Gianfranco Zola has a few selection headaches today, as the Hammers look to get their second away win of the season away to Sunderland. With Scott Parker injured, it would seem a done deal for Diamanti to come in and replace him in a 4-4-2 lineup. But is that too attacking a midfield for an away game. More likely is the return of Radoslav Kovac, I suspect, with Diamanti slotting in alongside Cole up front. This would mean Zavon Hines remaining on the bench. This would seem unfair bearing in mind his performance last week, when he played a part in both West Ham goals.
West Ham have a reasonable record against Sunderland with four wins and a draw in the last seven games. Make no mistake, we need to get a win out of this game to start our ascent up the table. If we can get seven points out of the next three games, in 9 days we could be in mid table within 9 days.
So, this is the team I suspexct Zola will pick…
Green, Spector, Upson, Tomkins, Ilunga, Collison, Behrami, Kovac, Noble, Diamanti, Cole.
I'd rather see Noble taking on Parker's role, since I think that's his best position anyway, and I still rate a knackered Noble over Kovac. Diamanti to start at the top of the diamond/in the hole, with Hines and Cole up front. Spector to start again ahead of Faubert, rest of the side picks itself and 3 points here we come.
COYI!!!
PS Stream link anyone?
Come on You Irons!
iain, Isnt Parker suspended and Dyer injured ?? Whatever they are out of the squad and GZ has a few decisions to make on the back of last weeks comeback draw/win against Arsenal. despite BBC Hansen giving Sunderland a victory I predict 1-2 to us as we did last year 0-1. I just hope that the ghouls and Ghosties ware on our side in todays game. Lol!
What has happened to the Wizard Jimenez he could make a few things happen on Halloween!
Not sure about Jiminez i think that he had a few niggles last wk as was why he did not play but hopefully he may be on the bench at least for GZ awayday
mix
Personally, I'd stick Diamanti in front of a 3 man midfield and drop Noble! Then stick Hines (or manybe Franco) up front with Cole!
I'm in 2 minds about this game, if Bent plays. him and Jones will cause us lots of problems and our defense will need to be on form, especially TinkaTonka and Illunga!
Hmmmmmm, 1-2 to us is what my brain says but my heart is saying a draw!
Matt In answer to your question on the previous thread perhaps CH is trying to workout how he can buy the Hammers without putting up any money. Lol!
Ashton is a mystery but as its Halloween perhaps we can have him on the field of play in spirit.
1-2 and 3points to us.
I think spirit is all we will see for a long long time! Just the thought oof him now, reminds me of spirit! Now, where's that whiskey????
Matt I would play Zola Fowler if they were 20 years younger, Kapow!
This is off topic as it's an away game today but this story seems to confirm everything we ever thought about police incompetence at Upton Park.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8335331…
This story is in todays Sun and was reported by Loftyon previous thread. I suggested that the unrest and running on to the pitch was Paramount making pt2 and that with this evidence the FA would find us not guilty and let us all charges.
Lofty reckons they will give us a BAFTA. Lol!
How embarrassing for the Police.
You have to laugh!
Iain mate, Parker isn't injured, he's suspended fron the red card against Arsenal I do believe, but I could be wrong! It has been known! lol
Green
Behrami Tomka Upson Ilunga
Diamanti Kovac Collison Stanislas
Cole Hines
Go for 3!
I think GZ will keep Hines on the bench for a burst of energy on the second half, and will start with Franco again. I agree with Daveip that Noble would be better than Kovac but I think we know what's going to happen there! COYI!
I can see Franco starting again, and either Noble or Kovac not starting.
Green
Spector Tomkins Upson Ilunga
Behrami Noble/Kovac Collison Diamanti
Franco Cole
Green
Spector, Thomkins, Upson, Ilunga
Behrami, Noble (sitting – not literally but some might say he might as well of late), Collison, Jiminez
Franco, Cole
Hines and Diamanti to come on as impact players.
Green
Spector, Upson, Tomkins, Ilunga
Collison, Behrami, Stan
Diamanti
Cole, Hines/Franco
That's what I would LIKE to see!
I've posted this before but this is the appropriate place. Kovac should be let nowhere near the starting line up and I would also prefer a below par Noble holding to him. However, the best line up would be:
Green
Spector
Upson
Tomkins
Gabbidon
Behrami (holding)
Stanislas
Collison
Diamanti (hole)
Hines
Cole
I would have no problem with Franco starting and Hines coming on.
On reflection Devo that looks better balanced than what I put forward. I also think that Ilunga needs a little kick up the backside to get him going. I take it you'd have Gabbs at L back? Also Stan for Nobes and Behrami holding's not a bad shout other than Behrami has tended to put his best shifts in on the right.
Yes, Goaty, Gabbs at LB. I'm not too convinced with Ilunga's positioning at the moment, he was also at fault for Gallas' goal – not even putting in a jump!
Behrami is an intelligent player who I believe could play anywhere asked. Again, I wouldn't have a major problem with Noble holding, but he doesn't cover the ground as quick as Behrami or Parker.
I just hope & prey GZ doesn't plump for Kovac.
Yep – more work for Nobes to do before he can properly cut it at this level and, you're right, his work-rate is one of those areas where he could make the biggest improvement.
I'm optimistic about today despite the blow of losing Parker to that stupid decision last Sunday. They've got to change the rules so that two yellows can be appealed.
I see Tottenham are 2 down at HT. Wonder if Arsenal are going to chuck it away again.
DevoDevo, I would go with that line up.
I'm also going to ask the Missus to get me the "Devo, Bonzo, Sir Trev" t-shirt for Christmas.
Nice team exceppt for Gabs!
I'd like to see Ilunga in there! He is a GREAT player, just hasn't hit form this season for some reason! I just think he needs some confidence and the only way to get that is to play and win games!
We all know how we feel about todays lineup let us hope that GZ is also in the same frame of mind and picks the right 11. As for Kovac I feel that he will be in for Parker based on previous GZ selection when Parker was out.
alright everyone! just woke up, late night, lol, I like the team Iain laid out and can see us winning, probably 2-1 to the Irons, not garunteed but hopefully the hammers can build on there good work after the draw against Arsenal, Cm ‘on u Irons!
Any live stream out there!!?
oh yes, spuds losing, lol, just about starting my day, lol
alright matt, lol, I agree with you, havnt really seen Ilunga this season for some reason, but I do think would ideal,
sorry, messed the text up, lol, I think Gabbidon would be ideal
lol, has definitely started my day, spuds losing 3 nil, hahaha
any streams????????
any streams or news yet
streams, scores?????