West Ham v Manchester City Preview

Well, we didn't quite recover against Boro did we?  Very disappointing, we don't seem to like the cameras very much do we?  Thankfully we seem to have a bit of a televisual break.  There were various things wrong last night and I pointed these out in the half time post.  Di Michele played a couple of loose balls when he came on but he still looked alot more dangerous than Sears.  Collison looked as if he knew where to play and wanted something to happen.  Like I said, I'm not going to have a go at Kovac at all, I just think it was the wrong game to blood him in.

Worst thing is, we're going to have an even sterner test on Sunday against City.  They have blown hot and cold of late, but with Robinho and Bellamy we better be awake and alive to their threats.  I don't think we've been found out as some have suggested, I think a combination of tired legs, players carrying knocks (Cole. Behrami), losing Collins and a lack of fringe quality have come to haunt us.  But we're going to have be both resilient and positive to break City down.

Okay, here's my team;

Green

Illunga - Upson - Tomkins - Neill

Savio - Spector - Parker - Behrami

Cole - Di Michele

Bench: Lastuvka, Noble, Boa-Morte, Kovac, Tristan, Sears, Collison

We spent no small amount on Savio and I think we have saved him enough.  I've been impressed with his touches when he as come on and some pace on the break will serve us well against City who will be looking to spring us in the same way.  I would attach Spector onto Stephen Ireland to shackle him and give Parker some space to drive forward.  Nothing wrong with Noble's performances of late, I just think we need to nullify City's threats.

So, a win at home followed by United tonking Spurs in the Carling Cup please lord.  I've been a good boy this week and helped old ladies across the street, please make it happen!  Actually, I can see a 1-1 at Upton Park, either way, come on you Irons!!!!

Comments

[E1]

Collison to start instead of spector and kovac along side upson we need experience for this one IMHO.
Nobles suspended

[aardvark]

but whatever happens at wembley and how superior everyone gets about the carling cup - it's still a wembley final - and one of only 2 bits of silverware that west ham will ever have a realistic hope of winning

so i'd imagine lots of west ham fans would love them to be in spurs place right now - underdogs yes but still playing a cup final

[Paul]

I agree: Collison instead of Spector in midfield: a wide diamond formation, with emphasis on width. A little aggression up front; nice flicks from Di Michele and Savio probing and frustrating...Bellamy to break a leg...in the theatrical sense of course.

[Free sports picks]

Hehe, West Ham have won this match. That was great victory. 1-0. Real soccer result.