Kouyate out for six weeks

Just when it seemed to be going well again we learn that Cheikhou Kouyate is out for six weeks having picked up a groin injury against Liverpool. So our midfield diamond goes more pear-shaped. One option would be for Noble to move back to a more defensive role alongside Song and to bring in Morgan Amalfitano who looked very comfortable on the ball when he came on as a sub against the Reds. Zarate could start again, though Diego Poyet is another possibility, as is Matt Jarvis when fit. At least the squad looks a lot stronger than last year.