Goal Difference Rarely Lies!

It's been a great season for West ham. An at times thrilling European campaign alongside a decent cup run and solid Premiership campaign all reaches a climax today. 

With 4-5 players likely to be heading into their final game for the club, there can be no room for sentiment as Moyes' men need a win at Brighton to push Man Utd for a Europa League return. Otherwise, it's a step down to the Europa conference but in fairness managing two consecutive European qualifications is a major achievement.

Fans will be left wondering what could have been if only we had a deeper squad as the lack of back up hurt during the business end of the season. Moreover, reflecting on the Frankfurt games, Moyes' men really didn't get a lucky bounce at any point during the two games!

Perhaps the best evidence of how well the team have played is the anouncement that both Rice and Bowen made the Premiership team of the season. 

But back to today and the Hammers will need to be on top form if they are to get the required result against a Brighton team who, although they have nothing major to play for, have proven tricky opponents for West ham. Man Utd, meanwhile, are an unpredictable basket case right now making anything possible at Crystal Palace. The absence of Ronaldo adds to the hope that Palace can get at least a draw but with their manager in waiting in attendance the Man Utd players may up their game.

The last minute goal for Cavani earlier in the season when the sides last met always felt like it could be costly come season's end. 

This one is up in the air but goal difference rarely lies and West ham at +11 are vastly superior to Man Utd in that regard.

COYI!!!

Bleed, Bleed, Bleed ...it's 2-0 to the Hammers!

Oh yes, classic counterattacking and Bowen has doubled the lead.

It's crazy, but we absolutely love it!!!

This IS the West ham way!

Let it Bleed! Irons one up!!!

 

Oh yes, Jarrod has opened the scoring and the Hammers are ahead - very much against the flow but hey, we are MASSIVE!!!

And so the borg shall bleed!

It's a big occasion for Mr West ham today as Mark Noble bids the home fans goodbye. Can David Moyes' men halt the Mancunian borg? It looks unlikely on paper but this is West ham - a circus of insane fun!

It's a predictable starting XI, Nobes surely to join before the final whistle. Man city have defensive woes aplenty so it's a game in which we must be courageous and attack as much as possible.

West Ham XI: Fabianski; Coufal, Zouma, Dawson, Cresswell; Rice(c), Soucek; Bowen, Lanzini, Fornals; Antonio. 

Subs: Areola, Masuaku, Johnson, Fredericks, Noble, Kral, Vlasic, Yarmolenko, Okoflex. 

Back to business with strong starting XI vs Canaries

It's back down to earth after the carnage of Thursday night's exit from the Europa League. David Moyes' men are going to have to scrap for a European placing as Wolves are breathing down their neck for seventh place.

Higher up, Man Utd are in freefall after a humiliating 4-0 drubbing from Brighton. They are still catchable but only if the Hammers see off Norwich and Brighton, both away from home and hope for something against Man City. City may be less focused after Liverpool slipped up last night but you'd still  bite their hand off for a point!

David Moyes has picked a very strong starting XI, with Tomas Soucek the main absentee, as he slips to the bench and  Said Benrahma comes in, with Fornals likely to play alongside Declan Rice.

Norwich a playing for pride whilst the wounded Hammers need the points but may be tired after a tough midweek battle. 

West Ham XI: Fabianski; Coufal, Dawson, Zouma, Cresswell; Rice, Fornals; Lanzini, Benrahma, Bowen; Antonio. Subs: Areola, Fredericks, Masuaku, Johnson, Soucek, Kral, Noble, Vlasic, Yarmolenko. 

Three Key Elements that will allow West Ham to overcome Eintracht Frankfurt tonight

This really is the proverbial 'Barry McGuigan' tonight as West Ham's season is well and truly on the line. A win would keep the dream of Champion's League football next year alive. A loss will leave Moyes' men scurrying for a Europa Conference placing.

Last week's game highlighted Frankfurt's level of organisation and ability to control the ball for extended periods. In many respects, they are a Bundesliga version of the Hammers with a firm defence and rapid counterattacking style. With that in mind, first and foremost West ham need to be patient. Frankfurt will capitalise if we push the game too much but if we keep our composure the chances will come. 

Secondly, West ham need to do better from set pieces. Last week just about every free kick/corner was flighted into the Frankfurt keeper's grateful arms. We can clearly do better and with an extra week under his belt Zouma can team up better with Dawson to cause panic at set pieces. That said, the delivery simply has to be better!

Thirdly, we need to be fully focused from the kick off. Last week's early concession of a goal was totally out of character. We showed great composure in getting back into the game and were certainly unlucky with the woodwork moments, but this is a very evenly matched tie. Frankfurt's fans will be noisy, but we have a lot of tough characters and a resilient team ethic.  

The Hammers are due a slice of good fortune - tonight's the night we most need it!

COYI!!!