Collison: Slav will get it right in Romania

Jack Collision admits he will be surprised if manager Slaven Bilic doesn’t throw on at least three or four first teamers against FC Astra in Romania on Thursday evening.

With much speculation that the Irons boss may be ready to put out a second string side, the former Hammers midfielder gave ClaretandHugh his exclusive view on the manager’s ‘dilemma.

By Jack Collison

“Slaven faces a difficult balancing act. Given the previous sending offs and injury to Enner Valencia it’s a real tricky one but he also knows what it means to the fans. 

I believe the majority of them want to stay in the competition and the fact that it’s Arsenal on Sunday is neither here nor there to them.

We have a poor record over there anyway but if we come back from Romania beaten and tired the manager will get slaughtered. Like I say it’s a real tricky one.

However, I have no doubt the manager will give three or for of those who will play at Arsenal the chance in Romania. I’d be surprised if he didn’t.

The players love their European nights and will want to play so the manager has some major decisions to make. It’s been a trciky start to his career at the club which has presented plenty of problems.

But that’s what being a top quality manager is all about – coping with them and getting the results. He’s been an international manager and is obviously very good at what he does so you have to trust his decision making.

There will be a seriously hostile atmosphere but they can cope and it will do them a lot of good. Yes, he has some very big decisions to make but I think he will get the balance right and given that we can get a result.”