Wednesday, the acid test

Tuesday's Carabao Cup win over Championship QPR was another surprise following the second-half turnaround last Saturday against Derby. I was travelling back from my Summer holiday so didn't get to see the game but the reports suggest we more than matched the visitors who were backed by an impressive travelling support. 

Aaron Henry's dramatic last minute equaliser and Charles Clayden's authoritative showing will put both of those players on Garner's radar although news that Chuks Aneke won't be ready for at least another week will harden the case for another goal-scorer. In the meantime we have today confirmed the loan signing of 19 year old Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. Presumably he will get a chance amongst Kirk, Jayesimi and Blackett-Taylor. 

We have made a decent start in the opening three games but Saturday's visit to Hillsborough will be a real test for Ben Garner. Wednesday have recruited relatively heavily (inc Akin Famewo) and, like us, have a draw and a win from their opening two league matches and also beat Championship opposition in the Carabao Cup this weekend - 2-0 at home to Sunderland. They are amongst the Bookies front-runners for promotion although our chances on Saturday would appear to be better than the 9-2 they are offering against an Addicks victory. Jayden Stockley will get the opportunity to show Wednesday what they missed in pre-season when their transfer interest in him faded, although he is likely to be playing the lone striker once again. 

The midfield selection will be interesting. Dobson should be first pick and the wide men look like Kirk and Blackett-Taylor but who partners Dobson is probably the only choice up for grabs. With five across midfield or four and one in behind, Fraser should start but I wonder if there is room for Forster-Caskey after his impressive showing against QPR? Could Garner be bold and start Leaburn alongside Stockley?

Prior to Tuesday I would have suggested Clare, Lavelle, Inniss and Sessegnon in defence but O'Connell put in a good showing on Tuesday and could hang onto his place. The big positive for me so far this season is that Garner looks to have created some genuine competition for places. He seems to be live to a poor performance and those being given their chance appear to be making visible efforts to take them - not something we have seen too much of under recent managers.