Potential Starting XI v Fleetwood Town

CDM – Max Sanders

Credit Graham Burrell

I’m told Max might not be up to 90 minutes just yet, but he might have to be. He is the natural successor to Liam Bridcutt and this evening, he needs to show us why. In the minutes he has had, I’ve really liked him, he looks composed on the ball and neat in possession. The midfield is a pivotal role and usually, if you put a young player there, they either sink (Callum Connolly v Oxford) or swim (Lee Frecklington 2006/07). Max impressed in Brighton’s EFL Cup matches and there’s a lot being pinned on his development I think, but tonight he could be hugely important to us.

 

CM – Conor McGrandles

Courtesy of Graham Burrell

Who else plays in the advanced midfield role, it’s not like we have replacements fit, is it? That said, McGrandles would play anyway and rightly so. He’s been creative and shown a goal threat since coming back from injury, and his industry is never questioned. I wonder if he might even be captain this evening, such is his influence over the squad. Part of me wonders if he might play in the CDM role, because of his experience, but personally, I’d prefer to see him where he has looked so deadly of late.

 

CM – James Jones

Credit Graham Burrell

It’s mad to think two months ago, Lincoln City barely kicked a ball without James Jones on the pitch. His form has tailed off, but so have his chances and it might be a case of not enough of the latter leading to the perception of the former. He must play tonight, and he must play centrally with Johnson going back on the flank. We have to defend as far up the pitch as we can, and we need experienced footballers in key areas. Jones has more than 200 career appearances and that makes him a must this evening., It’s a big night for him.