It’s time to guess which side Eddie Howe will select for our last game before Christmas, which kicks off at Kenilworth Road tonight at 3pm.
The 11 I believe we’ll see are as follows, taking into account injuries, the opposition, and possible weariness:
(4-3-3): Burn – Miley, Bruno; Dubravka – Trippier; Lascelles, Botman; Longstaff – Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
Wilson, Livramento, and Kruth are out? – IN: Burn, Isak, and Trippier?
It’s important to note that there are concerns about Isak, Gordon, Krafth, Joelinton, and Schar before the game; according to Howe, final judgements will be made on all five of them.
Despite worries for his well-being, the manager did not waver in stating that Trippier is “OK,” saying that he appears to be the kind of person who will be motivated to play and make things right after Tuesday. Additionally, he has good aerial ability, which may come in handy against a physically strong Luton team that frequently crosses the box.
In light of this, I envision us reaching the heights of Lascelles, Botman, and Burn—the latter two of whom will only play for 45 minutes apiece during the midweek. Livramento might use a rest after playing so much football in the last month, but if Gordon doesn’t pass his fitness test, he might be called upon to play attacking.
I feel like Isak is coming back up top. Howe maintains that there is nothing new wrong with him—just a small weariness in his groin—but he has taken a break over the past two games and might rest Wilson. Despite having started three games in the last seven days, our number nine looked broken as we attempted to hold on at Chelsea. We would be inviting controversy if he had to go once more.
