BARRY HORNE: Mick McCarthy’s team selection can change the face of the Premier League

I HAVE just watched a week of brilliant football Evertons two thrilling draws, taking a point off Chelsea yet seeing the London Blues still increase their lead at the top of the table, then a typical midweek of shocks and upsets which makes the Premier League what it is.Unpredictable, exciting, compelling and above all, ultra competitive.Enter Mick McCarthy, with a team selection that really does threaten to change the face of the Premier League.It has long been received wisdom that there are leagues within the league.If more teams are to follow McCarthys lead that could actually become a real truth.I have seen a lot of Burnley this season and they always have a go. As a result they beat Manchester United, Everton and drew against Arsenal.Eight of Owen Coyles men have played in every single game this season.Sunderland went to Old Trafford and had a go. They were unlucky not to win, yet have lost or drawn to West Ham, Portsmouth, Wigan and Fulham. Oh and by the way they beat Arsenal and Liverpool too!The moral must be that nothing should be taken for granted and there really is an obligation to make every game as competitive as possible.In addition Mick McCarthy has now heaped incredible pressure on his players for Sunday.McCarthy has been quite open about his plans, yet is still unlikely to be punished for blatantly breaking a law which requires a club to field its strongest team at all times.McCarthy will undoubtedly point to other clubs who have gone unpunished.

Source: Liverpool_Echo