West Ham v Gillingham (A) FA Cup 3rd Round (05.01.20-KO 18:16) Match Thread
So here we go into the third round of the FA Cup. A competition Moyes says he is going to take seriously.
For me that means putting out a full strength squad.
Who will he select? Who Would you select?
For me that means putting out a full strength squad.
Who will he select? Who Would you select?
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Unless Martin is fit (and 100% fit with no worry at all).
Martin (if fit)
Johnson - Diop - Ogbonna - Masuaku
Lanzini - Rice - Coventry - Holland
Ajeti - Antonio
Press coverage suggests Martin Samuelson has had a good spell in Norway. So am hoping that the game goes well and he would get some tome on the pitch. Sorry, can't select Sanchez.
It is part of the mental health campaign ‘take a minute’, so all games kick off at a minute past their usual scheduled times.
Fabianski
Zabaleta - Balbuena - Diop - Masuaku
Snodgrass - Sanchez - Fornals - Lanzini
Anderson
Ajeti
I have rested players in positions I feel we cannot afford to lose to any sort of injury, given we are short of any sort of replacement (Fredericks, Ogbonna, Rice, Haller). Haller can be kept on the bench purely as we may need a striker in an emergency should we be behind.
Does show we really need a striker in January.
Whilst I agree with to a certain extent with - "I have rested players in positions I feel we cannot afford to lose to any sort of injury, given we are short of any sort of replacement"
I would start with our strongest line up which does include Fredericks, Ogbonna, Rice, Haller then once we are 2 goals up, sub them off.
We must start this game strong.
Balbuena and Rice played 90 minutes in every game. Fornals, Haller and Snodgrass played over 200 minutes. If anybody needs a rest I'd assume it's those few. Though, Snoddy did only play 28 minutes against Leicester, so could be alright.
That being the case, here's my team:
Fabianski; Fredericks Balbuena Diop Masuaku; Anderson Noble Snodgrass Holland; Lanzini; Ajeti
That back four has been some people's preferred 4 at points this season. The big weakness (possibly?) is Ajeti, but he's here and we should be trying to use him in games like this, surely?!
If you don't mind, I'm going to share your stats on Twitter. Do you have a Twitter handle, and would you like me to add it to the post?
(Alderz, may if he wishes, fill in the relevant minutes played
He has been playing at Haugesund in Norway and also played in the Norwegian cup final https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2019/december/09-december/loan-watch-cup-final-heartbreak-samuelsen
Here is more about his return to West Ham
https://www.insidefutbol.com/2020/01/02/wanted-to-keep-him-haugesund-sporting-director-confirms-end-of-west-ham-stars-loan/447340/
Interesting that the Haugesund director says that they were unable to keep him due to interest from elsewhere. Sounds like he'll be off again.
Rice, for example, must play as should Ogbona & Haller.
That would be more astonishing than the parting of the red sea or that business with a few loaves of bread feeding 5,000.
Fabianski must start, he has only just come back so hardly needing a rest and Martin stepped up wonderfully regard attitude and was a complete credit to himself, his Dad and the club, and for me his emotion at the end of the Chelsea match will be a highlight of the season, but he is not Fabianski and we need Fab in goal.
“We just need to see about getting him some game time. He’s been a first team player and, if I could get Winston an opportunity, it would be good to find out how he’s doing.”
Nice words from Moyes on Winston. I kinda think the decision to sack Pellegrini may mean Reid has a bit more chance of a future, as the rumour was Pelle was looking to move him on. Moyes will know how good he can be from his time before.