Moyes faces up to first game poser
For it looks a certainty that he will be without Michail Antonio who has admitted in interviews that he is entirely frustrated at not being on the training pitch as he recovers from a rib injury.
And his absence means that we are without natural right side players who would provide a natural aerial supply for Andy Carroll who looks certain to become a part of the Moyes game plan.
The striker was one of four senior players taken aside by the new manager to discuss the club’s situation and therefore looks certain to be involved at the weekend.
And whilst there is no problem down the left right with the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Arthur Masuaku and Marko Arnautovic available, Pablo Zabaleta is the only regular fit for action on the other side.
One could forgive the manager for wishing that the much maligned Robert Snodgrass was still available after becoming an instant success at Villa where he is on a season’s loan.
As a fellow Scot, and knowing the player’s game, he would have been a serious – probably certain option – for a game such as the one facing us at the weekend.
It’s a real poser for the manager who looks locked into the Fernandes option unless he asks Arnautovic to switch sides given Slaven Bilic comment, on signing him, that the club’s record signing is capable of playing anywhere across the front line.
Such a move would allow Masuaku to play in an advanced role down the left where he has been effective twice as a late sub this season.