Following a run of shocking luck with injuries to strikers, it now appears the death knell is sounding for the defenders.
Slaven Bilic has been unable to find a settled back line for most of the season, and it is unclear what his first choice pairing in the centre is.
The problems have been compounded in recent weeks with the loss of Carl Jenkinson and James Tomkins to injury, while Winston Reid and Joey O’Brien appear to have picked up knocks in the FA Cup replay win against Liverpool.
That leaves the door open for goal hero Angelo Ogbonna to partner James Collins at the heart of the defence, with green right back Sam Byram and Aaron Cresswell occupying the flanks.
But when all are fit, Bilic will surely have a tough choice to make.
He has in recent weeks opted for Reid and Collins together, and played Tomkins on the right.
And if he is a manager to select on form, he can’t be looking to drop Collins any time soon. The Wales international is in the form of his life.
Despite impressive performances from Ogbonna, and a decent sized transfer fee, he has fallen a bit short of Collins, who also has substantially more experience of playing in the top flight.
But Ogbonna and Reid are probably Bilic’s favourite pairing, although injuries have hampered their time together on field.
Both players would prefer to play as the left sided centre back, so it will take time for them to gel, and they’re unlikely to have the opportunity any time soon.
There’s little doubt that if they were to be able to work on their partnership, they would be the most mobile and best ball-playing options.
Tomkins too has been somewhat unlucky not to get much of a go in the centre. There wouldn’t be many who thought he would be required at right back for such a long period, and despite some admirable appearances, it’s not his natural position.
He can very much stake a claim for a place at centre back, and with the arrival of Byram, his options on the right may be limited.
What it does show is there is strong competition for places, and each player will have to take their chances when presented.
Collins has done that, and has made it difficult for Bilic to drop him in the league. You would imagine after the Euros he would be content with being part of a rotation policy, as he isn’t getting any younger.
The latest injuries will however, force the manager’s hand, although it’s a positive position when there is a high calibre of player to come in.
The number one choice at the back will be determined simply by availability for now, with Reid, and a more experienced Ogbonna, probably pairing up long term as first choice when everyone is fit.
