Much of the information coming out from onlookers from the practice game at the weekend is a tad sketchy as one would expect in the absence of any official announcements or reports.
But out understanding is that Felipe Anderson was involved in the team which started the game against Palace and although that may not be overly significant it’s certainly worth noting at this stage of events.
Should the manager choose to give him the nod it would presumably mean that Pablo Fornals would be the one to miss out.
The starting midfield four were reported to us as being Rice, Soucek, Fornals and Bowen and word is that Declan was the one player who was involved for the entire 90 minutes.
We understand that Fabian Balbuena was also involved as Issa Diop’s partner at central defence although despite a small injury Angelo Ogbonna is expected to be fit for Saturday. Doubts continue to surround Arthur Masuaku.
How did he get a knock?