The big question facing David Moyes this weekend is Johnson or Coufal.
Ben has become the latest academy star to challenge and hold down a position at right back – an extraordinary situation given the stunning form of the Czech.
The young man has had a series of fine games and more than held his own against Liverpool in that magnificent win before the international break.
Frankly, it would seem a tad unfair – although understandable given Vladi remains No 1 – were he to be omitted from the starting line-up.
The answer is of course entirely in the boss’ hands and it is highly unlikely there will be any leaks until an hour before kick off.
Elsewhere, Craig Dawson can be expected to partner Kurt Zouma at the heart of defence and, given his absence from the Czech team during this week’s break period, we will wait and see on Tomas Soucek’s involvement although there has been no confirmation of an injury.
It’s a squad game……. alternate them according to who the opponents are and which tactics are needed. We have enough games ahead with the potential cup runs. Both will stay match fit – and if we’re going to remain in four competitions into 2022, it’s a no brainer.
Lot’s of games coming up. Dawson or Diop in the long is a bigger question for me.
Soucek missed out on the last Czech game as he was one booking away from suspension and with Czech already qualified it was in their best interests to leave him out.
Soucek was one yellow card away from missing the first leg of the play off so not risked, thankfully for us.
Ben Jamming Johnson just pips Vladi for a start at the w/e imho. Defensively awesome and even scored one. Rotation is the key. Vladi has hardly put a foot wrong but isn’t the quickest of the two.