It’s been an unsettling week with our two defeats against Everton resulting in this match having even more importance attached to it. I’m old enough to remember the old adage that West Ham used to go down with the Christmas Decorations, let’s hope we are not falling into a premature decline.
Middlesbrough are a team that appear to be hitting their purple patch, a home victory over Arsenal was an excellent result. However, having been in that situation ourselves, we know that the confidence is always fragile and an early lead and bit of frustration for the home side can lead to a collapse.
As for the team, at the moment it’s about who is fit to turn up. An ideal back four of McCartney, Upson, Gabbidon and Neil will need to keep Tuncay Sanli in check. If Gabbidon is not fit then Collins will need to replace him. In the middle, I’d like to try Ljungberg/Etherington, Parker, Noble and Solano. With Cole out suspended, I’d go LBM and Deano up front, can be switched with Ljungberg if necessary. Camara on the bench as a replacement if this doesn’t work. England’s number one in goal of course.
As for the result, let’s have some Christmas optimism and go for 2-1 away win to the Hammers. Coral will give you 10-1 for such rose tinted belief and as ever will kindly give you you a free £10 bet to set you on your way by clicking the image below. Come on you irons!
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