Performances this season generally haven't been good enough, but it is worth pointing out that with Richy and Kulu out, our attacking options - while still prolific with Kane and Son - are actually weaker than they were 12 months ago under Nuno. I say this because Bergwijn was/is more likely to come on and change a game than Lucas or Gil. If it wasn't for the fact that Perisic clearly hasn't got the legs to play so frequently, I'd like him to start at LF and move Son over to RF. As it is, I think we'll see 352 again with Hojbjerg/Bentancur again and Newcastle - whose work rate is mighty impressive - will run rings round us. I wouldn't mind giving Gil a start at RF tbh. It has got to the stage where we have nothing to lose. It cannot be the case that Kulu being out ruins our entire team. Let's give the kid a chance, the crowd will get behind him, and hopefully he'll at least give the Toon something to think about.
My choice which will be nothing like Contes would be Lloris, Romero, Dier, Lenglet, Spence, Skipp, Hojbjerg, Sessegnon, Moura, Kane and Son. I expect the wing backs to be changed and that will be it. Newcastle are a good side and so far we have struggled to beat the also rans, we are also overdue a home defeat, so I am not full of confidence.
The shame of the last game + increasing the points gap below us to the usual suspects + Soton possibly doing a favour should be all the motivation needed to get a result today.
Bruno will allegedly miss the game as his first child is being born So, expect one of the corner flags to get in on the scoring action...
Yes, Just saw that. Most teams are suffering from injuries because of the crazy scheduling. Who had this idea of a world cup in November, December? ( Only team managing without anyone out is Woolwich -lucky b.......s)
