Our predicted team for tonight’s game does not have Carney Chukwuemeka in it – but that’s not because we don’t want him in there.
We would definitely start Carney – in fact, we might have started him in our last game too. But we’re just trying to predict what Mauricio Pochettino might do, and thus far he’s been very reluctant in picking the midfielder.
His hand may be forced tonight, with some interesting selection choices to be made as we take on Everton.
A lot will depend on Chukwuemeka’s fitness of course. His comeback against Leicester in the FA Cup a few weeks ago was cut short by yet another small injury, and since then he’s only been getting cameos off the bench. Another small niggle picked up on international duty was even more frustrating.
But after a couple of appearances off the bench, plus a full week of training at Cobham with Pochettino and the coaching staff, this could be his moment. Enzo Fernandez has all but been ruled out, meaning there’s a gap in midfield for Chukwuemeka to fill.
Pochettino has used him more as part of a front 3 – but even then, Cole Palmer can be moved back into midfield, creating a space in the attacking line for Chukwuemeka.
The perfect platform for skilful attacker
We expect Sean Dyche’s team to sit deep and force us to attack, and that feels like a nice setup for the 20 year old. He’s so useful for the team in terms of creativity because he can both pick a pass and move with the ball. He gets between the lines, and that could be vital against a side we know will be very solidly deployed and tough to find space against.
The fact that he’s got an eye for goal is a bonus too.
