Apparently coach Merrick is undecided who to use up front with Danny Allsopp, with right midfielder Vince Lia one option along with Ricky Diaco. Anyone who watched Lia play in U-20 World Youth Championships in Holland recently knows he doesn't exactly possess a cannon of a right leg. I would have thought left-sided attacking midfielder Andy Vlahos could have a run up front, with Chris Tadrosse taking his place out on the Olympic Park flank. Perhaps Lia's duties would involve drawing the defenders out wide and away from Allsopp, where he might be able to get some chips and crosses onto the head of the English-game striker. Or is Merrick thinking about playing him just behind Allsopp?
Obviously Thompson would be the best option, but what kind of a message does it send to Guus if he is willing to play? I wonder if the national manager and his 'Farina-system' assistant Graham Arnold have agreed to let Thompson decide what is best for himself or if they've taken the (perfectly reasonable) hardline position that he either (a) attends camp ASAP, or (b) sacrifices all football activities to be with his wife. I don't see how he can defend option (c) stick around for the baby, but maybe take a few hours off to be with the boys and play a local cup tie.
If he plays tonight, he'll have to face up to Hiddink and explain how his decision doesn't put club before country (and baby too). The fact that it's a do-or-die cup game makes it a tougher call than usual, but my guess is that he avoids the heat and faithfully upholds his familial responsibilities.
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