Based on Richards performance at WHU and the complimentary comments from Roy after the game, Im struggling to see how he couldd leave him out.
Im not convinced most people in football really see what is going on out on the pitch. However, it would seem strange for Roy to compliment Richards but then drop him.

He did well at the defensive side but a midfield three of Richards, Lerma and Hughes is unlikely to provide much going forward and I'd be pretty down if that's the trio that starts tonight given we're at home to a team below us. If Schlupp is full fit he'll start as at least he gets forward and provides some threat. Personally I'd start Ahamada ahead of Hughes (who has been partly responsible for a goal in each of the last three games) too, but I can't see that happening. I'm hoping that my expectations being so low will mean anything less than needles in the eyes will seem like a gift.

Since Eze got injured we have played with the midfield with one DM and two CM, like Vieira played, i dont think this works at all offensive wise, i would prefer two DM and one AM, Ayew or Ahamada with the more free role, dont alter the formation, when Eze plays it is more like 4-4-1-1 anyway

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

Devil's advocate -

Guy hasn't played a lot of football. If he started and did well tonight, he'd have to start on Saturday when we play the team where the DMs will be most important. You then have him play 3x 90 mins in 7 days having not played one for ages. It's an injury waiting to happen. I'd go for someone more offensive tonight, which I think is giving Ahamada his opportunity - we will have to have some rotation in the team this week to keep players fresh for Liverpool.

Johnstone

Clyne Andersen Guehi Mitchell

Hughes Ahamada

Olise Lerma Schlupp

Edouard

Leaves Ward, Ayew, Richards - who, let's face it, aren't the greatest going forwards - fresh and available for a hell of a lot of running on Saturday.

I'd then be very keen to see Franca get 20 mins or so over Schlupp. No better time to bed him in for participation off the bench in the tough upcoming run than tonight.

Edited by ambrose7 (06 Dec 2023 10.15am)

26th January 2010 - Enter Administration
2nd May 2010 - D-Day 1 - Survival at Hillsborough
1st June 2010 - D-Day 2 - Survival at Lloyds
7th June 2010 - CPFC2010 exchange contracts.

My belief is that the starting XI will be as per the W.Ham game with Schlupp replacing Richards.

Were are probably already safe this season ,given the abysmal quality of the three or four bottom sides,who are of Championship quality at best.
S P will be very pleased to achieve his usual aim of remaining in the Premiership without having to spend huge sums for survival in the top flight.
We could well lose this one 2-1,to a resurgent Bournemouth,but this is the limit of our ambition as we face two further defeats against Liverpool and City.