I'd say it's more because the ox is fit and playing well. Use him while he's fit, no reason to rush Thiago back. He can come on for ox 2nd half. Nice to be able to discuss midfield options tho. 
Yeah possibly mate. I think I've just had my eye on this game for a few weeks and with thiago having a good weeks full training I hoped he'd be in for this.
A draw would be a good result on its own to be honest. If we hadn't chucked 4 points away against Brighton and Brentford we would take a point today and move on top of the league.
But their pace, power and desire upfront worries me. We haven't exactly manned up this season when the pressure has come on. Be difficult to keep them quiet today ... but if we want to be champions and we want to let Chelsea know we are after them we have to do the business today. A slip up doesn't feel as bad when your rivals do the same the next day.
Maybe play hendo more alongside fabinho today to try and protect the back 4 better and keep the ball away from their forwards.
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