Michail Antonio looks certain to take up emergency right back services at Blackburn in Sunday’s fifth round FA Cup tie.
With James Tomkins sidelined for another three weeks, Sam Byram Cup tied and Joey O’Brien again injured, the problems on the right side of the back four continue as they have done for weeks.
And a source told ClaretandHugh today: “There doesn’t seem to be any other solution and it will be a surprise if Michail doesn’t slot into the job.
There was a suggestion that in the absence of Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia he could start up top but that’s unlikely. He looks certain to be needed at the back.”
That, however, will allow Victor Moses to take his place on the right side of midfield and between them the pair could seriously threaten some pacey action on the Rovers defence.
Emanuelle Emenike – despite a reported knock – is expected to be the only central attacking option available and looks likely to play with Dimi Payet tucked in behind him.
Hi Hugh I think its time to look at offloading A/C at end of seasn its becoming a joke now how do u feel about it COYI.
Noooo . AC is a ace in the hole when subs can have a big impact on a game . Yes he is injury prone , but he has never really fully recovered 100% . I think with patience and the close season coming up we will see a far better Carroll next season .
How much patience exactly?! Hes unplayable when hes on form. Yeh right the words ‘on form’ mean a lot in that sentence.
Bilic is certainly losing the plot – we have been calling for Oxford to play for some time now – surely he is the option at RB. I think his treatment has been wrong since his debut at the start of the season. He is a far better talent than Byran and yet he sits on the bench week in week out.
My thoughts exactly John.Already some media have reported Wenger lining up for a summer tilt for Oxford.Oxford is a star like Samuelsun and needs to be played to get experience.If we lose Oxford I will point the finger directly at Bilic.Maintain the rage John.
I’ve never seen Oxford play at right back in the academy so not sure why you think he’s the best option! Great player great potential but playing him in a position he’s not used to at that young age infront of the cameras could be a negative to the lads confidence if he has a bad game. Billic sees the lad week in week out in training and would play him if he suited more than Antonio!
My patience is running out with AC, I’ve always backed him as something special but he’s played 68 games since he been with us and missed 70 and it will be 71 this week
I think Oxford should play at centre half and Ogbonna move to right back, I understand he has played their when in Italy
Team: RANDOLPH, OGBONNA, OXFORD, COLLINS, CRESSWELL, MOSES, OBIANG, NOBLE, ANTONIO,PAYET, EMENIKE.
COYI