You could say I`m picking holes in our team despite our convincing victory over Rochdale yesterday, but there were a few elements of the performance that concerned me a little, especially if we are going to have to use our full squad in a packed fixture schedule in the next few months.
1) Winks is nowhere near his best
Harry has had a difficult season. His breakthrough campaign last year was ended by an ankle injury in April and he has not been performing to the same level since then. Another ankle problem hasn`t helped, and although his 62 minutes in the FA Cup gave him some much needed game time, he was nowhere near his best.
Especially in the first half, he was guilty of giving away possession far too cheaply, and while other players improved as the second half wore on, he was taken off despite certainly showing some improvement.
2) Defensive frailties without the Belgian duo
Alderweireld is out of contention for both the weekend and against Juve, while Vertonghen is still a doubt for both games, the Evening Standard claims. It could mean that Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez will be partnered for the crucial Champions League second leg.
They were pretty good against Palace although there were some shaky moments. Against Rochdale Dier was partnered with Foyth, and it could be argued that again the pairing didn`t really look as commanding as they should. It is therefore concerning that we could be more vulnerable in our European clash with Dier heading into the match as the senior centre half.
3) Rose yet to hit top form
The England international has yet to find his rhythm since his return from a long injury. He was solid enough midweek but has so far failed to show the sort of form that could dislodge Ben Davies as our first choice left back. He has had three consecutive run-outs in the FA Cup, and he should now be knocking on the door for a starting berth in the Premier League, but that still looks a fair way off going by last night`s display.
It must be said that the 27 year old did have another injury setback with his knee in January, but it`s now over a month since he return to full training, and I`m hoping for a bit more from him.
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