It’s going to be a very brief preview, as I quite simply want to get us back to talking about the Villa.
The biggest news of course, is that Benteke the Beast will be back for this game and his re-appearance can’t come quick enough for me.
I’d like to see his return combined with Gabby being “rested”, myself, but very much doubt that’s going to happen for one minute.
I know that’ll be controversial, given that Gabby was our biggest threat on Saturday, but there is reasoning behind it.
My thinking is that we’ve become more reliant on Gabby than we really ought to be.
Hence we ought to go with Benteke up front, with Weimann behind him, just to see if it works or not.
It then leaves us the option of pulling Benteke off if he’s tired through lack of games or pulling Weimann off, if he’s his often ineffective self.
And bringing Gabby on as an impact player against a tiring Palace defence.
Like I said, it won’t happen, but I just get the feeling Gabby is beginning to get a little too comfortable at the club. Whether that’s because he’s a genuine favourite of Lambert’s, or he just has too much clout, I don’t know.
So onto the headline question.
Am I confident?
I’m afraid not.
Even with Benteke back, I’m not sure we have enough of a cutting edge in the middle.
The big question there, is will Cole get another start after being somewhat a revelation against Burnley?
I’d expect so, myself.
I can’t see past another draw, but that would be four on the trot, which I just don’t see happening at all.
Hence I see it being a one nil win.
“Which way?” I hear you ask.
God only knows.
But if we don’t get anything from this game, we’re surely going to be in for a poor Christmas aren’t we?
I so want to say I think we’ll pinch it, but I really have my doubts.
