Spann's suspension must be giving Beenie serious headaches right about now. We need to be extremely tight in the back in the game, we can't afford to concede anything because goals are never easy to come by against Mexico.
I found it very interesting how Beenie decided to play Spann at right back even though he is a natual center midfielder. It tells me that he doesn't have much confidence in the others in this role.
Here are the options in my opinion:
1. Atiba - had the position locked down at one point and was doing quite well with it. From all acounts he played well against Costa Rica, Panama and in the away match to Mexico. But he hasn't been the same since Beenie benched him for Cyd in the Gold Cup. He looked poor 1st half against the US and didn't even make the final 18 in the last game. Is he in the Dog house? Unfit? Out of form? Only Beenie knows.
2. Cyd Gray - Performance in the Gold Cup led to many creative smart comments on this board, but he has managed to stick around the team even if only because of injuries to Sancho and Cox. This man must be a practice field galatico for Beenie to stick with him. Just doesn't seem to have the mental toughness to handle pressure which makes him a huge risk to play in this must win game.
3. Pierre - Natural centerback hasn't played for T&T for what seems like an eternity. Can't see him starting now.
4. Birchall - Seems to possess some of the same qualities as Spann which could enable him to make the transition to right back for this game - fighting spirit, good tackling ability, decent passer, ability to interchange with Edwards on the right side and push forward, cross etc. The only problem is we need a ball winner/hustler in the middle with Yorke and I'm not convinced that Whitely or Theobald would be as effective in this role.
5. Edwards - Can play the right back position effectively as he has done for his club before but his creativity and attacking instincts are probably needed more in the attacking half as we need to score goals to win. I would keep him in his natural position or play him as right wing back if we switch to 3-5-2.
6. Jones - Played an effective right wing back in the early part of the campaign but hasn't played or trained in that position for about a year. May be too difficult to make that transition now. Besides we need his attacking instincts up front even if its only as a 2nd half sub. His height could create havoc in the Mexican defense.
Who is it going to be?
Poll