SQUAD - November Friendlies

I dont agree with this analysis at all. For me, there are still serious question marks regarding at least 3 or 4 positions. LWB, the 2 central midfielders to accompany Cullen, particularly in games where we are expected to be on the front foot and crucially the support striker for Obafemi. Question marks also remain over Obafemi's durability and whether people like to admit or not, his form has not been particularly good this season. Both Molumby and Knights' form are also a concern. 

I think we absolutely need to have a look at Smallbone, O'Dowda and Brady again in midfield. I too would have liked to see Azaz get a chance (his numbers warrant it), so that's unfortunate. It would also be nice to see Hogan break his duck in this window, he is now joint top scorer in the Championship and is clearly in his best form of recent years, he looks best placed should Obafemi be unavailable. Then who supports Obafemi/Hogan - Robinson has a goal involvement every 90 minutes this season, Parrott has one in 900 minutes - Can Ogbene play alongside the main striker?

There are still plenty of issues for the management to consider and this is their last chance to have a proper look before the campaign gets underway. I dont see any huge surprises in the squad for that reason - we might have another look at Manning, Smallbone will be in. Taylor or Coventry perhaps, maybe Szmodics given Keane's injury. I dont think Mc Grath has done enough for a recall. The results of these games aren't particularly important to me, but the games themselves are crucial. International managers only have a limited amount of time to coach/assess players, every game is important and these 2 are particularly so given the timing.

While I wouldn't be averse to seeing Hodge given a chance, the signal seems to be that they are happy for him to continue with the U21s for now. I would expect the next U21 side to be built around him - if he develops quicker than expected e.g. if he continues to get minutes under Lopetegui post WC, then this may need to be revisited.

For that reason, I actually think Ronan (on foot of his PL debut) might have a better chance at a squad call up this time around.

Maybe.

L1 doesn't usually stop during international breaks anyway and clubs can simply get a game called off with usually 2 call ups.

You would imagine the same will apply here and the fact that there'll be other clubs in L1 with players involved with various countries 

Cant see Ogbene settling for that with nearly a month until next fixture. It's his last chance to stake a claim before France and that spot (Troy's currently) beside Obafemi is very definitely up for grabs.

If they dont keep Dozie happy, they are likely going down. Cant see it. If fit, he'll be in the squad.

I was just about to post about him and how his star has fallen. Real shame.