I took a look at their bench. they only have 1 midfielder dressed on the bench, some young guy Coventry with all of one Prem appearance in his career. They are paper thin at the moment and have dressed 3 keepers. I suppose until Ward-Prowse and E Alvarez become available they don't have much choice. I can't imagine with their lack of depth they couldn't stand to add a Kalvin Phillips. They were about to get McTominay until recently.That's the argument. Moyes plays them to make a point about his authority on picking the team. He knows full well it's being watched. That's the kind of guy he is and that's his approach.
In what way? Where is it written? They won't exercise it because that could be a huge problem.
The chances of a serious injury are low and the club has various forms of insurance. Moyes knows his authority matters and considers it a professional judgement - the club benefits from the player turning out. Or the board can pick a fight. They won't, they will trust Moyes. He's sold a lot of players to bigger clubs down the years.
I'll change my stance to today's line up having no bearing on whether Paqueta comes or not...: )