Blackpool’s Decision Time

It`s the only real decision Simon Grayson has to make this week with regards to team selection: Forbes or Brandon?

Supporters are divided on who should start at Wembley, and it`s vitally important that the manager`s choice is the right one with Chris Cohen on the Yeovil left capable of causing huge problems for the opposition from midfield.

Looking at the attacking options of Forbes and Brandon, the loaned Brandon has scored two goals in his four starts for The Seasiders, whereas Forbsey has only mustered one goal from twenty six starting berths – which is a poor return for a player with goalscoring pedigree.

On average, Forbes only manages to get 40% of his shots on target; with Brandon registering 66% on target. Forbes, who has had huge critics throughout the campaign, seems to lash at the ball too much with Brandon looking more serene in front of goal.

Brandon in his few games has set up a couple of goals also, with Forbes lying fifth in the overall ‘Pool assist charts, with five in the league this season. However, the amount of times Adrian has failed to deliver decent crosses from wide areas is alarming. Brandon on the other hand chooses to pass his way towards goal and tries to make things happen.

It`s not all about goals and assists though, the right midfielder will have to defend well on Sunday if we`re to progress down the right channel. In theory, people assume Adrian is the better player whilst defending, but in the games I`ve seen Brandon play he`s always been calm and tackled reasonably well for a small winger. Who would complement Shaun Barker the best?

Chris Brandon needlessly saw red at home to Scunthorpe United a few weeks back. This angered some sections of the internet community so much so that some called for him to be sent back to The Galpharm Stadium and make him miss out on the playoffs altogether. His discipline isn`t great in all honesty – seeing red once and being booked in just four games. Forbes on the other hand has just seen yellow three times this year, and has played many more games.

The former Swansea City winger, Forbes has put in some spirited performances recently against Oldham over two legs – and has surprised many with his composure on the ball, something he`s lacked all season in my opinion. However, Brandon allows us to be swifter when breaking forward and is technically more gifted.

So does the manager go for the supposed all-round better player, or the man in form? My own opinion is that Forbes should be given the shirt to start – even though the stats say Brandon should for such a huge game – as he`s done us a good service over the past fortnight – and the manager should be looking to bring on the fresh legs of Brandon around the 60/70 minute mark to capitalise on tiring Town legs.