Nathan Holland has been called into the squad for the match against AFC Wimbledon at Kingsmeadow this evening and he has been joined by his former under 23s skipper Declan Rice.
Holland has been training with the first team at Rush Green for two or three weeks and has impressed Manuel Pellegrini who is keeping a very close eye on the teenager.
Holland has been tipped as the next big thing to come through the academy and may get a chance to show again what he’s about whilst Rice is likely to start.
We also believe that Josh Cullen will be involved and others in the squad include Aaron Cresswell, Zaba, Angelo Ogbonna, Robert Snodgrass, Chicharito and Pedro Obiang.
And whilst No 1 keeper Lukasz Fabianski is included in the squad Adrian is ful expected to wear the sweater for the game against the Dons.
I’m sure he’ll ring the changes, and I like the idea of Holland being involved. However, I think it would be sensible to maintain a little consistency with the following team:
Fabianski, Fredericks, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell – our defence is currently struggle, so an opportunity to continue building cohesion, whilst bringing in Cresswell as a natural left back.
Holland, Rice, Wilshere, Yarmolenko – Nathan gets his chance, otherwise Masuaku moved further up where we know he does more damage. Rice as CDM to continue his development in that role, and Wilshere needs game time (although I expect him to be rested in favour of Obiang). I want to see Yarmo let loose.
Anderson, Hernandez – I think Anderson in the centre as a 10 will do a lot more damage than being on the wing, just off Hernandez who I think needs games and someone next to him.
Bring it on!