Back to the football and another MUST WIN!
Personally, I’m Payet-ed out and need to spend some time looking at a game which once again falls into the must win category particularly as that well known figure from Dudley is now in charge at Selhurst Park.
With no Payet around the free kick issue is one that could be interesting as with the Frenchman in the team there was no alternative but to hand him the ball to him.
But three players, who will almost certainly be playing tomorrow have been gagging for an opportunity to take them will get their chance.
Step up Aaron Cresswell, Manu Lanzini and Andy Carroll – every one of home is capable of burying a set piece from the right distance.
Corners may be a different story with Sofiane Feghouli presumably first in line and hopefully Mark Noble at the back of the queue.
Maybe the cart is before the horse and I should have discussed the team first but I think it nearly speaks for itself: Randolph, Nortveidt, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Antonio, Noble, Obiang, Lanzini, Feghouli and Carroll.
This is of course a critical period of games for Noble who really needs to pick the pace up in midfield if he’s to have any chance of forcing his way past Obiang or Kouyate on his return from Afcon.
This of course could be a big bonus tomorrow (Sat) as Noble will know his game has been very short at times this season and he will have a tremendous opportunity to start on his “trial period” with a top performance against a not very good side.
Hughie’s prediction: 1-0 (Carroll)