Having not mentioned Zarate in my previous article about who might replace Payet in the side, he is the one I now think is most likely to be chosen. He’s been bright whenever he has played, and he also knows where the goal is. But as I said before, it’s possible that Song, Antonio or Carroll could be the replacement. Otherwise I expect the lineup not to change. I hope Alex Song gets some gametime and quickly rediscovers the form that made him such a vital part of our early season form last year.
If we win this game we swap places with Spurs and go fifth, but we would still be two points behind fourth placed Arsenal. Lose, and a bit of a gap is starting to open up. That’s how vital this game is. Playing Spurs always has a certain spice to it. We’re playing them at the wrong time in many ways as Spurs are in a good vein of form, but I’m in no doubt that Bilic will play have a plan to counter them. It may be that he plays a more defensive lineup than the one I have selected above, with either Song or Obiang playing in place of Zarate. I’m expecting great things of Lanzini today. Another goal would be nice!
COYI!