Michail Antonio is likely to hold onto the right back position against Crystal Palace this weekend.
With Sam Byram carrying a knock and unavailable until the Arsenal game, manager Slaven Bilic is reluctant to risk James Tomkins from the start although he is likely to be on the bench.
Tonks played for a while in the Mark Noble testimonial and there were thoughts that may be enough to see him back for the big Palace clash after suffering a muscular/shin injury.
But Slav is a notoriously careful operator with returning players and is unlikely to risk him from the start.
Victor Moses is unlikely to feature having been involved in international duty this week and doesn’t return to training until tomorrow.
The club will also be checking out midfielder Cheik Kouyate’s condition following reports that he is suffering a mild fever and bronchitis.
Obiang for Kouyate,Tomkins at RB.Sorted 🙂
Got a feeling he will start Tomkins in a back 3 with Ogbonna nd Reid. Then Antonio and Creswell as wing backs. Assuming no Kouyate, Noble and Obiang in the holding roles. Then Payet Lanzini and Sakho to complete the team
Sooner have Antonio in front of Tomo on the right
Payet in front of Cressie on the left
Noble and Lanzini in the middle and Sakho and Valencia up top,Payet and Valencia can swap Kouyate or Obiang can come on if necessary or Song,
Carroll and Moses can cover the front two
Oxford can cover the defence with Kouyate,
Simple
Let’s have a go at them first and put them on the back foot
thats ok as long as Tomks comes on for the last half hour