Fabian Balbuena looks likely to return to the team for the match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday evening.
‘The General’ left training ahead of the game against Crystal Palace with what a backroom team member declared to be a minor groin problem.
However, the medics decided it was not worth the risk of playing him and Issa Diop was given the opportunity of making his first appearance since proving testing positive for Covid several weeks ago.
Probably, given the lay-off, the French defender was not at his best and it seems likely that the Paraguayan international will renew his central defensive partnership with Angelo Ogbonna at the Bridge.
It seems likely too that given his lively display when arriving as sub Manu Lanzini could well get the shout over Pablo Fornals who has flattered to deceive over recent games.
Possible team for Stanford Bridge: Fabianski, Couval, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell ; Rice, Souckek; Bowen, Benrahma; Lanzini, Haller
Do you think we will play a 3-4-1-1 formation ?
Or is oggy hurt🤨
That’s my bet Smiffy
Pablo Fornals needs to continue seriously practicing instinctive decisive finishing. He’d have a hatfull of goals to add to bright performances in recent games if he could aim to score instead of going through the motions. Chances don’t come that often – make the most of them Pablo.
COYI
Benrhama will not start. Lanzini will, as will Fornals.
Fornals in front of Cresswell. Behrhama watching how a team plays.
Is Cresswell fit? Could be Ben Johnson, or a three with Balbuena alongside Diop and Ogbonna.