Swindon Town manager Richie Wellens has given his take ahead of Sunderland’s visit to face his side at the County Ground this Saturday.
The weekend’s Sky Bet League One clash represents a chance for Phil Parkinson’s team to pick up where we left off with an unbeaten start to the season, whilst Swindon will be looking to add to two victories so far this term.
And like Parkinson, opposite number Wellens is having to navigate an increasing injury list.
“We’re short in attack – we have one recognised out-and-out striker,” Wellens told the Swindon Advertiser.
“Brett Pitman has pulled his groin, and he’s out for a month. I can’t see us bringing anyone in before the deadline.
“We’ve got a big enough squad to cope, though. Defensively, we’re okay. In midfield we’re maybe a bit short, and certainly in attack.”
The Wiltshire outfit’s boss continued by acknowledging the challenge ahead against the Lads, and claiming restrictions in his squad mean it is imperative to have backup tactical plans – however for the same reason, this is made more difficult.
“I like my plan A to work, but I’m not stupid. We don’t know the bad luck with injuries that we’re going to have in games.
“We’ve got a plan B and C, but we don’t have the personnel to implement it at the moment.
“For example, when we recently faced Peterborough – a very open side – we thought a back three/five would work best against them. But Zeki Fryers came off injured, we only had Jonathan Grounds on the bench, and we couldn’t go to the desired system. It can be very hard to deal with – but it’s my job to get the best out of what we’ve got.”