Slaven Bilic looks set to forsake his normal safety first policy and throw Aaron Cresswell straight into the action at Slhurst Park tomorrow evening.
The manager has generally re-introduced previously injured players slowly but seems in no mood to do that as the team looks for a big lift against Palace.
He explained: that Creswell has done enough to prove fitness and be a part of his plans on Saturday and it seem unlikely that will be from the bench.
The manager said: “He has started to train with us and has had 10 days in training. He looks good, sharp and will be in the squad.”
The move will immediately give the back four a much better look with Alvaro Arbeola retraining to his natural right sided role after having to perform as an emergency left back in the absence of both Crssie and Arthur Masuaku.
And it may be that James Collins will be seen as a better bet to handle the aerial threat of Christian Benteke.
Hopefully he really is ready as he offers a lot going forward on the left with Payet and crosses well.
OT I have a spare Palace ticket – mail romfordman1966@gmail.com if you are interested.
I’ve read what you’ve written but can’t see Bilic pitching Cresswell straight in against Townsend or Zaha – both pacy, natural wingers who would both give him a tough test – there’d be a real danger of Cresswell’s hamstrings going twang or some other muscle injury – that’s always the big danger of someone returning from injury.
Is Slaven confident in Cresswell to start him against Palace – I doubt it!
My prediction is for Ogbonna to start at left-back – but then again what do I know!