The Hammers travel to Wigan on Saturday for another North-West away game. I'd hope for a more open game than the one at Blackburn and am sure it will be, as Sam Allardyce is not involved and I'd like to think Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has a bit more of a football the way it should be played type philosophy.
Having said that, the game up there last year was a very physical affair, with Collison getting badly injured and Parker getting kicked from pillar to post. However, we won the game with a wonderfully crafted goal and I hope we can repeat that again this season.
Wigan started the season surprising everyone with a 2-0 win at Villa, since then however, they have lost their last four games on the trot including a 4-1 smacking at Blackpool in the Carling Cup, so riding high on confidence they are not. Their team sheet is not one that really scares you, with the likes of Melchiott and Bramble at the back. For me, their biggest danger man is N'Zogbia, a decent enough player who can cause trouble out wide.
As for the Hammers, some changes in personnel mean we will all wait with bated breath as to who is in the line up. After scoring twice for the reserves, new signing Diamanti will be pushing for a start. I think an early goal will hit the confidence of the Latics and therefore we should go out with an aggresive formation. So my line up would be;
Green
Spector Upson Tomkins Faubert
Collison Parker Noble
Jiminez
Cole Diamanti
Bench: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Stanislas, Dyer, Behrami, Baked Beans and Kovac
This a strong attacking line up with a good defensive backbone. It will be interesting once Behrami is back and fully fit to see who will make way for him in midfield and whether Kovac can earn a regular place. I'd give Diamanti an hours run before given Hines or Dyer a shout in the supporting attacking role.
Key Player: Be interesting to see if Diamanti can shine on his debut...
Key Opponent: keep an eye on N'Zogbia's runs down the flanks
Prediction: This is one the Hammers could and should win. I'm going for Wigan 1 West Ham 3 with Cole, Parker and Diamanti on the scoresheet.
Come on you Irons!!!
I hope you're right with that score prediction, as we've got tickets for Saturday. Given the midweek thumping of the Brummy reserves and players returning to fitness, I can't help getting exited about what might happen. But after 40 years of ups and downs with the Hammers, I'm not going to start counting chickens. Maybe counting eggs is not too unlucky?
Posted by: John J | 10/09/2009 at 17:14