McKenzie to clinch final spot

OLLY MCKENZIE is favoured to win his head-to-head with James McColl and line up on the left of Guernsey's back four in Monday's big clash. But while the Guernsey team very nearly picks itself, the Jersey footballing public and media have little or no idea what combination Peter Vince-nti will pull out of the hat.

While Ogier was due to confirm his starting XI to his squad last night and who plays on the left of defence seems the only decision left to be made, Vincenti will not reduce his training squad of 22 until tomorrow.

If the Vase was won on preparation alone, Guern-sey would stroll it, according to the Jersey Evening Post.

While Ogier's Guernsey team have had eight matches this season, including five since Christmas, Jersey have trotted out onto the pitch only twice in 2006.

'Guernsey will no doubt be laughing at our build-up,' says Jersey Evening Post's football correspondent, Andy Bradshaw.

While Guernsey fielded virtually a full island side throughout their FA National League System Cup campaign, Jersey opted to give others a chance and were promptly eliminated in the first round. They have also had to deal with bringing in a new coach.

Vincenti took over from Dave Matthews in late January to reprise a role that he held from 1992 to 1998.

'He is very experienced both as a player and coach and he knows what it takes to win a Muratti - that has got to be a plus for them really,' said his rival boss.

Despite the unobliging Vincenti selection strategy, Ogier has a few ideas as to who will do what for the reds.

'Dave Brodie will probably pull the strings in central midfield, Chris

'I wouldn't be surprised if Peter Vincenti junior played either. But you never know in a Muratti.

'Someone, not necessarily a player who you think is going to be a threat, will have the game of their life.'

As is Ogier's way, he won't publicly name his line-up until the day of the match.

Unlike Jersey's, the team is pretty much settled with the only question over whether he will start with McKenzie at left back or go with Vale Rec defender McColl.

The Scot can play either in the centre or on the flank of the defence. But Ogier will probably go with McKenzie to use his pace get up the wings behind a diamond midfield formation.

'You try and second guess the way they are going to set up,' said Ogier.

'We think we know so we will bear that in mind when we set up. We will just have to see how the game pans out.

'We have a game plan and there is a certain amount of flexibility in that. If we have got to shift things around a little bit, there are guys who can do a job in different areas.'