I think Bruce will want the players who had a bad game at Aston Villa to prove they are worthy, However I see Ramirez starting with Ben arfa on the bench!
I would've liked to see 3 new faces but without Abel I'd be happy with 2. Has anyone got any real idea in the fitness of Ramirez and Ben Arfa? I was at the Southampton vs West Ham (who were shocking) game, he didn't do much but didn't seem unfit. Ben Arfa has scored in his last 2 reserve outings, not sure how much that tells us. I'd like to see Ben Arfa start but suspect he'll come on at about 75 mins, or an early sub as Bruce would see it... We need to have a strong midfield 3 up against Kayoute, Noble and (if fit) Song. So I'd go with Diame, Thudd & Livermore, as suggested. Kayoute looked a good player; strong and very athletic. I sincerely hope Carlton Cole starts as he was appalling, and Valencia did more in 10 minutes than Cole did in 80. Fat Sam took Zarate off, who looked dangerous, as did Morrison when he came on. Those 3 all offer a threat but mostly individually; the football West Ham played was particularly atrocious and they were well beaten by a fit but far from spectacular Southampton side. Play well and we should win.
I'd start with Diame and wouldn't put it past him popping up with a goal on his debut against his previous club
No. As it's your first season I will be kind enough to take the time to explain why to you. What he committed was a professional foul (denying a goalscoring opportunity) which is an automatic one game ban. You get a three game ban for things such as violent conduct, serious foul play etc. etc.
Diame wont start, Bruce said yesterday hes not back until today and wont play. Chester is available again i think My guess is something like this McGregor Chester Davies Dawson Elmohamady Huddlestone Livermore Robertson Ramirez Jelavic Ince
