Andre Ayew will almost certainly have to wait for his first team chance after arriving back from the African Nations Cup.
With the team having convincingly beaten Southampton, Slaven Bilic is in no mood to change a winning set-up as he goes into battle against West Brom on Saturday.
And that means the Ghana international looks certain to have to wait his turn with the gaffer almost ready to name an unchanged side.
Sam Byram too is expected to have recovered but with Cheik Kouyate playing superbly at right back against Saints he too is likely to be named among the subs.
That of course will see Mark Noble continuing in midfield alongside the outstanding Pedro Obiang and although the captain has had his critics this season he looked in decent form during the latest victory.
And although he has been irritated by a groin injury Andy Carroll is again fully expected to lead the attack.
I am not sure playing Kouyate at right back against a inform team is wise, we can come unstuck our defence has performed well with a right & left back, I think Kouyate had a bit of luck last week & was very lucky his headed pass straight to the opposition forward did not result in another goal he was suspect for the first goal standing with his arm raised while their player skipped through & scored, if Slav needs him in the team then play him in midfield.