I see two problems with your hopes:
1. I think Mateta may have to isolate until Tuesday at the earliest and if so, he won't have any time to train with the squad before the Spammers game. IMO the best we can expect is that he'll be on the bench for the Wolves game.
2. Has Hodgson ever played 4-2-3-1? Not to my knowledge. Will he start now? Doubtful imo.

Edited by grumpymort (21 Jan 2021 6.59pm)

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Guiata

Ward - Tomkins - Cahill - PVA

Townsend - Riederwald - Luka - Eze

Zaha - Benteke

Very harsh on Macca, as he's one of my favourite ever players. But will add massive energy and impact for the final 20 or so.

Ultimately think PVA is a better option than Mitchell...he'd just become complacent. Hopefully now he realises he has genuine competition and lifts his levels. Because when he combines with Wilf/Eze on that left, it's awesome.

No way Mateta comes straight in, for me. You've got to earn your place.

Edited by sprites (21 Jan 2021 8.13pm)

Guiata

Clyne-Ward-Tompkins-Cahill-Sakho-Dann-Kelly-Mitchell-PVA

Zaha

Bench (so he can change it on 80 minutes when we're 4 nil down) - Kouyate, Eze, Benteke, Bats, Jairo, Andros, Butland.

Theres photos of mateta training with the squad today, not sure why he'd have to isolate? Roy will bench him anyway as a way to introduce him on the 88th minute.

Guaita
Tomkins plus three others (all as good/bad as each other).
Townsend, Milivoyevic, Eze, Zaha
Benteke, Batshuayi

Let's get on the front foot for a change!