appear to
be in Megson's immediate plans.
Using Scimeca would necessitate putting Contra at right back, and
it is a possibility - Contra did not impress at Colchester but few
did, and he was playing what was probably an unfamiliar wing back
role. I'd like to say that Haas is not close to being a possibility,
but given he has appeared there already this season, it must be a
possibility. Dyer is, in my opinion, not ready for this level of football
and O'Connor, while apparently impressive in pre-season, I can't see
him being anywhere other than the bench.
So that leaves my number one choice to step in, Gera. I believe he
should play wide right with Koumas in the middle and Greening on the
left. Personally, I would like to see Scimeca given another try in
midfield in place of Johnson, with Contra at right back, but I fear
that Megson likes AJ's industriousness too much.
What will he do? Knowing Megson, none of the above!
An interesting side story is that Inamoto is to get a run in the reserves
on Thursday. Megson says that he is nowhere near the first team in
terms of fitness, but with an international break, Clement won't be
available for another month which could be enough for the Japanese
star to reach full fitness. Has Clem played his last game of the season
in midfield?
Oh, and UEFA did prove me wrong regarding the Roma incident (see
15th September comment). I applaud their decision.
|
