Team: Randolph, Nordtveit, Cresswell, Ogbonna Reid, Obiang, Kouyate, Antonio, Payet, Ayew, Carroll
Subs: Adrian, Fernandes, Fletcher, Martinez, Feghouli, Rice, Lanzini
Mark Noble is almost certainly out this afternoon. I do wonder whether we might revert to a 3-4-3 formation with Kouyate going back into defence. If so, Nordtveit would make way for either Fernandes, or more likely Lanzini. This will be the last match for several weeks for Kouyate and Ayew who are both off the African Cup of Nations. This means Edimilson Fernandes is likely to play quite a role over the next few weeks. I suspect I am not alone in thinking he is the only one of the summer signings to have made a positive impact so far.
Manchester United will be without Rooney this afternoon, but otherwise they are likely to have a very strong lineup. But let’s not forget, we got a well deserved point off them at Old Trafford, even if they did rather trounce us in the EFL Cup a few days later. They are on a good run at the moment, though, and will be difficult to beat. Payet certainly needs to be on his game in a way he certainly hasn’t been for some weeks. Andy Carroll could well be the key today.
COYI.
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