It’s matchday and time to predict the side Eddie Howe could go with for today’s 2pm kick-off against West Ham.
Keeping in mind injuries, suspension and potential rotation plans, this is the XI I’m backing to start:
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton – Almiron, Wilson, Anderson.
OUT: Tonali, Gordon, Isak? IN: Joelinton, Anderson, Wilson?
I can’t see wholesale changes – even after the hectic schedule – as Howe will want to keep the momentum going, build on Wednesday’s result and three-straight wins in the league.
I expect the same back five. We’ve conceded just once in our last six games, Botman remains out and moving Burn to the middle means unnecessary changes to a part of the team that thrives on consistency and partnerships. Not only that, Lascelles and Schar were outstanding in midweek. Livramento’s chance will come, but I don’t think he’ll start ahead of Trippier this time, with our vice captain in superb form at both ends of the pitch.
In midfield, Longstaff and Bruno will have to go again. I think Joelinton will come back in IF he passes a late fitness test, but we’ll see Tonali keep his place or Anderson fill in (providing he’s not used as a left winger) if the Brazilian misses out. I’m hopeful big Joe plays, though.
In attack, Callum Wilson has been training since Tuesday so that gives me hope he’ll be ok to replace Isak; who could do without starting four games in 12 days. Murphy is fresh and an option we could turn to out wide, I just think Howe might stick by Almiron after three goals in his last three starts. On the left, Anderson may be our only real option with Gordon suspended and Barnes out injured. Should Anderson be needed in midfield, Murphy could fill in out wide. Joelinton (if fit) can also operate down the left, with Tonali continuing as a LCM. Options for Howe, but we’ll be stretched if big Joe and Wilson can’t play. I’ve just got a feeling both will be OK to start!
Predicted West Ham XI: Areola – Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson – Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Alvarez – Bowen, Kudus, Paqueta
