We have to approach it as must-win, based on the fact that if we were to take 21 points out of 21 we will finish in the Champions League. I think we all accept that 2-3 poor results between now & the end are going to see the end of our challenge. I still believe if we can take 6 points from the next four games, leaving the final 3, we could well do it. On that basis it allows us to lose to Chelsea, but we would need to beat two of Newcastle, Burnley, Everton.
I really do think, with potentially Antonio & Rice to return for the final 3, we could take maximum points from those final fixtures if none of those sides have anything to play for.
I was cursing, I got given a shift that starts at 1:23pm at Leytonstone so I wouldn't even see the first half
Then I found out there is engineering works, I don't get on a train until 3:17pm at Liverpool Street and they've given me almost 2 hours "travelling time" for a journey that will take me less than 45 minutes
I know we weren't great in the home game , but we did hit the bar twice and have a strong penalty shout for handball on the line. Things have been going our way more recently and hopefully that will continue today.
The good news is that if he decides to start both ASM & Wilson, they will both need to be replaced after 60 minutes, significantly weakening the side. I think we’ll see one of them start & the other on the bench. Bruce will also look at our last 3 games, & how we have been a first half side, & use ASM as an impact sub second half. I expect Wilson will start & ASM will be on the bench.
Hmmm, I can see why Moyes has done this, but, given Newcastle could be tough to break down, I don't feel Johnson offers enough going forward from LWB. It's nothing against him as a player, it's his wrong side and he struggles to have much impact offensively from there imo.
Hmmm, I can see why Moyes has done this, but, given Newcastle could be tough to break down, I don't feel Johnson offers enough going forward from LWB. It's nothing against him as a player, it's his wrong side and he struggles to have much impact offensively from there imo.
Yeah a bolder call would have been a back four with Johnson at LB, Ogbonna & Dawson in the middle & then Benrahma as a more attacking option.
Hmmm, I can see why Moyes has done this, but, given Newcastle could be tough to break down, I don't feel Johnson offers enough going forward from LWB. It's nothing against him as a player, it's his wrong side and he struggles to have much impact offensively from there imo.
Yeah a bolder call would have been a back four with Johnson at LB, Ogbonna & Dawson in the middle & then Benrahma as a more attacking option.
More sensible as well, I think. Johnson looks so much more comfortable in a back 4 in my opinion. I think he might end up having to change this one at half time but let's see.
West Ham United: Fabianski, Coufal, Diop, Dawson, Ogbonna, Johnson, Noble (c), Soucek, Fornals, Lingard, Bowen Subs: Trott (GK), Martin (GK), Alves, Balbuena, Fredericks, Coventry, Lanzini, Yarmolenko, Benrahma
It is a defensive team which might pinch a goal on the break or from a set piece. The Loss of Cresswell and Masuaka blunts attacking possibilities of the left. Johnson rarely crosses the ball with his left foot and match Masuaku's dribbling skills. I guess if we go behind, Moyes will need to change the formation.
I’m struggling to see how that side breaks down a side that’s going to put men behind the ball. I don’t like 3 CB’s in a back 3 & Johnson doesn’t work as a LWB.
Comments
I really do think, with potentially Antonio & Rice to return for the final 3, we could take maximum points from those final fixtures if none of those sides have anything to play for.
Then I found out there is engineering works, I don't get on a train until 3:17pm at Liverpool Street and they've given me almost 2 hours "travelling time" for a journey that will take me less than 45 minutes
It's an omen, we will win!
Fabianski
Dawson - Ogbonna - Diop
Coufal - Souček - Noble - Masuaku
Fornals
Bowen - Lingard
Is looking the likely side.
23Diop
15Dawson
21Ogbonna
5Coufal
16Noble
28Soucek
31Johnson
18Fornals
20Bowen
11Lingard
Substitutes
4Balbuena
7Yarmolenko
9Benrahma
10Lanzini
14Alves
24Fredericks
25Martin
34Trott
54Coventry
Moyes did refer to some unspecified 'bumps and bruises' so hopefully it's just a knock for Arthur.
Callum Wilson and Andy Carroll on the bench
West Ham United: Fabianski, Coufal, Diop, Dawson, Ogbonna, Johnson, Noble (c), Soucek, Fornals, Lingard, Bowen
Subs: Trott (GK), Martin (GK), Alves, Balbuena, Fredericks, Coventry, Lanzini, Yarmolenko, Benrahma
It is a defensive team which might pinch a goal on the break or from a set piece. The Loss of Cresswell and Masuaka blunts attacking possibilities of the left. Johnson rarely crosses the ball with his left foot and match Masuaku's dribbling skills. I guess if we go behind, Moyes will need to change the formation.
Anyway, hopefully a solid 0-1.