Following last week’s incredibly disappointing start to the season we are all wondering how many changes the manager will make to the team for this afternoon’s match against Bournemouth.
Let’s start at the back. Fabianski was man of the match so despite conceding four goals I can’t imagine his place is under threat. You could make an argument for replacing the entire back four but I doubt that will happen. Arthur Masuaku is most under threat with a fit again Aaron Cresswell ready to return. It would be most unfair if Fredericks were dropped on the basis of a highly dodgy Premier League debut, but it’s possible Zabaleta may return to provide defensive stability. In central defence Diop will be pushing for a start, but I have to say I hope Balbuena continues, as he looks to have something and will only get better.
In midfield Declan Rice will be the main casualty. Obiang is the most obvious replacement, but I wonder whether we will swtich to a 4-4-2, with Hernandez coming in up front. This would mean Wilshere playing a more defensive midfield role and Anderson on one wing with, presumably Yarmolenko on the other if he’s fit. That would be quite a tasty midfield.
Whatever the final team actually is, there are going to be at least two, and possibly more, very unhappy players who will feel they ar being scapegoated for what happened last week. It’s at moments like these they have to realise it’s a squad game now and their time will come again.
Predicted team
Fabianski
Cresswell
Fredericks
Balbuena
Ogbonna
Wilshere
Noble
Anderson
Yarmolenko
Arnautovic
Hernandez
Remember the Predictor League closes TWO hours before kickoff this season, so you have until 1pm to make your prediction.