West Ham United Blog

Aston Villa v West Ham preview

With all the talk of takeovers, it’s hard to believe there is actually a football match this weekend, and an important one at that.  We’re live on Sky against the Villa and it will be interesting to see what momentum we have following the decent performances against Chelsea, Pompey and the Gunners in recent weeks.

While Villa are a very good side on a good run at the moment, I’ve got a funny feeling about getting a result here.  We may have to rely on some youth but mixed in with some experienced players, we can give them a good game.

Team news is a little vague from the club at the moment, message seems to be Franco and Illunga are the most likely to miss out whereas Parker and Noble are nearing fitness.  The boy Daprela certainly impressed at left back against Arsenal and Nouble deserves another run out, maybe away from home he will feel less pressure.  I still like the idea of giving Faubert a run in midfield, he can double up with Spector on Young and also offer an attacking threat.  I love Parker, but if he is not fit, let’s not risk him for this one, we have quite a few games coming up and i’d rather he was ready for a run rather than a few appearances.

Green

Daprela – Upson – Tomkins – Spector

Collison – Kovac – Behrami – Faubert

Diamanti

Nouble

Bench:  Kurucz, Jiminez, Stanislas, Da Costa, Payne, Parker and Lee

There is no doubt Villa are a tough proposition but they do occasionally blow a bit cold, if we can catch them on an off day, we can get a draw at least, I’m going for a 2-2 Sunday lunchtime thriller.  Sky Bet will give you 22-1 for that result and a free £10 bet when you bet £10, could be a nice return, bet below now....and come you Irons!

West Ham v Wolves Preview

We've had a number of important games this season, but this one really feels like a must win, as the matches against Burnley and Portsmouth were, and if we can do to Wolves what we did to them, I'll be more than happy.  If other results go our way, this game could see us up to 13th which will be a massive pscyhological boost for the club.

I've not had the chance to post since the Arsenal game.  To be honest, I think it all went to plan!  We saw a few youngsters, played well and can now concenntrate on the league, job done.  Of the youngsters, there were two main ones on show.  Fabio Daprela at left back really impressed me.  He had the confidence to go forward and also covered well at the back.  He is also quite big for a full back which I like to see, it can make it harder for the winger to beat the back with a cross if he has the height.  I would have no hesitation in playing Fabio on Sunday in the place of the injured/out of form Illunga.  Frank Nouble was the name people were possibly more interested in seeing.  Frank is a raw, young talent that will need nurturing.  He has the strength and pace and reminded more of Heksey than of Cole. His was not the most impressive debut but he was up against Champions League quality defending and will learn from the experience.

So, my starting eleven for Sunday (live on Sky) goes like this;

Green

Daprela - Upson - Tomkins - Faubert

Collison - Parker - Kovac - Behrami

Diamanti

Franco

Bench: Kurucz, Stanislas, Noble, Nouble, Da Costa, Spector and Edgars

Have to say Kovac and Faubert have come in for a lost of criticism in the past from myself and other fans, but they were both excellent on Sunday and have shown real improvement.  Diamanti can cuase some havoc floating behing franco who could do with the support.  Not sure if Cole is ready for bench warming as yet, but if he then obviously he gets a place there.

Be good for the lads to really launch the New Year with a good result here, I'm going for a 3-0 win to the Hammers, let's hope we put on a good show.

Come on you Irons!!!

Hull City v West Ham preview

Thankfully the Premier League is back this weekend and the Hammers can get back to business with a trip to Hull City. 

The Tigers were something of a crisis club but a fortnight ago, however a 2-1 win against Stoke on the day we fell to Everton gave them and their under pressure manager Phil Brown some much needed breathing space.  They remain a vulnerable team who we must have a real go at.

The two week break allows those with knocks to come back into shape and I expect a pretty full squad for Zola to pick from, although Stanislas and Tomkins may struggle and Illunga is touch and go.   We’ve definitely got to go strong and put Hull under pressure, an early goal could really knock the stuffing out of them, therefore I want to see an attacking line up.  Although we lost against Everton, it was still a decent performance and unfortunately I think Mr Noble has to remain on the bench.  My other wish is to see Mr Diamanti start, he is the kind of player Hull will hate to play against and will draw them away from their game plan.  So, my line up...

Green

Illunga – Upson – Da Costa – Spector

Collison – Parker – Behrami – Diamanti

Cole – Franco

Bench: Kurucz, Noble, Kovac, Tomkins, Stanislas, Hines and Faubert

This is the strongest starting eleven we have right now and we can cause Hull some real problems if we are on form.

Key man – The return of Carlton Cole is massive for us, he’ll be aching to get back into action and I can see him scoring this weekend

Key opponent – Jimmy Bullard is set to return for Hull and could be looking to get one over his old club

Prediction – I’m feeling confident about this one and I think a 3-1 win to the Hammers is on the cards, with Cole and Diamanti running the show.  Come on you Irons!!!

PS Don't forget to buy your West Ham Christmas Gifts

West Ham v Aston Villa Preview

So it would seem to make sense to go over Sunderland and preview the Villa game in the same post today.  For those who have been going to Upton Park in terms of decades rather than years, like myself, they’ll know that the Hammers not knowing how to play against 10 men is not exactly a new phenomenon.  I can’t think of an example where the opposition were down to ten and we then proceeded to rip them apart.  In fact, I think a player going off is now the worst thing that can happen to us, so if Richard Dunne hauls down Cole as the last defender on Wednesday, I hope you’ll all join me in a chorus of ‘on, on, on, on, on’ and ensure we keep 11 v 11.

It was certainly disappointing to draw at the Stadium of Sh*te, but we also have to admit we would have taken a point at 2.59 on Saturday afternoon.  Recoveries are often based on the notion of stop losing first and then start winning.  We’ve lost only one in the previous four, and this week we have the perfect opportunity to start the winning cycle.

First up are Aston Villa and an early return to Upton Park for the ginger Maldini in the form of James Collins.  I’m sure he will be given a warm welcome until he clears one off the line.  I don’t really mind Villa as a team and I usually have time for Martin O’Neill.  He is trying to build a team around young, English players and that’s always good to see.  They can play decent football but are certainly in the beatable category.

Kovac is suspended, no great loss there, although there is a rumour Parker has to serve an additional ban for his quick red, I don’t see any evidence of this on the Premier League suspended list.  Behrami is a slight doubt with a calf niggle, but I’ll assume for now he will play, so...

Green

Illunga – Tomkins – Upson – Spector

Collison – Parker – Behrami – Diamanti

Cole – Franco

Bench: Kurucz, Faubert, Hines, Stanislas, Da Costa, Noble, Jiminez

Mr Franco seems to be settling in quite well and has an eye for where the goal is.  I’ve already spoken about Noble and although he played better against Sunderland, I still think he needs a rest.  I also think having Diamanti on the pitch if only for his set pieces is crucial.  Sky have called it the ‘Set Piece League’ as that is where goals are coming from this season, and Diamanti’s delivery of these is superb.

Key Player:  Collison is getting back to some top form and can be a driving force for the win

Key opponent – He was so nearly a Hammmer, but Ashley Young will have to be marshalled carefully

Prediction – I’ve bottled it a bit the past couple of weeks, but I am feeling good about this one, so 3-1 to the Hammers with a floodlit atmosphere giving the Hammers a lift.  Come on you Irons!

Agree with my prediction?  Sky Bet will give you 25/1 for a 3-1 victory, click below for a free bet and make it a double celebration!

West Ham v Sunderland Match Preview

Having just about calmed down after Sunday’s entertainment, it’s another chance for the Hammers to prove they have turned the corner with a tough trip to the land of Mackems.  Our comeback against Fulham was followed by the damp squib against Stoke, so it would be good avoid defeat and push on for the two home games against Villa and Everton.

Sunderland themselves are a different proposition this year, the purchase of Darren Bent proving particularly astute.  I’m just left wondering what would have become of us had we signed him a couple of seasons back.  Still, at least he is doing the business for them and not Spurs.  They are a pretty strong proposition at home, but their last two results of a defeat at Birmingham and being dumped out of the Carling after 120 minutes might have had an effect on them.  In addition, there are a few injuries, including our own George McCartney, who is anything but a favourite up there.  Campbell seems to be a definite non starter and bent is touch and go, which good news for us.

As for the Hammers, red card magnet Parker is out for this one, so it’s a simple swap with Kovac for me.  After their impressive cameos on Sunday, both Hines and Diamanti must start, and again Zola has got to give Noble a rest.  Here is my team;

Green

Illunga – Tomkins – Upson – Spector

Collison – Kovac – Behrami – Diamanti

Cole – Hines

Bench: Kurucz, Faubert, Franco, Noble, Da Costa, Stanislas, Dyer

Spector certainly did enough to earn another call up, it makes a big difference having a natural defender there and he will be need to do a job on Kieron Richardson who can be a threat down the wings.

Key Opponent: Kenwyne Jones seems to enjoy playing against us and we’ll do well to keep him quiet

Key Hammer: Diamanti can be a real driving force for us this season, let’s see if he fancies it on a cold day up north, unlike other mercurial Italians who have played for us.

Prediction: I reckon a bit of a scrappy affair, with the Hammers getting a bit of luck and nicking a 2-1 win.  Come on you Irons!!!

West Ham v Arsenal Preview

Perhaps someone thought we'd be part of the big four, as it's super dooper Sunday on Sky this weekend, but unfortunately we are 'repping' the bottom three rather than being part of the big boys party.  In only our fourth home game of the season, it's a big derby against Arsenal, and many Hammers fans seems nervous about this one.  Rather bizzarely, I'm feeling less so.  The one thing we have not been is trounced by anyway this season and only Man City have beaten us by more than one goal in the league.  This game is a perfect opportunity to show if we've got the fight in us or whether we are going to struggle with a whimper.  I'm more curious as to seeing if we are as bad as the results have gone or if we just need to turn the corner with a bit of luck.

We were in control of the Fulham and to some extent the Spurs games until mistakes let those teams back in it.  On Sunday, we must be focussed and everyone has to work very hard for each other.  There is no reason to doubt the team spirit at the moment in spite of the results and this game is a real test to see how strong it is.

As for Arsenal, they are a team I do always have time, unlike their neighbours down the Seven Sisters Road with whom we share a deep disdain of.  But some of their football over the years has been great to watch and they have some very talented players in the team.  Fortunately for us, one of them, Theo Walcott, will miss this one, but there is still plenty of pace and guile and the midfield will have to be well on top of Fabregas and Arshavin.

As for the team, I find it dis-heartening to read fans having a go at Diamanti already.  Even Behrami looked lost in his first few games, give the guy a break.  He only has Parker next to him in terms of fighting spirit and it's something we really need at the moment.  Once again I'd go 442 and see if Hines can give Gallas a bit of a run around.  So the line up would be;

Green

Illunga - Upson - Tomkins - Faubert

Collison - Parker - Behrami - Diamanti

Cole - Hines

Bench: Kurucz, Noble, Spector, Gabbidon, Stanislas, Jiminez, and Nouble

I think this is our best chance of doing some damage, but it's going to be a tough game.

Key Man: Collison could be suitably fired up for this one and back from his injury, he could have a key role

Key Opponent:  Quite a few to choose from but if we can keep Van Persie quiet, it may be our day

Prediction:  Wow, what a tough one, my head is thinking we could get mullered, Arsenal have dished out some serious beatings to the likes of Everton and Blackburn, and we will do well to avoid the same.  I'm pleading the fifth on this one!

It's going to be a tough weekend and it won't get much easier next weekend with a visit to the beach ballers, I hope we can come away with our pride in-tact, come on you Irons!!!!!!!

Stoke City v West Ham Preview

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.

Blackburn Rovers v West Ham preview

Well, it's been quite a week, but hopefully the focus can now turn to matters on the pitch.  But before we move on, I just hope the away faithful will be on their best behaviour this Saturday, the last thing we need is the wrong kind of headlines.  Games against Blackburn tend to be firm but fair and there is no reason for us to disgrace ourselves.

On to the game and Zola has some interesting selection issues following the game on Tuesday night.  With Hines and Stanislas making names for themselves and Nouble bursting with potential, it's nice to have some decisions to make.  My main thought however is that Jack Collison should be given a rest this weekend.  Grief has a strange way of ctaching up with you and I imagine the boy is emotionally shattered, even if he does not admit to it himself.  Zola and Clarke should put an arm round him, tell him to spend the weekend with his family and come back bright and breezy on Monday.

With that in mind, I think it should be 4-4-1-1 for us this weekend, in a similar way to how we lined up against Spurs.  So...

Green

Spector - Upson - Collins - Faubert

Stanislas - Parker - Dyer - Noble

Jiminez

Cole

Bench: Kurucz, Baked Beans, Kovac, Nouble, Gabbidon, Tomkins and Savio

I'm assuming Illunga is still out and that Dyer is back.  If not, we can expect to see Kovac in that Position.  Jiminez was impressive against Spurs and I think he can push on from that perfomance. #

As for Rovers, they are yet to win a game this season, having lost to Man City and Sunderland, so will be looking to turn round their fortunes.

Key player: Cole can't get all the goals, so we'll be looking for LUIS JIMINEZ  to start troubling the scorers

Key opponent:  Despite their start, Blackburn are quite a strong side and EL-HADJ DIOUF is usually a handful

Prediction: The boys put on some great performances on the road last season, and I'm feeling good about this one, so a hard fought 2-1 win to the Hammers.  Come on you Irons!

West Ham v Spurs Preview

No doubt you’ve already seen the updated facebook statuses and received the text messages regarding the temporary lofty position of our North London rivals.  And they wonder why they are one of the most disliked clubs in the Premier League.  To be fair they have started brightly, a narrow victory against a Liverpool team in disarray after the departure of Alonso and a victory at Hull who have not won at home in 2009, so hey, you can understand their excitement.

Whether West Ham benefit from a midweek break will remain to be seen.  It may have been nice to keep some momentum going after the fine performance at Wolves, but likewise the lads should be suitably refreshed and ready to rumble for this one.  The fitness test will be if we can perform to a high standard against Millwall a couple of days later, but I think Zola should use that game to blood a few youngsters.

As far as the team is concerned, James Tomkins should be back in the reckoning after serving the final game of his suspension.  Herita Illunga is expected to be fit, though we will get confirmation of that from the club tomorrow.  We don’t know if James Collins will even be at the club with Stoke still hovering, but for now let’s assume that he is.  Still, I think the pacier Tomkins should get the nod ahead of Collins as we seek to control an in-form Jermaine Defoe.  Apart from that, I’d line up as we did against Wanderers...

Green

Illunga – Tomkins – Upson – Faubert

Collison – Parker – Dyer – Noble

Jiminez

Cole

Bench: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Baked Beans, Spector, Savio, Stanislas and Kovac

Illunga will have to be alert to the runs of Lennon, whereas Faubert and Noble should have less of an issue with Modric as he tends to drift in a bit more.  In the middle, Parker and Dyer will need to get the better of tough tackling Palacios. 

Interestingly, Spurs keeper Gomes appeared to have damaged his thigh muscle last night, so Spurs could have Cudicini in goal, who has not greatly impressed on his few appearances for them.  Ledley King might be back, but Redk*app might start off with Crouch or Pavluychenko to partner Defoe up front, as he is going to have to start rotating to keep his players happy.

Key Player:   Noble – one of the local lads who knows what this game means to us, after a good start against Wolves, let’s hope Noble leads the troops for this one

Key Opponent: Former Hammer and blue lights fan Jermain Defoe has been on good form and we’ll need to keep an eye on him

Prediction: A very tough one to call this as Spurs have been a bit of a bogey side ever since they had lasagne for lunch and didn’t qualify for the Champions League and become the big club they have wet dreams about.  We will have to be in good form and really want this, but it won’t be easy.  I can see spoils being shared in a close 2-2 draw for this one.

Don’t let us down Hammers, come on you Irons!!!!!!!!

West Ham v Middlesbrough Preview

The fat lady is clearing her throat at Upton Park this weekend, as we approach the final game of the season.  Eyes will be on Upton Park, as our visitors Middlesbrough need a good result and for others to be defeated in order to avoid relegation.  To be honest, I feel a bit sorry for Gareth Southgate.  As managers go, he seems an honest one and does not spend too much time playing silly mind games and winding up refs.  However, I think Boro and the Barcodes will be Championship sides by the end of Sunday afternoon. 

Of course, Newcastle getting relegated fills me and most others with joy.  I slated them for getting rid of Allardyce, who then went on to save Blackburn.  Their latest messiah has not turned out to be that at all, they are finally getting the success their fans ‘deserve’, but it’s okay, they can blame the ‘cockney mafia’, hahaha.

West Ham team news – Cole to continue his comeback, Tomkins out suspended

Key man – Carlton Cole to finish off the season on a high

Middlesbrough team news – Downing out is a huge blow for them, Alves also to miss the match
Key man – Tuncay Sanli is a quality player and we should keep an eye on him, and then make a bid for him at the final whistle!

Anyway, on to Saturday’s game and I hope the Hammers go out with a bang rather than a whimper.  It would be nice to give someone a real thumping and with Cole and Collison back on the scene, no reason why we can’t.  Additionally, what a perfect opportunity to unleash Savio – no pressure on us, crown in good spirits, it really is time we got to see what this boy can do Frankie, so sort it out.  My line up....

Green

Illunga – Upson – Neill – Spector

Collison – Noble – Kovac – LBM

Cole – Savio

Bench: Lastuvka, Stanislas, Tristan, Reid, Payne, N’Gala, Sears

Really tough one to call.  If Boro get word that either the barcodes or the tigers are getting beaten, their tails could go up, but the opposite could also happen.  I can see them getting an early goal before heads go down and we come out 4-1 winners.  Come on West Ham, do it for pride and to send us into the Summer happy....oh and also the small chance that Spurs get hammered up at Liverpool and we finish above them!  For the last time this season.....Come on you Irons!!!!!!!!!!!!