He probably prepared with both scenarios in mind. Preparation will always have a fall back scenario, with alternatives to the main plan.
The biggest conundrum would have been Fabinho. Allison being out would have Kelleher in, not much change except back four slightly deeper?
Then its Hendo at 6 with Thiago and Elliot
Or…Fab at 6 with Thiago and Hendo, or suchlike.
It would look a bit weird if after complaining that we couldn’t play them we then left them out of the starting line up anyway. This has always been a phoney war and I’m pretty sure JK will have been given some kind of assurance that this would all work out in the end. I don’t imagine it’s disrupted his preparations as much as we might think. I’m just glad all the politics, financial and transfer bullshit of the last 2 weeks is over and we can get back to watching some actual football. Feels like months since we played Chelsea.
Looking forward to that midfield trio starting together soon, if not tomorrow. The last time they started together was I think all the way back to Everton away last season.
*Obviously if Millie can’t make it, then Jones on the bench.