Fabian Balbuena could be a victim of Craig Dawson’s impressive Hammers debut when David Moyes makes his return to former club Everton on Friday.
The General was rested for the game against Southampton and Dawson became Amazon’s man of the match during a dour goalless draw.
It will be a tough call for the boss who looks certain to recall Vladimir Coufal whilst decoding on whether to give Manu Lanzini another start or instead go with Said Benrahma.
It seems doubtful that Mikey Antonio will get a start as he naturally looked a little off match fitness after such a lengthy lay off.
However, he looks certain to get longer than the 15 minutes than he received which in itself was a major bonus for the team.
Meanwhile, Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Richarlison will be fit to face the Hammers on Friday evening but that the Toffees will be without James Rodriguez..
The attacking midfielder/winger missed the Boxing Day win at Sheffield United because of the Premier League’s concussion protocol.
Ancelotti has been hopeful the Colombian might be ready but the club’s medical staff continue to assess his progress after he suffered a concussion and the cancellation of the game against Manchester City.
“Richarlison will be okay; James, no,” Ancelotti said in his pre-match press conference earlier today. “For James, we have to look day by day. He’s not ready yet and it will take a little bit longer. I hope that for the next game on the 9th of January he will be ready.“
If Dawson is like any other bloke at 30 years old who’s played his first game let alone 90 mins for 6 months, he probably can’t move today!
I could see him playing 3 CB’s again up there with Coufal and Johnston left wing back with 3 in central midfield .
Rice & Soucek will be feeling it and I reckon he will give them some help.
Everton are fresh so it’s a tough one for the team.
COYI
I don’t remember 30 being that bad. 40 was the reality check.
Would also like three at the back again.
Fornals is the most energetic, though he might get in the way of Soucek and Rice, both of whom probably prefer playing for ninety minutes to training all day.
Benrhama in #10 and Yarmo striking
Absolutely agree Gary, really prefer to see Yarmo up front. This guy is a seasoned international, gets important goals, and holds the ball well. Just can’t stand to see Haller losing the ball easily, shuffling about and ‘almost’ pressing, then walking at the half way line.
Magnificent situation to be in – a selection of defenders to choose from.
Another bonus is Everton always playing with ten. Fingers crossed that Pickford is wearing the goalie gloves on New Year’s Day. We just need to rain efforts on the Everton goal. Put some pressure on the weakest link.
COYI
With us playing three times in a week I think he might be tempted to ring the changes again. I see balbuena and diop at the back, Noble and snodgrass coming into the team. Coufal back in. Bowen back in. Haller maybe starting the game but Antonio playing the second half.