David Moyes ability to give as little away as possible ahead of games is legendary and probably never better illustrated than yesterday’s presser for the Dinamo Zagreb scrap tonight (Thurs).
In fact – despite my respect for the guy – it actually raised a smile given how banal the closing part of the sentence became when he declared: ““We’ve got a lot of people who we can make changes with, but we’re also trying to make sure that we choose and pick [teams] the right way if we can, and get the selection correct.”
Err, well yes, correct selection decisions are rather important gaffer – that is something of a given!
We understand the problems – Manchester United on Sunday and Wednesday followed by Rapid Vienna the following Thursday and Brentford on 3rd of October is a really tough run of games.
They will test the many accusations of lack of squad depth to the limit but it will be the first two games which will be occupying the boss’ thinking right now – as ours.
So let’s take a look:
This looks the opportunity to give keeper Alphone Areola his first game of the season before the trickier issues arise: Coufal or Fredericks? With anyone else in front of us but United it would have to be Coufal but this may be an opportunity to give him a rest for the No 2. Tricky but I’m expecting Coufal to remain!
I expect to see Zouma debut given this could be a perfect warm up for the Ronaldo confrontation with Oggy alongside and Cress ( no serious alternative) at left back.
Mark Noble spoke well at yesterday’s presser suggesting he may be involved, as suggested elsewhere, but for me this should also be a chance for Alex Kral with Tomas Soucek making way and Rice making up the midfield.
Jarrod Bowen was in terrific form at the weekend and it would be a mistake in my view to interrupt such a performance level.
That leaves a decision on who should play behind Mikey with Benrahma, Vlasic and Fornals the choices. We all want to see the new signing I guess given his fine subs display last weekend.
And I believe we will but not necessarily as the starter which gives Benrahma a chance given the all-action Fornals may need a rest.
Tough tough choice but I think Benrahma may possibly get the nod!
So we may end up looking like this:
Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Oggy, Cresswell; Bowen, Kral, Noble, Rice; Benrahma, Antonio.
Subs: Fabianski, Fredericks, Dawson, Soucek, Vlasic, Lanzini, Yarmolenko, Johnson
I know moyes has a reputation as being cautious in certain quarters but maybe that’s the David Moyes with a team who are fighting relegation and not riding high. Can’t see him being that defensive with three holding midfielders.