Matt Ritchie will now miss Wednesday’s trip to Everton after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season during Saturday’s home defeat to West Ham – with Paul Dummett also facing a race against time to be fit for the game.
Given our lack of convincing options out wide, coupled with the fact Ritchie filled in for Dummett in a left wing-back role in our last away game at Burnley, this is a concern ahead of what promises to be a tough trip to Everton.
Dummett could yet be fit to face the Blues – with Rafa admitting that he was ‘very close’ to returning to full training just a few days ago – but IF he does miss out, Rafa has a few big decisions to make.
He will more than likely have to play Atsu or Murphy, with Manquillo, Clark or Kenedy all able to play at left-back – however the latter could be used as a wing-back option if we opt for the same system that worked so well at Burnley.
What would you do if Ritchie and Dummett BOTH missed out on Wednesday?
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I would put Murphy on the wing in place of Ritchie. Regarding the full back it for me has to be Clark that poor excuse for a footballer we had on Saturday does nowt for me or the team.
I think Rafa may well go with the same as at Burnley.
As much as I like Perez but he just not cutting it this season.
If Muto is fit then he would be the answer, but perhaps Kenedy could play there with Atsu on the wing. Yes he had a bad game vs West Ham but other than bringing in one of Under 23’s he is the best roving player we have.
Brian Hall(Quote)
I agree with the Clark at left back option (I personally wouldn’t let manquillo be the water boy never mind actually play) bring Muto in, if fit, and drop Perez to the bench and play Murphy for Ritchie, other than that the team we have is sound for a possible point
Speirr(Quote)