Josh Magennis’ injury has given Karl Robinson problems as he plans for Saturday’s clash with Scunthorpe at The Valley.
Robinson is likely to have Lee Novak available again, and if he wanted to play 4-4-2, Novak and Nicky Ajose would be an ideal pairing.
If – as seems likely – he sticks with 4-2-3-1 the duo are harder to fit in. Novak is an intelligent player, who can create as well as score. But the lone striker role is not ideal for him.
Novak would be better deployed behind the main striker. Or even wide left. But the system is totally unsuitable for Ajose, as his omission from Saturday’s squad demonstrates.
Tony Watt is another who would benefit from playing behind the main striker. Also, both Novak and Watt would probably struggle to be effective for 90 minutes at the moment.
Youngsters, Brandon Hanlan and Josh Umerah, are players who could operate on their own up front, but their lack of experience at senior level would make it tough for them.
With Magennis sidelined for several weeks, there were thoughts that Robinson might go into the transfer market. Wigan’s Northern Ireland international, Will Grigg, is a name that has been mentioned.
The connection is easy to understand, Grigg scored 27 goals last season, and notched 20 in 2014/15 when he played under Robinson at MK Dons.
The manager was quick to dismiss the rumour though, he said this to the South London Press’ Richard Cawley:
“We’ve done a deal with Wigan for Nathan Byrne – so people are going to see there are open links. I’ve done a lot of business with them.
“They’ve got a wonderful chairman and a very good manager who is going to turn them around.
“Will Grigg is a player I’ve worked with before – somebody I’ve got tremendous affection and believe in his talent.
“But…no . He’s a Championship player. We want to get there. I understand the business and understand the links – it’s an obvious one.”
Grigg has been a regular for Wigan this season, so it is unlikely either the Latics or the player would have been keen on moving.
It will be interesting to see what option Robinson plumps for on Saturday.