Ben House
Ben has to play, and I did not give him my man of the match at Sheffield United simply because he ran around a lot. Derek Asamoah ran around a lot, Kevin Gall ran around a lot, Jake Sheridan ran around a lot; what Ben does with his pressing is different. He makes opponents work, forces mistakes and creates the high turnovers that are such an important part of our game.
I accept that his finishing technique could be better, and with a little more quality in those moments he might already have four or five goals. However, getting into those positions is a testament to his movement, his work and where he wins possession. If we want someone who does everything Ben does and also finishes like a top Championship striker, we are shopping in a wage bracket we cannot afford, so he stays in my team.
Freddie Draper
I am still picking Fred through the middle, despite that missed header at Sheffield United. He scored the winners at Preston and Bristol City, and one chance put over the bar does not suddenly convince me he cannot play at this level. We were singing “he’s one of our own” when he scored at Preston; it is funny how quickly some disown him when the next chance does not go in.
I do want to see Mikkel Ladefoged get a run, but I think Fred still gives us the best chance of unsettling West Ham’s defenders. Mikkel has qualities that could become hugely important, but settling into a new country, or new team or even a new style takes time, as we saw with Ivan and, further back, Tom Pett.
Worth noting that Fred is also one booking away from a suspension, so an opportunity may come soon enough, but I do not think he has earned being dropped.
Chiedozie Ogbene
Chio takes the final place in my front three, because I want his pace, power and experience in the side. Rob Street never lacks desire or application, but there were moments on Saturday when he received possession in good areas, and I did not feel he was going to beat his defender or produce a really threatening shot. That is a difficult judgement, and Rob would still be an option from the bench, but I would make the change.
Chio needs to give us more end product, but he has the speed to help us move up the pitch and the experience to influence those around him. When I asked Chris Cohen about approaching Chio and drawing on his Sheffield United knowledge, he explained that Chio comes to the coaches with information, which tells you something about his leadership. With Mason Melia injured and Ethan Wheatley having picked up a slight strain, Chio is the player I would choose to complete this XI.
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