We wrote earlier this week that Mason Mount was primed for a rest, and today Graham Potter has done just that.
The midfielder is dropped, with Joao Felix effectively taking his place behind the striker.
Mount has had a run of bad form and needs a break – as was the case last season and the season before. As a player who relies so much on his pressing and his runs into the box, being physically less than 100% really hurts his game.
Until now it’s just not been possible to leave him out – injuries ravaged the squad and Potter simply didn’t have the alternatives. Now, with the squad returning to fitness and new signings bedding in, Mount can finally have a rest.
Let’s hope this break from the team gives him the juice back in his legs and the chance to get right mentally. He’s a key player for us, and should be primed for the business end of the season.