This afternoon’s game is another six pointer which we really dare not contemplate losing. Win and we get to 27 points. Lose and we could plummet back down towards the relegation zone. Hopefully Jimmy Bullard’s return will not haunt us. He usually plays a blinder against us, and scores. I’m very optimistic that we will prevail and play well. Our lineup is by no means certain, with Ilunga missing again and McCarthy still out.
I would like to See Fabio Daprela get another chance to shine at left back. He made a fantastic debut in the Arsenal cup match and surely deserves another run out. However, Jonathan Spector has been improving and hasn’t really put a foot wrong recently so I expect he will get the nod over Daprela again.
Up front Zola’s dilemma is less clearcut. Franco is fit again after a month out and will be competing with Mido and Ilan for a starting place alongside Carlton Cole, who will surely play a key part in the game. My suspicion is that Mido will get the nod and we’ll see Franco come off the bench at some stage.
In midfield we still lack width, but I think the lineup will remain unchanged with Behrami, Kovac and Collison lining up alongside Parker. Personally I’d like to see Stanislas start in place of Kovac to provide some width.
I’ll settle for 2-0 and a Cole brace!
The dreaded ten men… we never do it, do we.
Get in there! against 10 men. We've been here before haven't we lads.
Let's make it count this time
I thought a bit harsh – have to say though I thought his first booking was nasty. It was a yellow but I've certainly seen far harsher reds.
My only concern now is Hull's diving. This seems to be their most prominent tactic with Hunt(who really is a little ratter) and Zaki- diving all over the place. Ridiculous dive just now to get parker a yellow.
Once they get a free-kick they will aim for the big lads of Van hesselink and Zaki
I just hope our lads don't make any rash challenges as this is clearly what Hull are trying for
Time for Franco to make way for Ilan, anyone?
I'd prefer Mido.
… he is cheaper, I'll give you that
what a great pass by Faubert… pure class!
He has now had 2 assists in 2 games!
This is why Zola must get time to get the whole team right, when you see what he has done with Faubert, Cole, Specs, Kovac amongst others you realise just how much this guy has to offer.
I know, it really winds me up when you get morons calling for him to go.
What a ball from Julian!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
what a pass by faubert
beautiful pass from faubet, nice touch from cole
what a ball Faubert. Happy happy hammer
Beautiful finish of a beautiful pass.
Carlton Cole! What a legend! If I ever find that Irish prat who said he was shite I will give him a piece of my mind!!
I laughed out loud reading this! haha
Yeah I'd thumbsdown the crap out of him
Celtic – I think it was the same bloke who used to slag off Specs!! Just got back from game and thought of you when Lower BM chanting Specs name – he is now there on merit
Franco has worked hard but looks tired. Hasn't had one of his best games I feel.
Time to bring Mido on now
2-0 come on lads
Tidy finish. YOU WON'T SEE A BETTER PASS THAN THAT THIS YEAR!! What an absolutely stunning pass from Faubert. He really is showing the class that we hoped for when we signed him
Looks like we all agree on that, then ;o)
Now, how about we just keep the ball and move them about the pitch a bit?
mido on -franco off . thats the CC we know calm as you like . carry on !
Fantastic from Faubert.
Who would have thought that Cole, Faubert and Boa Morte would ever have good games for us 2 years ago!!!
We have the luxury of bringing on Stanislas and Ilan now.
I really feel we have a chance to win the World Cup if we Carlton plays up front with Rooney. He really is a real threat for any defense- and unlike Heskey, he has pace, skill and can finish now
As an American I'm just hoping that Heskey starts the first match!
I wish John Terry had slept with his missus
And there we go! lol
Ilan coming on for Franco. that's interesting. I'm happy about that – want to see more of this lad
Doesnt Franco seem such a nice bloke you just want to buy him a Corona!
He'd probably prefer a Tecate. Very few Mexicans actually drink Corona lol
I will buy Zola a Cornetto… just one, though.
Graybo he can have my last Rolo!
Great reception for Franco when he went off. He must be doing a lot of work off the ball that we can't see on our screens, for that sort of adulation.
When was the last time you saw a triple substitution? Now is the time to press hard for another before they can reorganise!
I think Brown does that, doesn't he?
Anyone see that shot from Diamante!
Thats why he is allowed have a shot from wherever he likes!
that was a brillant effort diamanti is GOD
Crazy enough to take it and nearly good enough to score it.
And that one! Hes having a great game…
Results are going our way today. Table looks Good, looks like we are starting to move clear.
diamanti is really getting to grips with the league now, takes knocks gives them back ! COYI . is it me or is faubert a man possesed today ?
I think its a case of his improvement has now come so far that he really believes in what he can do and the fans are loving him for it. Slowly but surely players are finding the form that lets be honest few of us knew they had. Right time of the season to hit form too!
Yes, I think we forget how long it takes to get on the pace of this league. I was really encouraged to see he free-kick go in the other week, because up until then the keepers had all managed to get across and save. He's adding the pace and power necessary to keep his place, and for a full 90 minutes.
Have been texting since that second goal went in! Heading out for celebration drinks straight after full time whistle. If anyone wants my proxy for the player ratings give them all a 9, Diamanti a 10 and Upson a 6
Diamanti is a 7, because he's still pretty inconsistent. If we weren't two-up we'd be pulling our hair out with some of his passing. Upson hasn't put a foot wrong, has he?
He loses 2 points for not being a captain so I am marking him out of 8!
As for Diamanti he has been key to everything good we do, he just lifts the team
Ok, fair enough for Diamanti, I'd still not have a downer on Upson, though.
What happened to Gardner, i hope he is ok!
Something is torn or broken. Poor guy.
He llanded badly on his ankle after going for a header with Upson. Unfortunate
My Arabic commentator sounds quite sweet. He's really getting into it, although he can't say Barmby, for some reason.
He probably cant believe he is still playing! He is probably yelling at some production assistant that there is a mistake in his team sheet!
Time to put sentiment aside and really go for the throat for the last few minutes.
That'll do nicely
Faubert has a left foot? Who knew!
Would be nice to get another but another clean sheet would be great,that would be just 3 goals conceeded in the last 6 games,the defence really has got back on form and that really gives the team the confidence to go forward when the defence is tight.
Yes, I know it was easy for them today, but I think credit to Tomkins and Upson because they have really gone back to basics, which is what good defending should be all about
We're stayin up up up
We're staying up up up
We're staying up up up
What a great way to finish it. Full marks to Faubert. That one's for Mum!
Faubert
Le GGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL
You just want to give him a big hug, don't you?
You hug him and I will get the wine in!
(no tongues, though)
Brillant goal by faubet, made up for an earlier chance
Faubert . . . . brilliant!!!
West Ham goal of the season. He needed that goal, totally deserved.
GET IN THERE FAUBERT
oh, well, see you again, chaps. Nice to enjoy a win with you.
Fantastic day fellas
time to go drinking now
I mean this, its been a pleasure.
Will raise a glass to you all and annoy people by singing The Bubbles!
Hear hear!
Dahm right I was going to stay in and relax with my Fulham fan girlfriend but now I am off out drinking!!! Julian Faubert – -brilliant!!!
I said a few weeks ago Faubert was winning a few people over and becoming a bit of cult hero,well deserved did'nt see todays game but his constant improvement over the last few months has been a real bonus,a well deserved reward forthe effort he's put without doubt he's a first choice player now.well done mate!
COOOOOOOOMMMMMEEEE OOONNNNN YOUUU IRONS !
I have to say that the defence seems to have improved a hell of a lot and i think that is down to the confidence of both faubert and tomkins. Tomkins is looking like a player who has been around a lot longer. Faubert has learned to defend better or has at least learned that if you attack more you can win over fans, I think his improvements have needed Tomkins. The two are learning together and how the other plays. Upson was not an international quality defender and he hasn't been for weeks, he needs to commit his future and realise the fans deserve 100%. Both tomkins and Faubert should be proud today and in fact for their whole season.
I wont go onto the rest of the team but they look far more solid, a left footer on the left and a right footer on the right with 2 defensive central figures is the correct way forward. Cole is international quality and we need to progress next season to make him stay. Franco has been a revelation and plays above the level we all thought he qould be at.
i have to agree – but iam liking the tomkins upson pairing at the minute , for me when upson does leave in the summer as he thinks he's bigger than west ham and thinks he will bode well in a top 4-5 team (spuds written all over him !!) then we will be left with a younger upson but with with a lot more to his game .
Glad to see that your team selection was not followed by GZ. Both Specs and Kovac have been playing well and growing in stature and neither deserve to be dropped. He picked exactly the right team for me!