Antonio looks key in Moyes puzzler
After a run out against Everton, the Hammer of the Year is now set to start for the first time since damaging his ribs at the end of October against Brighton.
The odds could be that he will be playing back down the right – a problem position this season – and that would allow him to give protection to Pablo Zabaleta who has been struggling for pace this season.
However, although latest reports are that Andy Carroll should be available, nothing is certain in ‘AC world’ and should he prove to be unavailable again then Antonio could play through the middle given David Moyes’ regular and historic use of a big man in that role.
The game will probably come too soon for Chicharito who is understood to be back in training but given the likely defensive nature of formation required this may not have been the game for him anyway.
Having said that, we have plenty of injury problems at the back where Winston Reid is almost certain to miss the game along with James Collins and of course Jose Fonte. This may see Kouyate dropped into defence alongside Rice and Ogbonna.
Joe Hart misses the game under the terms of his loan deal meaning that Adrian makes his return to the team – the one clear cut situation as David Moyes sifts his limited options.