KI Sung-Yueng is a shock contender to start in central defence when Swansea City face Bradford City in the Capital One Cup final.
Michael Laudrup had been expected to choose between club skipper Garry Monk and promising youngster Kyle Bartley after losing regular first-choice Chico Flores to injury.
But the Evening Post understands he may surprise everyone by playing midfielder Ki alongside Ashley Williams.
That would be a brave call given that Ki's experience of playing in defence is minimal.
The South Korean international was switched to centre-back for the last 35 minutes of Swansea's 3-0 defeat by Everton at the Liberty Stadium back in September — but his experience in the position is limited.
Ki then started as a makeshift centre-back in the Capital One Cup victory at Crawley three days later, but he has since been back in his regular midfield role.
Yet Laudrup could now turn to the £5.5 million former Celtic star to fill the gap left by Flores.
Monk and Bartley both started at Liverpool last weekend, and it appears the duo may have paid the price for Swansea's 5-0 thrashing.
Monk has played more than 300 games at the heart of the back four, while ex-Arsenal man Bartley is also a specialist in the position.
But both those players may be left watching on when Swansea walk out at Wembley tomorrow afternoon.
Monk's possible absence means Williams will captain Laudrup's side, while Jonathan de Guzman is expected to play alongside Leon Britton at the base of midfield.
Laudrup is then thought likely to field Nathan Dyer, Pablo Hernandez and Wayne Routledge behind Michu, a ploy which worked so well against Queens Park Rangers a fortnight ago.
Laudrup has confirmed that Gerhard Tremmel will continue in goal, having been Swansea's choice between the posts throughout their run to Wembley.
"This is a special game for my players," said the Swansea boss.
"Some of them have played in some huge games, but this is something extra.
"Whether they have been here for many years or only for one or two seasons, they are all looking forward to it."
