Next up for the Hammers, a trip to Watford. I was going to say ‘a trip across the capital’ but I’m not sure if Watford is considered part of London or not? According to my ever-reliable source for English geography, Wikipedia, it’s a town and borough in Hertfordshire but who really cares!
West Ham are on the search for their first 3 points of the season, hopefully this is the chance. Our last visit to Vicarage Road returned a 4-1 victory on the last game of the season with goals from Noble (2), Lanzini & Arnautovic (Booo!)
TEAM NEWS
The good news for this week is the return of Mark Noble, Felipe Anderson and Sebastien Haller from injury. Three players we badly miss when they are not available.
The even better news, however, is that Troy Deeney will not feature against the Hammers. He maybe doesn’t score all the time against us, but he is a pain in the ass & has scored in 2 of our last 3 defeats to them.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
First things first, Balbuena better be back in the side. I was very surprised to see him relegated to the bench last week. In my opinion he is our most important defender, he organises and leads the back four. Diop ups his game when he is along side Balbuena. And with team captain Mark Noble back from injury, I would expect Ogbonna to give up his captaincy and also his place in the side.
In midfield, as I said, Noble is back from injury, and therefore, he must go straight back in at the expense of Wilshere. I have no idea what is going on at the minute. Rice doesn’t appear to be at his extremely high standard. Perhaps that’s unfair. He is still more than likely the first name on the team sheet, but he isn’t at the level he was consistently at last season. Is that because he hasn’t had Noble in there with him? Probably.
Don’t get me wrong, Wilshere is a different level ability wise to Noble, but we can’t underestimate how important Mark Noble’s work rate, leadership and determination is to our side, especially when the going gets tough. And its been pretty tough the last two weeks!
Up front, we have a returning Haller who I would expect to lead the line. Antonio must also keep his place, we need his strength and directness, and dare I say it, he is almost back to best.
My line-up for tomorrow is:
Not sure what my plans are for tomorrow’s match. All I know is that I will be making sure I watch it. Although with Watford yet to get a point, let alone a goal, can only mean one thing – cue West Ham! That decides it, it’s the pub for me! At least alcohol can soften the blow!
COYI!
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