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Mark Noble could be facing a key day in his life when Fulham arrive at the London Stadium this weekend.
David Moyes has been at pains to point out that the captain still has a key role to play within the squad and claims d he will be seen in a lot of games this season.
The captain was excluded from the squad which travelled to Anfield last weekend with it later being explained he had suffered from a small knock in training from which we understand he has now recovered.
So it now remains to be seen whether the manager recalls the captain for a game from which three points will be expected however diplomatically Fulham are referred to as not being a team to under estimate.
It seems there would only be one place available on the bench as it is almost impossible to see him starting the game.
Robert Snodgrass was on the bench last week and he may be the player to make way should Moyes want to include the captain.
Any of Benrahma, Fredericks, Diop, Yarmolenko and Lanzini would probably consider themselves unfortunate if they were forced to make way.
Interesting times for Mark.
Mark is well respected by all, but his pace has gone. Surely in a game where we can hope to commit a bit more we need pace and skill in midfield – up and back. Sadly not the skippers forte now.
Moyes should stick with what he has been doing . The midfield is so much quicker and organised without Noble .Rice is a far better leader by example. Moyes may need to tweak the attack as Haller cannot play the Antonio role so Benrhama might be an option to create the correct service needed . To bring back Noble would be a massive backward step .
Mark can still play sitting midfield position as long as the rest of the team are on the front foot. He can still pick a pass – just needs to be forward rather than sideways and back all of the time. He may not be able to make runs forward and get back quickly enough from those runs but we have others to fill that role. He may not be the future, but he isn’t done with yet !! The coaching staff will explain what is required – and Mark is totally able to understand how he fits in to the style of play.
COYI
Agree with previous comments. Every player must accept it is their time to retire. In reality Mark has not been worth his place for the last few seasons & all others referred to are much better options from the bench.
Noble is to whether you love the man like Geoff Hurst, no longer a Premier League Player look to the young not the old.