*Subs: Adrian, Collins, Jelavic, Payet, Noble, Cullen, Zarate
This is probably the most difficult lineup of the season to predict so far. I’d very much doubt whether anyone will get maximum points in the Predictor League. Slaven Bilic has promised to put out a very strong team and has made clear that the FA Cup is a real priority for him. That, however, doesn’t mean he won’t ring the changes, especially as we have an important match away to Bournemouth on Tuesday.
I think there’s a fair chance Darren Randolph will get another outing between the sticks. Adrian’s form is very impressive but we know what Randolph can do and putting him in can’t really be seen as a risk (famous last words!).
In defence, I’d like to see Stephen Hendrie handed his debut at left back. Cresswell has come back into form but he did suffer an injury recently so maybe deserves a rest. On the right, this is an ideal game for Carl Jenkinson to come back and stake a claim to be back permanently. In central defence it’s too early to bring back Winston Reid after his injury I’d have thought. So it’s two from Ogbonna, Collins, Oxford and Tomkins.
If Oxford gets another chance to show what he can do, and I hope he does, it may well be in midfield, where I expect Noble and Kouyate to be rested. Obiang and Song may well come in alongside Oxford.
Up front Nikica Jelavic will behoping for a second start, but with the lack of movement he showed in his previous start I hope he is disappointed. I also hope Payet is left on the bench. This is not a game to risk him suffering an injury recurrence. He needs to be saved for Tuesday.
I reckon in the end I’ve probably only got 7 or 8 of these right!
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