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I hope it's not tempting fate, but I suppose the one positive here is that when you're in poor form and have a number of injuries, a home game against Norwich is just what you want. I think the biggest issue here is the loss of form of several individuals and what to do about it. Arm round the shoulder, encouraging words, keep them in the side? Or rocket up the backside and drop them? I can only think of four players in last night's side whose places could not be questioned: Fabianski, Dawson, Diop and Rice.
The FB positions are a challenge. I thought Ashby looked assured in his cameo last night and unless Johnson has made a quick recovery, he's all we've got at RB. At LB I am hoping Cresswell is back. If not, for me it has to be Longelo. I thought he was superb against Zagreb and I can't understand why he hasn't even been on the bench since then. The only thing I can think of is that his body-language is a bit casual when off the ball, which is the sort of thing Moyes won't like, but the boy can play.
Soucek's place must surely be under threat, but Moyes clearly doesn't fancy Kral, so the midfield will probably remain unchanged.
Our attack is the biggest worry, with Antonio looking like someone who still turns out for Tooting and Mitcham. But what's the alternative? Putting Bowen or Yarmolenko up front has never worked. But if Antonio isn't looking any better in this one, I would like to see Okoflex brought on from the bench sooner rather than later - nothing to lose.
The three attacking midfielders were all pretty poor last night. Bowen is still in credit and keeps his place. Fornals is out of form so I would like to see Vlasic given an opportunity, but he isn't a winger and should be played centrally. The wide left position is a bit of a problem. It doesn't really suit Lanzini, so I would reluctantly play Benrahma. But if he isn't performing I would bring Masuaku off the bench. Yes, we know he can't defend, but he does his best work in the attacking third and occasionally makes things happen.
Fabianski
Ashby Dawson Diop Cresswell or Longelo
Rice Soucek
Bowen Vlasic Benrahma
Antonio
Subs: Areola, Baptiste, Alese, Noble, Lanzini, Fornals, Okoflex.
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