Leroy’s verdict on our first game without Payet

I think Michail Antonio could well get a shout at the action this weekend as we start to look at life without Dimitri Payet.

Even as a former manager I have found it very difficult to work out a suitable formation and tossed up with the idea of two up for a while before having to leave Andy Carroll out.

The back four looks after itself with the only question being whether Angelo Ogbonna should be brought back but I think we must stick with Reid and Tomkins in the centre of defence.

Both Mark Noble and Cheik Kouyate could be looking at a  busy afternoon taking care of the threat from Delle Alli with Dembele in behind.

They should both watch out for each other and whoever is available should pick him up whilst making sure they don’t stop their own forward motion as both are important to our attacking impetus.

Much has been made of Manuel Lanzini taking over the Payet role which frankly is hardly rocket science. The bigger question is: “Who takes on his role?”

It’s a tricky one but I think I’d start with Mauro Zarate and should he – as has happened in the past – start to fade, bring on Michail who is a very powerful player. I’ve seen a lot of the lad and  he will bring real strength, pace and a goal threat.

With Victor Moses competing the midfield area we then have our Number One striker Diafra Sakho up front. There’s a temptation to play Carroll with Sak being pushed wider on the right but that’s not for me.

Sakho has done a fabulous job in the central role this season so if it ain’t broke let’s  not try to fix it eh?

Of course there are worries about Payet not being available but I do genuinely believe we have a squad capable of competing and coping with  any team in the league and with this line up I reckon we will come away with a 2-2 draw this weekend.

Adrian, Jenkinson, Reid, Tomkins, Cresswell; Noble, Kouyate; Zarate, Lanzini, Moses, Sakho.

With the likes of Antonio, Ogbonna, Carroll and Song on the bench we look great.