IT'S going to be tough.
The Reds of course are 2-0 down; in what effectively is half-time in the finals battle against Victory. The second half begins on Saturday 14 at the Telstra Dome.
Foolishly perhaps I live in hope, thinking that we still might be able to win. I mean stranger things have happened right?
My companion blogger in the Reds' trenches, Stephen Daughtry, selected his ideal team to face the onslaught this weekend. To provide a contrasting view I thought I'd do likewise.
Unlike Stephen I thought I'd limit my on-field players to 11, instead of 12. You'll never live that one down Stephen!
So here we go ..
Between the posts, drum roll please, I've decided, after much deliberation, to stick with Eugene. Seriously this guy is on fire at the moment. A great plus for the team. Let's just hope he limits his intake of sushi on the plane home from Japan.
I'll stick with a back four, which for most of the year has been a very solid structure. Marrone at right back, although I was tempted to go with Mullen. Marrone has been great though since debuting.
As a central defensive pairing it's Ognenovski (who will be keen to resume dancing with Kevin) and Cornthwaite (who returns from suspension). At left back I'll go for Cassio, who has been solid in that position in the past whilst also having the ability to join in offensive attacks.
I'd like to see a defensive midfield pairing, of Reid and Barbiero. Whilst this may seem a little negative, if the Reds concede a goal it's good night, thanks for coming. Hopefully one of these two can help the attacking forays also, when chances allow.
Then I'd have a line of three in attacking midfield positions. Dodd on the right, as I think he's more dangerous coming from slightly deeper, as opposed to playing as a striker.
In the middle of the three, I'd play the new guy, Rostyn Griffiths. Perhaps this is a bit risky but supposedly he's looking good at training and for where the Reds are at, they need to take some risks. He also has height on his side which could be crucial.
Then on the left I'd go for Jamieson. It's a more attacking role than he's used to but he has the ability to get round players and draw fouls. If I was Viddie I'd point him in the direction of the goals and then wind him up to go.
Up-front, as a lone striker, I'd play Valkanis. Just kidding, checking that you're still paying attention. No the main man needs to be Cristiano. He can hold the ball up and is a good poacher.
It's not the sort of line up that's going to score four goals in normal time but hopefully, they may just be able to score two. That's all we need to then force extra time.
Sounds all so simple. It would be a dream win if the Reds could pull it off. The stuff of romantic delusions.
Who knows? It will be Valentine's Day after all...
