Sam Allardyce has a big decision to make on Enner Valencia’s involvement this afternoon!
Having admitted the player is fit and in the squad the manager hesitated over whether or not he will actually start.
We’d love to be proved wrong but as we suggested earlier in the week, given Allardyce’s attitude to returning players it would seem unlikely.
He said: “We can welcome Enner Valencia back in the squad, he’s had a good few days of training which is always helpful for the strength and depth of the squad. We have to weigh up whether he can play from the start or the bench.”
Asked how key the Ecuador striker is to the formation, he added: “I think he gives us more options to play different systems. With him back we have different selection options up front which is always important.
“Recently we’ve been limited with our options due to injuries, so having him back gives us more frontline options.”
With Stoke City having suffered three straight defeats against West Brom, Crystal Palace and Chelsea it’s to be devoutly hoped that Enner plays in a double-pronged front line with Diafra Sakho.
And there are many who also believe that if a player is fit enough to be in the squad he’s fit enough to start!
Valencia must start today or whats the blooming point of signing him as our marquee player ?? Carroll starts whenever he’s fit so why not Valencia
15 mill just staying…..
Odds on Nolan starting no matter what!
If i get up there today & find out he isnt starting i will be well fed up.The guy cut his toe,didnt do his cruciate ligaments.He has had a nice rest & should be right up for it.But i guess it is easier for Allardyce to keep him on the bench because then he doesnt have to find a way of dropping a midfielder & still justify keeping Nolan in the team in preference to Song,Kouyate,Downing or the guy who would be most vulenrable to be stuck on the bench Noble.All logic says straight swap in the team,Valencia in Nolan out,but will Sam do that.Very much doubt it.
It’s a no brainier drop the flop Nolan for Valencia and give Sakho a chance,
Put Ginge back where he should be next to Reid and put Kouyate back in mid field alongside Song Downing just behind the front 2 on one side and Alfiltano on the other,
If Either don’t do the business bring on Nene and Noble,put Oxford and Poyet on the bench and Cole or Demel,
Looks good to me and BFS might get a result and we might get entertained
BFS OUT AND NOLAN CAN PACK HIS BAGS TODAY AS HE IS NOT NEEDED
Woah,im in shock.Nolan is on the bench & Valencia starts.I must be hallucinating,but i looked twice & it is real 😀