David Moyes has told reporters at his pre-match conference that the squad which faces Arsenal will be similar to Stoke.
Moyes said “It’ll be a completely different game. Our performances have been getting better, defensive work has been good and attacking play is getting better too.”
On team selection he replied “Same sort of squad as at Stoke, we won’t be a million miles away from it. Carroll we hope will be back.”
“We are short on players at the moment but we would have changed one or two. Our priority is to get away from the bottom of the league but nothing would give me more pleasure than reaching a cup final.”
Moyes also confirms Joe Hart will start at Arsenal.
Winston Reid returns from a one-match ban while Manuel Lanzini could be suspended from the start of a two-match ban and Mark Noble picked up a hamstring strain but Cheik Kouyate should be ready for his return from injury.
Likely team: Hart, Cresswell, Ogbonna, Reid, Zabaleta, Kouyate, Obiang, Masuaku, Antonio, Arnautovic, Sakho
I really think Hernandez should start
I think Hernandez, Fernandes if fit, Rice and Ayew, I guess Byram is not ready but would put him in also, Newcastle is more important than this game, it would be a nice bonus but nothing more than that.
Agree with Chicharito he needs some game time. Think himn& Arnie will link up well. The few mins he has got last 2 games as looked good set Sakho up after nice run don’t know how Sakho missed It.
But needs rk get match fit bc he is a great finisher & can link up.
Im worried he will get unhappy. And if Moyes & him aren’t getting on hopefully just didn’t want to rush him back but doesn’t seem likely w Antonio starting m we have a thing squad & been begging for CFs for years now of world class finisher on bench with 2 other out & out strikers not being used.
I trust Moyes but hope he can find a way to work in Chic bc we have seen he can be a difference maker in a game
Been playing 2 up top & he is best with that will create space be on eight place & think Arnje & him could link up very wellm
Agree No 32. Newcastle will be hoping for most of our best players to turn out & that it goes to extra time. Rafa will be telling his lot that this will be their best chance to end their bad run. Look at Chelsea against us after a mid week game. Mind you we managed to lose a few last year to sides after they had European games, but they have bigger squads ( & better players). The game on Sat is too important. It has taken 4 months to get some PL momentum going.
Calamity Hart? oh dear!
Fully agree with hammer 64 and west ham fan no 32 Saturday more important in the long run than winning this CUP this season, and to keep our premier league status ! Need to not get any injures or silly bookings with so many game’s coming up over Christmas? Looks like we’ve lost Lanzini for this one and Saturday over silly rules and decisions?????