15 Jan 2021 14:16:19
Ed001, what are your thoughts on the defence on Sunday if matip is unavailable? It’s got to be Phillips alongside Fabinho for me. I feel so much calmer with him there than Williams and the team looked out of shape with hendo there, he’s not a defender and you miss his drive in midfield when he’s not there.

{Ed001's Note - same for me, a natural defender in Phillips, even if he is not world class, makes much more sense.}

15 Jan 2021 17:21:03
With you on that ed. But its time to get that cheque book out and buy a class defender somehow. I can't wait for a midfield 3 of thiago hendo and fab.

15 Jan 2021 18:56:48
I know I've been saying about Henderson playing CB but I really am torn about how much we lose from our midfield when he isn't there. So yeah, Phillips at the back with Thiago, Gini, and Henderson midfield three. Reality is that its a great midfield, forward line, goalkeeper and full backs. Lots of positives there.

15 Jan 2021 19:19:59
Matip trained today with the first team squad. It’s just been reported.

15 Jan 2021 19:28:24
Great news JK if true. I think we would of heard earlier, but fingers crossed. Matip playing would make a massive difference and allow Hendo in midfield.

15 Jan 2021 19:33:03
Was this on twitter by any chance JK?

15 Jan 2021 19:39:33
Sky sports news mate. They’ve just said the club have released pictures of Matip training with the team today 🤷🏻‍♂️.

15 Jan 2021 20:08:19
Rush an injury prone player back from injury early and.
I hope he can stay fit, Matip is excellent when he's up to speed.

15 Jan 2021 21:29:56
I have seen the pics now JK mate, I hope they were holding him back and just put him in team training when the club was sure. If he plays I will be extremely confident come Sunday.

15 Jan 2021 22:06:11
Mark same mate. Matip at the back with Fab on Sunday will be a big boost. Leaves us looking strong throughout then. Especially looking forward to what would be a midfield 3 of Hendo, Thiago and Wiji. With them dictating play it hopefully allows Bobby to stay forward and not drop so deep and away from the box.

16 Jan 2021 13:10:37
Hendo should play in midfield even if Matip is available (he did train yesterday and has been training individually with the physios for a few days now) or not cos we need our best midfield combo to protect that side of the defence and allow the front three to do their work.