Rafa Benitez now has TWO big decisions to make ahead of our trip to Burnley next week – does he stick with Schar and Ki or recall old favourites Jamaal Lascelles and Jonjo Shelvey.
Schar and Ki were both so impressive in just about everything they’ve done since replacing the injured Lascelles and Shelvey in the second half of the Watford game.
Since then we’ve went on to win both games and they’ve played a huge part – BUT, we all know Lascelles and Shelvey are two of our most important players. When fit, it’s been a LONG time since Rafa failed to start either.
Does he stick with the winning a side? Can he leave his captain out? – which is potentially risky when he’s our strongest player in the air and we’re playing away to a very direct and physical Burnley team). Could Shelvey return at Diame’s expense – or will he immediately come back in for Ki?
It’s a good problem to have and possibly the first time this season we’ve had such a positive dilemma in terms of team selection, but it will be a big test of his loyalty to his two new signings and his two first team favourites.
Personally I’d stick with the side that’s done so well across the last one and a half games. Dropping Schar or Ki would send out the wrong message and potentially ruffle a few feathers – and that’s the last thing we’d need now we seem to be on so much of a high.