I’m gutted I can’t be at today’s game. I drew the short straw and am having to represent my company at the Plaid Cymru conference in Cardiff today instead of cheering on the Happy Hammers to victory against Sunderland. Honestly, the things one has to do to keep house and home together nowadays.
It seems an absolute age since we last played a game. But one thing hasn’t changed – our injury situation, except for the fact that it has got much, much worse. In addition to Carlton Cole being sidelined for most of the rest of the season, there are worries today about Scott Parker and Radoslav Kovac, who took a knock in the Czech game in midweek. If either of those aren’t fit I suspect we could see one of the central defenders move into midfield, with James Collins being the most likely candidate. He came through the two Welsh games unscathed. But if he doesn’t come back in defence, the question is, will Zola restore him to the defence in place of Tomkins or Upson? An interesting selection dilemma. James Tomkins is in great form and deserves to keep his place.
Junior Stanislas is certainly pushing for a start following his hattrick against Chelsa. He would certainly be in my starting lineup.
Up front, I’d expect Tristan to start alongside Di Michele, even though if I had my way I wouldn’t let Tristan pull on a West Ham shirt again. The best thing to do would be for Zola to tell Freddie Sears that he will start the next eight games. It would boost his confidence no end.
Today also sees the return of Anton Ferdinand, Calum Davenport and George McCartney. I hope all three get a tremendous reception. They deserve to.
So, this is the team I expect to see, even if it isn’t the one I’d like to see.
Green
Upson
Ilunga
Neill
Collins
Parker
Kovac
Boa Morte
Noble
Di Michele
Tristan
Think of sitting on my stand in Cardiff, trying to keep up to date with the scores!
And don’t forget to come back sometime during the evening to give do the player ratings.
Personally I think he’ll just start with eleven players! Looks certain that Tristan and DDM will start but agree with you about Sears and I really hope Stanislas starts.
Good point!
Sorry to hear you are not going today Ian, unlike you i am
come on you irons!
Very right in your predicted starting line-up. I know Zola deffinately admires some of the youngsters coming through, but it seems he thinks they should be mainly making cameo appearances, rather than starting. Yet in these cameo appearances Savio and Stanislas have done great jobs (arguably deserving their starting place).
I’ve said this numerous times, but Savio was partially brought in as a replacement for Bellamy this season and as a star for the future, yet that first point isn’t obvious by the way he has been played. With Stanislas and Savio (and Hines/Bajner if they play), i would be confident in some goals being scored, however i’m not so sure with that predicted line-up. I hope Tristan, DDM and Boa rise to the occasion when we need it, and play their best games at westham to date.Zola said he put his trust in Tristan for this game, so i’m hoping it raises Diego’s confidence.
go the hammers!
As there is an article on the official web site about Tristan and how he will score I also expect him to start today. I believe that Tomkins will keep his place otherwise I agree with you on what the team will be for this afternoon. This side will keep things quite tight but not sure who will score the goals. Interesting who and when any of the following are introduced to make an impact Dyer, Savio, Sears or Stanislas.
My Line-up would be:
Green
Ilunga
Upson
Tomkins
Neill
Savio
Noble
Parker
Stanislas
Tristan
Sears
This team should definately beat Sunderland!
Di Michele needs to be dropped, his shots are awful. If he knows his place in the team is at risk he will start playing better.
I know Tristan hasnt been very good but he needs another chance.
2-0 West Ham
Tristan and Stanislas
Come On You Hammers!!!!!!
Tristan and Stanislas ay.
I’d be happy with Tristan, Stanislas, Savio, DDM and Boa Morte, that would sure silence
westham’s striking critics.
I posted my preferred team on the other thread, but it does appear that Zola intends to keep the faith with Tristan.
I would love to be proved wrong, but if that is the case I fear we will be in for a long afternoon.
Best case scenario? Hold onto the draw until we can unleash Dyer & Junior & savio(?)for some creativity and nick a late win.
I totally agree with you selection today, Has to be Tristan with DDM, Dyer for a second half run out!
I’d like Dyer Junior and Savio to get more than 20 minutes though. As previously when Savio and Stanislas have had their 20 minutes they provide alot of creativity and spark, and are constantly looking to set good plays up (against Man city Savio did this), but i feel that had they been given another 10 or so minutes a goal may have been scored.
No tristan zola please!!
we want pace on both wings but not LBM.
Wow my prediction was pretty close!
I got the right score – 2-0!!!
And Stanislas to score was right!!!
Good game today lads, keep it up!