The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 23

Gameweek 23 is a sliding doors moment in my season. Everything now hinges on Alvaro Morata.

Fitting snugly into the current template, it seems that the Chelsea striker is my only real differential in play against those packed around me. In truth, that’s because they have been wise enough to give up and move on.

It feels like I’m putting off the inevitable. Much as I’ve convinced myself that Morata can still deliver, I have to face the prospect that a fourth successive blank in all competitions would likely make his selection untenable.

By banking my transfer this week, I’m almost prepping his p45.

I’d be able to make the switch to Sergio Aguero in two free moves. I’d have to sacrifice Son Heung-min, but would gain an obvious captain differential for Gameweeks 24 and 25 – and in the quest to gain traction and break the top 10,000, that could be vital.

But I really don’t want the upheaval.

I’ve put my team through an excessive, hit-strewn Christmas and, still drunk on multiple transfers, I crave a “dry January”.

My squad doesn’t require a New Year makeover; there’s no unwanted flab for Davina to burn off. It ticks the boxes in all areas except one: Morata needs to deliver as a second striker.

There is no denying his woeful lack of form. The five big chances against Stoke City and Arsenal should have produced two or three goals, arguably more.

However, Morata has still been involved in 47% of Chelsea’s goals when on the pitch – better than any team-mate – so if they continue to score, I have to expect a change in fortunes.

Today he’ll face a Leicester City defence with the worst clean sheet record on the road and with Daniel Amartey and Aleksandar Dragovic in their back four. The Foxes have conceded more crosses and chances from the right side of defence than any other team, a flank patrolled by Marcos Alonso and often Eden Hazard. Morata will surely get opportunities.

A goal would be enough to convince me to sit tight. With four favourable fixtures to come and assured starts, Morata would have a lot going for him.

However, I’ve spent much of the season apologising for one expensive striker. Now I’ve moved to the next, and it already feels a more difficult case to win. I was convinced on Harry Kane; I’ve always been riddled with doubts on Morata.

But now I rely on him to inspire a green arrow. Most of all I’m hoping he can do enough so I can retain my sobriety and keep the hits and big decisions locked up, at least until February.