David Moyes says he intends to keep faith with his 'in form' players for this weekend's Premier League clash with Chelsea.
Speaking to the media this afternoon ahead of tomorrow's afternoon's vital derby encounter with the Blues, the 54-year-old insisted that the players who had been meeting expectations would retain ther place in Saturday's team.Embed from Getty Images
However when asked, he refused to confirm whether Adrian - who received the backing of 97 per cent of supporters in a KUMB Forum poll this week - would retain his place ahaead of the on-loan Joe Hart.
"I wouldn't give the team out as I don't want to help Chelsea," said Moyes. "I have got the decision in my mind but I'll keep it to myself. I'd always try to speak to the players first; there are some occasions when I do and others when I don't need to."
Another player expected to retain his starting spot is central defender Declan Rice, who was widely praised for his performance at Manchester City last weekend - although Moyes revealed that the youngster is a doubt, having only just recovered from a bout of flu.
"I thought Declan did well last week," he added. "Playing a young centre-half is more difficult than playing as a young goalkeeper, because he's 18 and up against strikers with top quality. In the second half it was Aguero and Jesus - and that's some task.
"I told him it's a good sign if you're not noticed as a centre-half as it means you're doing a good job. That second goal he could have done better with, with his concentration, and he knows that. But overall, his performance last week was good.
"Declan is the one who is looking like he could force his way into the first team, but he's been off for three days with the flu this week."
Embed from Getty Images
However one player definitely back in the squad this weekend is leading striker Javier Hernandez, who is back in contention following a month off with a hamstring injury. "It's looking much better," said Moyes.
"We've got a whole host of players back training and it's good to get them back. Chicharito is one of those who is back training."
* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.
