In contrast, the more excited predictions of the United faithful have not yet come true. A bottom-3 position after 11 games is hardly a crisis, but Roddy Collins will be keen to put another 3 points on the board after the entertaining 4-2 defeat of Boston in the last home match. Brian Wake is likely to start up front and he could be joined by one of the two new signings, Craig Farrell and John Sutton, who joined on monthly deals this week. Both scored in the 3-1 friendly victory over Newcastle on Wednesday night. Another newcomer Mark Magennis has signed and could also feature tomorrow. Alongside the new arrivals, existing players such as Lee Maddison and Ryan Baldacchino will be hoping to re-establish themselves after injury. Baldacchino pulled a hamstring at Lincoln in August and is now ready to return whilst Maddison suffered an injury against Bristol Rovers a week later. All in all, there are likely to be a number of changes to the side who lost at Bournemouth last week. Richie Foran is out for up to six weeks with a fractured cheekbone. This is a huge blow even though he has yet to recapture his best form of last season. Meanwhile, Mick Galloway has gone on loan to Hereford after being told he no longer features in Collins's long-term plans. Stuart Whitehead has moved to Darlington on a free transfer, signalling the end of an era after more than seasons at Brunton Park. The new arrivals will increase competition for places with both Maddison and Baldacchino back in the frame. Collins hasn't finished rebuilding by any means and is now chasing the Hull City pair of Gary Alexander and Matty Glennon, possibly using Foran as bait. Torquay will be out to prove their early season form is no fluke. Rosenior, the former West Ham and Charlton striker was appointed shortly after Roy McFarland quit the club in the summer due to financial restrictions. An understanding has been formed between the players who have largely been kept together due to necessity. Striker David Graham, a scorer against United in the past, is top of the club charts with seven goals so far. A former Scottish under-21 international, he has re-established himself in the team under Rosenior and will be a man United's defence will have to keep a close eye on. The Gulls could have gone top last weekend but were held to a goalless draw by Lincoln City at Plainmoor, allowing Hartlepool, 2-1 losers at home to Rushden to remain in pole position. However they have gone eight league games without defeat and will prove a tough nut to crack. I am putting my faith in the new faces plus the returning ones to continue the home form shown against Boston and collect a valuable three points. UNITED 1-0 Torquay. Picture from News & Star |
