Davis set for Franchise return

Last updated : 27 September 2002 By Tony Scholes
Paul Weller - still out injured
Davis played the last half hour as a substitute last week and despite admitting that he is not 100% fit all indications are that he will start tomorrow alongside Ian Cox in the centre of defence.

He did say that he would have benfited from a reserve team game but wasn't risked last week because of the pitch and with the Clarets not entering the reserve league cup we are now in a four week period without a game.

Although Arthur looks to have lost his place in the centre of defence he is still expected to play in a line up that will show three changes from the team that started the 2-2 draw with Bradford last week.

Mark McGregor, impressive again last week in the first half, will find themselves out of the side as will Dimitri Papadopoulos and last week's Man of the Match Paul Cook.

McGregor's absence will not though mean Briscoe playing in his more favoured left back, that is where Arthur will start tomorrow and it looks as though Briscoe will now take up Paul Cook's place in the centre of midfield.

Paul Weller and Graham Branch are ruled out along with Brad Maylett and Anthony Shandran, all with injuries although Gordon Armstrong is available and after missing training this week Fred West has been passed fit.

We expect the starting line up to be in 4-4-2: Marlon Beresford, Dean West, Steve Davis, Ian Cox, Arthur Gnohere, Glen Little, Tony Grant, Lee Briscoe, Alan Moore, Gareth Taylor, Robbie Blake.

The subs will be from: Nik Michopoulos, Gordon Armstrong, Mark McGregor, Paul Cook, Ian Moore and Dimitri Papadopoulos.

Franchise boss Stuart Murdoch may take time out from slagging off fans of the real Wimbledon to actually name a line up. He has injury doubts with most of his full backs and Peter Hawkins, Darren Holloway and Jermaine Darlington are all receiving treatment for thigh, hip and knee injuries.

The only fit full back is Duncan Jupp and he has yet to feature in a league game for Franchise but did play for his former club Wimbledon as recently as last January. Other than that they appear to have no injury worries.

Look out for Charles Koppel and if you get the chance just tell him what you think of franchised football.