With us now being undefeated in nine games the confidence in the team will be as high as it has been in a long time. The job of manager Gary Caldwell is to keep everyone’s feet firmly planted on the ground as the season still has a long way to do. The chance to play in the cup will be a welcome distraction from the league, firstly the players can play with freedom knowing that the fans aren’t going to get on their back, but also the chance for some of the fringe players to get a chance to feature and make their case.
Some people will say that Caldwell should keep the same team he has had for the past few games and keep the momentum up. The season is a long one though and with the squad we have, if we can rest players it is important that we grab that chance with open arms. It is something that I do fully expect to happen this weekend.
Just who will get the chance to play will be up to the management team. Hopefully though we will get a chance to see the likes of youngsters Jordan Flores, Andy Kellet, Jordan Hendry, Samni Odelusi and Tim Chow. Letting the fringe players feel part of the team and with the chance to shine is an important part of team management and one that Caldwell has gone on about recently.
Unlike ourselves Bury have some injury Nathan Cameron will require a late fitness test to be passed fit, however Craig Jones, Daniel Nardiello, Kelvin Etuhu and Andrew Tutte are all out. The team from Greater Manchester could also be without top goal-scorer Leon Clarke who has been given leave due to his Mother being seriously unwell.
Bury had been on a run of five games without a win until last weekend when they held on to beat Blackpool 4-3 at Gigg Lane. They had been quite a distance ahead of us a few weeks ago, however combine that with our excellent form and we have now leaped frogged them in the league.
Yet this is the cup and the form book goes out the window in these games. Sorry about the cliché. With the club expecting to take over 1,000 fans this weekend, yet another great following! Anything is possible. Hopefully another win is on the cards and another chance to impress in the FA Cup.