It's a slightly odd situation we have now, in that we have a number of players here, who are arguably on the fringes of the first team but too good for the reserves.
I'm essence we currently have 13 or 14 players who genuinely deserve & need to play this cup game.
Our squad looks short in depth when players are out (cf Lallana & Wijnaldum recently), players stepping up & proving their worth in the likes of tonight's game could help solve that issue & give themselves a real shot at getting time on the pitch in some Premier League matches.
Should Stewart play tonight & boss it for ninety minutes for example then if both Can & Wijnaldum are unavailable or not up to scratch again he could deputise.
The creativity bit is the issue up front. I don't see anyone there I immediately think of who can step up for Firmino, Lallana, or Coutinho. I suppose Grujic & his more direct box to box style could come in provide a different outlet.
I'm essence we currently have 13 or 14 players who genuinely deserve & need to play this cup game.
Our squad looks short in depth when players are out (cf Lallana & Wijnaldum recently), players stepping up & proving their worth in the likes of tonight's game could help solve that issue & give themselves a real shot at getting time on the pitch in some Premier League matches.
Should Stewart play tonight & boss it for ninety minutes for example then if both Can & Wijnaldum are unavailable or not up to scratch again he could deputise.
The creativity bit is the issue up front. I don't see anyone there I immediately think of who can step up for Firmino, Lallana, or Coutinho. I suppose Grujic & his more direct box to box style could come in provide a different outlet.