With 3 of our 4 league games having been played away, it’s nice to get back to Upton Park this Saturday with a tough test against Liverpool. Having been steamrollered 3-0 by them towards the end of last season in what was possibly our worst performance, it will be good to show that some progress has been made and we get a result.
I’m lead to believe we have a pretty much full squad to pick from, Ashton and LBM being the only exceptions. This represents an interesting challenge for Zola, especially as firepower is what we have been lacking. I’d expect Frankie Z to ring the changes for this one.
As for the Pool, after a shaky start, they have found a bit of rhythm and are starting to win games. They weren’t great in midweek in Europe and hopefully a few legs will be tired. Either way, we will have to put the shackles on Gerrard and Torres if we are to get anything from this.
So, the starting line up, tough one, let’s go with....
Green
Illunga – Upson – Tomkins – Faubert
Collison – Parker – Noble– Behrami
Diamanti Cole
Bench: Kurucz, Spector, Gabbidon, Kovac, Nouble, Jiminez and Dyer
Tricky, tricky one and the biggest issue is whether to play Jiminez or Diamanti. I chopped and changed it a few times, as Jiminez could keep some of the Liverpool midfield occupied by floating in between the middle of the park and attack. However, I think the presence of Diamanti will give everyone a lift if nothing else and give us a goal threat against a stubborn Liverpool defence. You could also include Kovac and ask him to a do a job on Gerrard, but I don’t like him partnering with Parker so Noble gets the edge. Whether new signing Franco is match fit is another question, hence I’ve left him out for this one. I’m quite excited about Behrami and Faubert linking up together on the right.
What is interesting is that when we have a fit squad, the youngsters can very quickly find themselves squeezed out. There’s a case for Hine on the bench. But Stanislas will find Collison and Dyer in front of him and other up-coming hopefuls such as Payne and N’Gala will have to wait to the physio room gets busy. But it’s good to see some depth to the squad.
Key Player for the Hammers: Would love to see DIAMANTI shine on his Upton Park debut
Key Scouser: Stop GERRARD playing and you stop Liverpool playing, let him play and live with the consequences
Prediction: Tough one this, my heart says 2-0 to the Hammers with Cole and Diamanti getting on the scoresheet, my head says 2-1 to the Reds in a hard fought game. Either way, hope the Hammers do us proud, come on you Irons!
Comments