It’s another ‘must win’ game this Saturday as the Hammers travel to the Potteries for a tricky fixture against Stoke. Last season’s surprise victory up there was one of my favourite performances. We battled and battled hard and the days of us being a soft touch up north seemed light years away. Our start to the season has implied those days will soon be back with us, and not even subject to geography. The last minute equaliser against Fulham was very important from a psychological point of view and I hope it’s reminded the players they need to put in for 90 minutes.
As for Stoke, their start has been okay, they have been beaten at home by Man United and Chelsea, but they have seen off Sunderland and Burnley. They are a physical and well organised team and we certainly need to be up for it to beat them.
As for the team, please, please can we have 442 Mr Zola? Behrami looked to have lost none of his quality when he came on against Fulham, it would be great if he was ready to start. Some have said we need to the tall players like Kovac and Tomkins for this one, to be honest, if players are good enough, they are tall enough. Steve Potts is a great example of this, he used to have Les Ferdinand in his pocket. So, my team is;
Green
Illunga – Upson – Gabbidon – Faubert
Stanislas – Kovac – Behrami – Diamanti
Cole – Baked Beans
Bench: Kurucz, Noble, Tomkins, Kovac, Spector, Nouble, Dyer
Parker sits in front of the defence and Behrami is the attacking midfielder. Stan gives us some natural width and Diamanti can drift in when on the attack for more of a 433 forward.
Key Player: Behrami’s return can make a real difference for us
Key opponent: Let’s hope Matthew Etherington is feeling sentimental and has a quiet one
Prediction: I think we will see some blood and thunder from the Hammers and a 2-1 victory is on the cards.
Come on you Irons!!!
Update: Thanks to Stevo for reminding me Parker is suspended, must be the quickest 5 yelow suspension ever! I have placed Mr Kovac in to replace him.
Is Parker suspended for this one?
Posted by: Stevo | 15/10/2009 at 14:16
Stoke City - 4 west ham united - 0
Posted by: Jurgen | 15/10/2009 at 17:49
I note Franco played 86 minutes for Mexico against El Salvador in last Saturday's 4-1 win. They qualfied after this victory and he appeared to be rested (not even on the bench) for the Wednesday draw against Trinidad and Tobago. 86 minutes in Mexico City at altitude could mean he is ready for Saturday (except for the temp difference!)?
Posted by: ANB | 16/10/2009 at 12:19