We have debated culture and character earlier in the season. We have players that are fundamentally lazy or self-centered. When we play them, we effectively play a man short, as the effort and coverage isn't there.
For example, Piroe does not know how to defend. When he plays #8, he has to do that, but he's not box to box. If he's scoring then he's an affordable luxury in midfield, but against an outfit like Burnley when every player as to be counted both ways, he's a weak link. Same with Ntcham, until he gets kicked to motivate him, he's a defensive ghost and frankly his quality offensively is inconsistent. In short, Piroe and Ntcham lack energy and motivation.
I am hoping that against Reading we start Cullen supported by Cooper and Cundle. We will have energy on the front line and some semblance of familiarity and synergy between Cooper and Cullen. It will give Cullen the opportunity he deserves and give Obafemi and Piroe a chance to ponder their exclusion. With Manning out, we have a WB problem. Naughton has to start on the left and I would go with Stevens on the right with Darling starting between Cabango and Wood. After watching both Sori and Lati getting shown up against Burnley, I don't see why they deserve to start today.
