Due to the international break and the manner of the defeat at Spurs it feels like it’s been months since our last win. The performance at Spurs was extremely poor and not acceptable. In terms of the Everton game it wasn’t the worst performance but not our best in any way.
The four goals conceded on Sunday were mainly down to individual error, which questions whether the team needs to be changed on Sunday. The first and most obvious changes would be to the back four. Jenkinson has been poor there is no denying that but he was very good last season, so I do believe he can reach that level of performance again. However maybe this weekend we need to see how they defend with James Tomkins going over to right back. He also had a very poor game at the weekend making an awful mistake for one of their goals so there is a case for him to be dropped but looking overall he has been our best defender of the season.
It is unfortunate that Ogbonna got injured because he and Reid looked like a very strong pairing at the start of the season and it would be good this weekend to see how they work together again. To sort out the defence, Tomkins, Reid, Ogbonna and Cresswell should be a strongest line up for the weekend. Mark Noble is suspended therefore it would make sense that Alex Song re-join the team in his place, he’s had a few weeks training with the first team and played around 70/80 minutes overall. Although he can be inconsistent he’s still a great player and for any reason he can’t start hopefully Obiang will be ready to play.
Finally the attack needs to be changed as it is vital for Diafra Sakho to play up front for the style of Billic’s team to work. Andy Carroll will work much better as an impact sub off the bench. Alongside Lanzini and Moses either Antonio or Zarate should get the nod to start. Saying that Jelavic but a great shift in on Sunday and played an impressive role in our consolation goal. The team have to be prepared for a defensive West Brom and need their fastest and most hard working players leading the line to break down the opposition.