I don’t know why but I always look forward to games against Villa. They are usually very entertaining and I can remember some famous West Ham victories. I remember being at Villa Park (my only visit) at some point in the mid 1990s and sitting in with the Villa fans, when John Moncur let rip from thirty yards and the ball flew into the back of the net. I was lucky not to be set upon bearing in mind I leapt out of my seat. I also remember beating Villa in a League Cup semi final and us playing them off the park, only for the match to be replayed after it was found that substitute Manny Ominimyi was ineligible, having already played in the competition for Gillingham. Needless to say we lost the replay.
We need to get a few points on the board at home. The trouble is we just don’t look like scoring many goals, although that’s not to say we aren’t creating chances. It was astonishing we played with two up front at Burnley, although it clearly didn’t work in the first half. I do wonder whether Maiga might return to the team tomorrow. Vaz Te is now out for three months, Petric is also injured so we’re down to the bare bones again. It would be unusual for Carlton Cole to play twice in four days so I am doubtful that he will start, although that would be my preferred option. I think Cole up front with Jarvis and Downing bombarding him from each wing could be quite a sight to see – assuming that those two are picked. If they are we will have a midfield three comprising of three from Diame, Morrison, Noble and Nolan. If form plays any part then it would be Kevin Nolan who would lose out, but do any of us really expect that to happen. No, me neither. I suspect it could be Diame, unless Sam thinks Morrison needs a bit of a rest.
Matt Taylor is also out for several weeks, but he hasn’t really played much this season yet. In defence I imagine there won’t be any changes,m with James Tomkins continuing to deputise for James Collins. There was a rumour that Tomkins had picked up a knock at Burnley but hopefully he will be fit, otherwise it is difficult to see who would partner Winston Reid – Joey O’Brien?
I’m really looking forward to the game as I have missed the last two home games. Let’s hope it’s a good one. I start a week’s holiday, so I’d like it to get off to a good start!