I don’t understand the thinking of starting with Mendez Laing in these sorts of games.

He is a kick and chase merchant. A good one but only thrives in space. When defences keep tight he can’t do what he needs.

His standard procedure of massively overemphasised step overs or dropping the shoulder just doesn’t work and is actually a hinderance when they put 2 on him as very easily loses the ball

Always, on games like this, start with Whyte/Smith and bring NML on. Can’t see him starting when Murphy is 100%.