Fernandes looks the answer

Slaven Bilic is set to draft Edmilson Fernandes into midfield for the match in Swansea this afternoon (Boxing Day) for the suspended Pedro Obiang.

The Swiss international has been used as an emergency full back and midfielder and scored a fine goal against Chelsea in the EFL Cup  earlier in the season.

Obiang picked up a yellow card against Hull which of course led to today’s absence and Fernandes looks the natural replacement.

He has not let anybody down in his dozen appearances either as a starter as sub and this looks another perfect opportunity to impress

Beyond that the manager is set to name the same team with record signing Andre Ayew set for a place on the bench against his former club to which he returns for the first time.

Bilic commented: ““He’s had a big injury, he came back a few weeks ago and now he need to train. Then he needs games to be the Ayew from last season or two seasons ago.

“He’s getting back. He’s becoming better than he came in his first game and it’s only a matter of time.”