One To Watch: Joe Mason

Another Saturday is upon us and this means another match for our Blue’s to hopefully pick up 3 points. This Saturday brings about the first derby day of the season as Wolves are the opponents. With the bragging rights up for grabs, I think both sides will go all guns blazing and it will be a feisty encounter!

For this weeks one to watch, I have chosen the player that has been most consistent for Wolves. I think that their team either show up and really give the opposition a run for their money or they’re very poor and give the ball away cheaply. It goes without saying that I want it to be the latter tomorrow but I have a feeling that the Derby experience may make them a more determined side. One man that is always determined I believe to be Joe Mason.

Unlike most strikers, he is elegant on the ball. He has a grace about him which allows him to be a good dribbler on the ball and he uses this to trick defenders. I think Shotton with his pace will be able to deal with him but if we don’t stay tight to him, he has a good shot and could punish us. Having already scored this season, his confidence will be high and therefore he will be lively. I just hope that Grounds and Caddis aren’t tired because he has the ability to drift wide and cross the ball in for advancing midfielders.

However, Mason isn’t the strongest with his head so if they do get past our full backs, then we have to deal with balls into the box being low because often high balls are easy to clear and Big Tom in goal shouldn’t have a problem with this. I don’t think Graham will start for Wolves but if he does, Grounds will be in for a bad day and this means that Shotton will be dragged out to deal with this; giving Mason more space in the centre.

How do we stop him? It’s simple. We don’t let him get the ball. He likes the ball to his feet or to run onto but either way, the pass has to be weighted perfectly. If we press high up the pitch and prevent the ball passers from having time, then the ball won’t find Mason and he may end up getting frustrated.

I’d like to see Morrison be the one that marks him to bully him with his strength and let Shotton sweep behind with his pace. I feel that we would have an advantage then. I hope Spector doesn’t play because his best attribute is his heading which Wolves don’t exploit and he isn’t as quick as Shotton.