Selection options for Fulham as Sheffield United pair on standby to address possible issue
Paul Heckingbottom may be forced into shuffling his defensive pack following John Egan’s injury at West Ham last weekend
Paul Heckingbottom may revert to the back three that kept Tottenham Hotspur at bay for 97 minutes when he hands in his teamsheet at Fulham on Saturday if captain John Egan’s injury is as bad as it looks. The Republic of Ireland defender came off 10 minutes into the second half after landing awkwardly following a corner and was pictured leaving the London Stadium on crutches.
Heckingbottom admitted afterwards that ‘coming off he did not look good’ and if the injury does keep him out of this week’s trip to Craven Cottage, the Blades boss will have two likely options to replace Egan. The obvious choice is to move Anel Ahmedhodzic inside to the centre of the defensive three and bring in vice-captain Chris Basham on the right.
That was what Heckingbottom plumped for at ttenham when Egan was missing through injury and it was moments away from delivering a first clean sheet of the season for Sheffield United and a first win after taking the high-flying hosts until the eighth minute of 12 added on before they finally broke through.
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It appears to be his first port of call, with that his preferred option again on Saturday when Egan came off. With Ahmedhodzic having played in the centre already, both this season and last, and with the need for experienced heads and leaders right now given United’s position in the table, there are merits for Heckingbottom opting for this back three.
He was seen more as competition for the left-side of defence but with Jack Robinson having done little wrong this season he has had to be patient. He has dipped his toe into the top flight on only two occasions, coming on with four minutes to go at Spurs and 11 minutes from time on Saturday. He represents more of a gamble due to his lack of game time in a red and white shirt but will be keen to impress and stake a claim.
With United having conceded 19 goals, admittedly a goal difference swelled by the Newcastle collapse, Trusty may well feel he has a case to be given a chance. Heckingbottom has two chances if Egan is out, stick with plan B once more or take a chance on the US international.
