It would be easy for me to say that Rafa should make no changes to the side that beat Manchester United a few weekends ago, however there’s ONE change I’d be keen to see Benitez make at Bournemouth – Merino in for Perez.
Here’s the team we’d like to see start tomorrow and a few reasons why below:
(4-2-3-1): Dubravka – Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Dummett – Diame, Shelvey – Ritchie, MERINO, Kenedy – Gayle
Perez put in decent shifts against Man Utd, but still frustrated even though just about everyone else was at it that day. He’s ‘busy’, but his output isn’t enough – and tomorrow’s game could be decided by making the most of the big moments in the game.
I also feel we should look at finding a place for Merino in the side. I watched him play in an advanced role for Spain U-21’s and he was brilliant. He has that quality on the ball and ability to drop the shoulder and glide past players, so I can see him being more than capable of playing ahead of the Shelvey and Diame.
Let us know your thoughts folks. I’m not backing on Benitez making these changes, but I think it could work well.