tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23929414674466073882024-03-18T16:23:36.983-07:00VerywesthamAll things West Ham
and West of West Ham....
and a bit more besides!Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.comBlogger1706125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-62958588951750287212024-03-10T06:14:00.000-07:002024-03-10T07:00:29.216-07:00Busy busy busy as Hammers return to fight on domestic front<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp49KN6dZeUQ-ODkhnUss3agFZRICCsAC88RSA-z6qYXWrZKl_23dwpaC_k-AWAbLngCGttcKFTwkpoYAxz4g4jF7n8ARbJjevDMN41RZC1Ih0jU6R44TZtZ_Ni6CPPa3uPr-Z6e5AmJKewDn_htX3ohc-o3hxgAAWruXTpIA5cnu0PKlRmbQQxHWk8koC/s2048/20181020_140702.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp49KN6dZeUQ-ODkhnUss3agFZRICCsAC88RSA-z6qYXWrZKl_23dwpaC_k-AWAbLngCGttcKFTwkpoYAxz4g4jF7n8ARbJjevDMN41RZC1Ih0jU6R44TZtZ_Ni6CPPa3uPr-Z6e5AmJKewDn_htX3ohc-o3hxgAAWruXTpIA5cnu0PKlRmbQQxHWk8koC/s320/20181020_140702.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">We are well and truly into the busy period now as David Moyes has shuffled the pack following Thursday's disappointing defeat to Freiberg, resting Zouma and Alvarez ahead of next Thursday's crunch second leg against the German side.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">Burnley arrive today desperate for points in their deepening relegation battle. The Hammers are still luring around the margins of a European qualification spot after decent wins over Everton and Brentford. </span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">Up top, the Hammers look strong with Paqueta, Kudus and Bowen hoping to continue their good recent form. Antonio is on the bench and ready to deliver plan B if required. </span></p><p>Burnley need to launch a Tevez-style great escape as they are bottom of the league, 11 points from safety with just 11 games to play. It's a welcome back to the London stadium for Josh Cullen who partners Sander Berge in the Burnley midfield where the game will be won or lost today.</p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">The Hammers are 4/7 to win, Burnley 4/1, with the draw at 3/1. First goal will be crucial. Rory Nostradamus is going for a hard fought 2-1 win for Moyes' men. </span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">COYI!!!</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit;">West Ham United: </span><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #202020; font-size: 16px;">Areola, Coufal, Mavropanos, Aguerd, Cresswell, Phillips, Souček ©, Ward-Prowse, Paquetá, Kudus, Bowen</span></p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #202020; font-size: 16px;">Subs: Fabiański (GK), Johnson, Ogbonna, Zouma, Álvarez, Earthy, Ings, Antonio, Mubama</span>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-62142889655591777252024-02-04T05:35:00.000-08:002024-02-04T05:42:40.674-08:00Time to focus - the business end of the season has truly begun<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuhStmN2xtOZepVBbtRsgAhDkyUG-h4sf_YBIYnnwX7bMS_trQxEMGnCwASWozzyIR8G1Nojz_BHeiyb8cMlm0vQ_HWRcYntlTJ1qJFeS0RhiEhmNGKFV1b-e4UUJGQ1d0u7vnZk-Vrli6pSss0ErFHifbk0fyU25PGsWhTmkHN8aLW-vClcTBLLWO5Xc/s366/Bubba3.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="351" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuhStmN2xtOZepVBbtRsgAhDkyUG-h4sf_YBIYnnwX7bMS_trQxEMGnCwASWozzyIR8G1Nojz_BHeiyb8cMlm0vQ_HWRcYntlTJ1qJFeS0RhiEhmNGKFV1b-e4UUJGQ1d0u7vnZk-Vrli6pSss0ErFHifbk0fyU25PGsWhTmkHN8aLW-vClcTBLLWO5Xc/s320/Bubba3.PNG" width="307" /></a></div><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">It's been a drab January at West ham, with an annoying cup exit to Bristol city, injuries and Afcon absences and an underwhelming transfer window.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">The drawn games against Sheff Utd and Bournemouth have taken the energy out of Moyes' mens push for a European spot, while the continued absences of Paqueta and Antonio have left us sonewhat blunt up top.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">That said, a win today at Ye Olde Trafford would raise the spirits and kick start our stuttering season. The good news is that Coufal and Aguerd are back in the starting XI, while Alvarez and Bowen will be sharper as they recover from recent niggles.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">Man Utd are also moving back towards their strongest side and will be buoyed by their win over Wolves. </span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">Let's hope Moyes doesn't go all cagey - a rarely successful strategy against the bigger clubs but one he seems to rigidly follow. This Man Utd side is certainly vulnerable if you attack them.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">Anyone for a 2-2 draw? Moyes' men rarely fail to score these days but are not as tight at the back as they could be. Interestingly, Pablo Fornals is quoted at 11/2 to score by the bookies!!!</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit;">West Ham United</span><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #202020; font-size: 16px;">: Areola, Coufal, Johnson, Zouma ©, Aguerd, Emerson, Álvarez, Souček, Ward-Prowse, Kudus, Bowen</span></p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #202020; font-size: 16px;">Subs: Fabiański (GK), Mavropanos, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Scarles, Phillips, Cornet, Ings, Mubama</span>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-38920323067666398762024-01-21T05:56:00.000-08:002024-01-21T05:56:22.877-08:00Hammers dig deep as absences bite hard<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OCSYL9n8OE21xQw4plvUfAT4_O6ZQDt4o2jLhRieWk_0aQIN08VDnnWuq2k16NMjEpik2TkWgs_4fl3n0RLFUqCEGTOIQZ85XKuVslc4_98A08ytwVped_xrwvw6Ht-Q6AdBgu5C-k0mVWYTwqWVmaUhJ4jB3NR09C614j3z-880FbPY4QcznUM_XWQo/s386/Ballet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="373" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OCSYL9n8OE21xQw4plvUfAT4_O6ZQDt4o2jLhRieWk_0aQIN08VDnnWuq2k16NMjEpik2TkWgs_4fl3n0RLFUqCEGTOIQZ85XKuVslc4_98A08ytwVped_xrwvw6Ht-Q6AdBgu5C-k0mVWYTwqWVmaUhJ4jB3NR09C614j3z-880FbPY4QcznUM_XWQo/s320/Ballet.JPG" width="309" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;">It's pretty thin in the West ham dressing room right now with Kudus and Aguerd at the AFCON and Alvarez, Paqueta and Antonio injured. Said Benrahma starts his 3 match ban leaving a patched together side to face the Blades up in Sheffield.</span></p><p>Yes, it's still a grudge match and both sides really needs points just now, albeit for very different reasons with the Hammers perched to attack the European slots, while Sheff United are rock bottom of the league.</p><p>All in all the availability of Bowen and Fornals is a plus but there are no gamechangers on the bench which contains a host of youngsters. </p><p>It'll be a testy clash for sure and conditions will surely add to the mix. It might be more heavy metal than ballet out there today but hopefully the Hammers can find that extra moment of class.</p><p>COYI!!!</p><p><span style="background-color: white;">WEST HAM: </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Areola, Coufal, Mavropanos, Zouma, Emerson Palmieri, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Cornet, Fornals, Ings, Bowen</em></p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-82713616174630553382024-01-07T05:46:00.000-08:002024-01-07T09:13:15.185-08:00Ouch! Moyes starting XI signals serious intentions<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1PGU7fDPU82Jd2eLyluF25WJKph5sTucSrEqE1Zpi4gD73YQiO6R_smGoXxkHaYYxZ9i6-nbUcv8qzJAzxhgR1c6LTJs-L6pX7LPbKMI9sHSTtbunGD1v6chaDIC_MkhEoTvpvzSAB63jtIyKG-zz_f5uzLtMD9hGJNe-Hjf-8FNBEzSbOKi3QleGsia/s554/they%20love%20it.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="554" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1PGU7fDPU82Jd2eLyluF25WJKph5sTucSrEqE1Zpi4gD73YQiO6R_smGoXxkHaYYxZ9i6-nbUcv8qzJAzxhgR1c6LTJs-L6pX7LPbKMI9sHSTtbunGD1v6chaDIC_MkhEoTvpvzSAB63jtIyKG-zz_f5uzLtMD9hGJNe-Hjf-8FNBEzSbOKi3QleGsia/s320/they%20love%20it.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: none; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: none; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">There can be no doubting that David Moyes plans to make swift progress in the FA cup as he has fielded his strongest available XI for today's third roud clash with Bristol City!</span></p><p><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: none; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In come Zouma, Paqueta and Coufal with al the usual big game starters. Perhaps Moyes was bruised by the Carabou cup thrashing at Liverpool, or maybe with a break looming he wants his players to have some fun?</span></p><p><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: none; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Yes, the forbidden 'F' word....fun, fun, fun.</span></p><p><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: none; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let's do this</span></p><p><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: none; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">COYI!!!</span></p><p><strong style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: none; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">West Ham: Fabiański, Coufal, Zouma ©, Mavropanos, Emerson, Álvarez, Souček, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta, Fornals, Bowen</strong></p><strong style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: none; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Subs: Areola (GK), Johnson, Cresswell, Ings, Ogbonna, Coventry, Benrahma, Cornet, Mubama</strong>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-16597920240963276082024-01-07T04:26:00.000-08:002024-01-07T04:26:58.542-08:00Let's keep the happy holiday spirit going<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkj7VNgvKwfNEmfWLmSSAxWF24cda2fpJdhJHEAMpmaxc7qQPE2pUjUSb_aX-8lgJehV81rcy1RMrgtOl5pDEhUF1WtTriXPJQ5sIYjR_glDzqVcPuMPJn_Oy6TgdyxThCHyj671M2lZUTzI0Xx-nUEfCCubRV9MDfVYrLwiXRhz03E4Z1xJzWo6djBn1s/s4000/17046303167525716359678742999604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkj7VNgvKwfNEmfWLmSSAxWF24cda2fpJdhJHEAMpmaxc7qQPE2pUjUSb_aX-8lgJehV81rcy1RMrgtOl5pDEhUF1WtTriXPJQ5sIYjR_glDzqVcPuMPJn_Oy6TgdyxThCHyj671M2lZUTzI0Xx-nUEfCCubRV9MDfVYrLwiXRhz03E4Z1xJzWo6djBn1s/s320/17046303167525716359678742999604.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>It's FA cup time as Championship mid-tablers Bristol City visit the London Stadium hoping to deliver an upset against high flying West Ham. </p><p>The Hammers are depleted with Aguerd and Kudus on International duty, and both Zouma and Paqueta due to have fitness tests before the team is announced. </p><p>David Moyes will want to avoid a defeat or a replay to allow for a much-needed fortnight's rest before our next Premiership clash with Sheffield United. After an excellent Christmas period with wins over Man Utd and Arsenal, and no goals conceded for four consecutive games, it's a tall order for Bristil City today, but the Cup is the cup, and usual bets are often put aside in what remains a fantastic competition.</p><p>Today's game could provide a farewell appearance for Said Benrahma who is rumoured to be Fulham bound in the transfer window.</p><p>Divin Mubama will be hoping for a rare start and a chance to lay stake to a key place in Moyes plans as Danny Ings may also be on his way out of the club leaving a sizeable gap at centre forward with Michail Antonio struggling for fitness (and form). </p><p>Kick off is 2pm. Verywestham will be watching from The Inn Place in Puerto Del Carmen - a fine Hammers hostelry for vacationing Irons. It also features an impressive display of Hammers memorabilia throughout the bar.</p><p>The bookies have West ham at 4/11 on to win, 3/1 the draw and 6/1 for a Robins win.</p><p>COYI!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-1822130229327039222023-12-30T05:43:00.000-08:002023-12-30T05:43:15.491-08:00Has Moyes finally ditched the 'boring' tag?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYV-x2-6O_-n9edT4Q8KFHmoWCX8tY58uJOm95ndA6VDehhxNuuz7oX6k8rDC2MLceD3Rdv9spT6S1QExoekrClapMIBft5QK2nY9tBsVskpIByTg_Xd57mMzXq0AQHc4EEbacQL2lK-hkAyLW-P6fu2YE03JiRuH01_lgeZBGhb1Tbd32JjIv82AEn1YR/s477/WHW.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="477" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYV-x2-6O_-n9edT4Q8KFHmoWCX8tY58uJOm95ndA6VDehhxNuuz7oX6k8rDC2MLceD3Rdv9spT6S1QExoekrClapMIBft5QK2nY9tBsVskpIByTg_Xd57mMzXq0AQHc4EEbacQL2lK-hkAyLW-P6fu2YE03JiRuH01_lgeZBGhb1Tbd32JjIv82AEn1YR/s320/WHW.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>It has certainly been an emotional December at West ham! Kicking off with a dull and disappointing draw at home to Palace, followed by an amusing win away to Spurs, Motes men headed to Craven cottage in expectation. The 5-0 horror show was unexpected but in part due to a viral illness running through the squad. </p><p>But Moyes' sides never lie down and bounced vack with impressive wins over Wolves and Freiberg, the latter booking a Europa quarter final place and ensuring further European frolics well into the New year.</p><p>A Carabao cup quarter final came up next - Moyes was left with a tough dilemma as although the other 3 semi finalists were hardly terrifying, his overstretched squad looked tired. He decided to give tge fringe players their chance and they fluffed it with an embarrassing 5-1 thumping. Disappointing to concede so many, but the performance was simply appauling.</p><p>Suddenly Moyes was under pressure - the doubters felt that a European trophy and top half football was not adequate to justify a new contract. Moyes needed his troops to rally around hime and they truly delivered with back to back victories over Man Utd and, remarkably, a super-rare win away to the Gooners!</p><p>The latter result was all the more impressive given the absences of Zouma and Aguerd, with Paqueta only making it through the first quarter before limping off. Put simply, the system worked despite reduced personnel.</p><p>If the pattern continues we can expect a mauling by Brighton but who knows what the Hammers will throw up next? </p><p>It's certainly not boring!</p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-85985188969010562912023-12-23T02:32:00.000-08:002023-12-23T02:32:31.786-08:00Reckoning time for Moyes the Gambler!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClR-8TpGHoZI_A-aC5JDvn0yEe_i0j9bzbJtE3jbaI8Rzwjpe0oJV0iJQAhykjBnsX2vrpnbxmv8BoBvIsJAAT0IViACoIGIhTDs-tEYLHJPl6ujajIkqLghnAMj-aQ8X22ijhJKtMvUzn-IOOKavH1FYzRE_IPopfzDLQu9CujOCk1MImUk0TngyNTs5/s1072/Jesus%20Moyes.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1072" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClR-8TpGHoZI_A-aC5JDvn0yEe_i0j9bzbJtE3jbaI8Rzwjpe0oJV0iJQAhykjBnsX2vrpnbxmv8BoBvIsJAAT0IViACoIGIhTDs-tEYLHJPl6ujajIkqLghnAMj-aQ8X22ijhJKtMvUzn-IOOKavH1FYzRE_IPopfzDLQu9CujOCk1MImUk0TngyNTs5/s320/Jesus%20Moyes.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>There's barely a dull moment at West ham these days as results vary from emrrassing (0-5 vs Fulham, 1-5 vs Liverpool) to impressive (3-0 vs Wolves and a comfortable 2-0 vs Freiberg).</p><p>As a result, more temperamental fans have swung from 'he's a genius' to 'please rid us of this outdated management', with barely a pause for any middle ground.</p><p>Perhaps Moyes has become infected by the thrill of uncertainty, because in surrendering a semi-final place in a very winnable Carabao cup, he planted all his eggs in the basket labelled 'beat Man united'!</p><p>Failure to get a result today will push many observers over the edge and add to the questions around Moyes tactics and overall game management.</p><p>But a cold analysis of Hammers recent form must include two key observations; (1) Wolves and Freiberg were home games, while Liverpool and Fulham were both away, and (2) against Fulham we had players out or below par with a squad virus and against Liverpool we omitted the central axis of our side by not starting Zouma, Aguerd, Paqueta and Ward Prowse.</p><p>So cheer up Hammers fans, we can expect a committed performance from our best XI today, against a faltering Man Utd.</p><p>Anything less will tip a lot of fans towards a new set up.</p><p> COYI!!!</p><p><br /></p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-64405277036352138232023-12-20T11:06:00.000-08:002023-12-20T11:16:26.028-08:00Moyes has eyes on Saturday as weakened team starts at Anfield<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NKw_im2GC0f4gB0XnQ15Q4C3K9U95Fb0nOfvggVy-pcMSVc1Ev0Bi5DIwXzLtQv0TGlGcTMGJtElHO1dI_vltlUyhuIHh42qy08pPbJdozo2Ph_62nZ615dVFswSPyl0H6XAoLRx2JI-MNslHuGgwSmzorzYf7MZU9tx05GqEDoZC5y6llZXGgUcyG-C/s330/barry%20mcguigan.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="254" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NKw_im2GC0f4gB0XnQ15Q4C3K9U95Fb0nOfvggVy-pcMSVc1Ev0Bi5DIwXzLtQv0TGlGcTMGJtElHO1dI_vltlUyhuIHh42qy08pPbJdozo2Ph_62nZ615dVFswSPyl0H6XAoLRx2JI-MNslHuGgwSmzorzYf7MZU9tx05GqEDoZC5y6llZXGgUcyG-C/s320/barry%20mcguigan.JPG" width="246" /></a></div><br /><span face="Museo Sans, Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202020;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe;">As the teamsheets have been revealed it's clear that David Moyes views Saturdays clash with Man Utd as the 'big un' of this week.</span></span><div><span style="color: #202020;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #202020;">With Zouma, Ward-Prowse and Paqueta all benched, it's clear he feels a win at the weekend is the priority.</span></div><div><span style="color: #202020;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #202020;">That said, Fornals and Benrahma will relish the start and have lots to prove as clubs are perched ahead of the January transfer window - with one rumour that Barcelona are looking at the Spaniard.</span></div><div><span style="color: #202020;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #202020;">A CB pairing of Ogbonna and Mavropanos doesn't instill total confidence but with Soucek and Alvarez in front of them that will hopefully add some solidity.</span></div><div><span style="color: #202020;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #202020;">Otherwise, it's pretty clear that Moyes is planning a smash n grab raid with a small but pacy front line. Let's pray to the Gods of Football for turnover ball!</span></div><div><span style="color: #202020;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #202020;">Thilo Kehrer will be disappointed to start from the bench. </span></div><div><span style="color: #202020;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #202020;">Liverpool start without Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Diaz. </span></div><div><span style="color: #202020;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #202020;">Hmmmm.</span></div><div><span style="color: #202020;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #202020;">COYI!!!<br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit;">West Ham United: </span><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #202020; font-size: 16px;">Areola, Coufal, Mavropanos, Ogbonna </span><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">©</span></span><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #202020; font-size: 16px;">, Johnson, Álvarez, Souček, Fornals, Kudus, Benrahma, Bowen </span></p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #202020; font-size: 16px;">Subs: Fabiański (GK), Zouma, Kehrer, Cresswell, Emerson, Ward-Prowse, Paquetá, Ings, Mubama</span></div>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-72925591004345068822023-12-20T10:51:00.000-08:002023-12-20T10:51:31.787-08:00Cat and Mouse as Liverpool await Hammers <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXu_4b6WtzOLGukyh9ZNDbZs28TjUItCOqa1W3k3RsEoJlOr-M2ngP8_Rr1Q_dklBw8fpKdN4fmcuZUBdGIFTb5vKMPb34TXb_KP7Ca09JQzC5Iv2lsNJyrY58Mb9btUn4z9eNjRUEagmRu0VZ0Y9-IMgJgbcFghagwv6Rou6Rh4UkRPUgwS_bvtOyVOt/s3194/IMG_20211107_141808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3194" data-original-width="2395" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXu_4b6WtzOLGukyh9ZNDbZs28TjUItCOqa1W3k3RsEoJlOr-M2ngP8_Rr1Q_dklBw8fpKdN4fmcuZUBdGIFTb5vKMPb34TXb_KP7Ca09JQzC5Iv2lsNJyrY58Mb9btUn4z9eNjRUEagmRu0VZ0Y9-IMgJgbcFghagwv6Rou6Rh4UkRPUgwS_bvtOyVOt/s320/IMG_20211107_141808.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Tonight's Carabou cup quarter final clash is truly intriguing as Liverpool and West ham seek a semi-final spot whilst both are looking towards huge games at the weekend.</p><p>Liverpool will face Arsenal in their ost important Premirship game so far this season but will be needing to be careful in team selection against a tricky Hammers side who taught Arsenal a lesson when the Gooners arrived with a less than full strength side in the last round.</p><p>However, David Moyes will want to keep as much back as possible for the visit of Man Utd on Saturday as ultimately those two sides look very likely to be in a dogfight for the 6th place spot when the seasons reaches its climax.</p><p>All of which makes for much speculation about the potential starting XIs for tonight. West ham have an abysmal record at Anfield but never the less pine for domestic cup success. </p><p>Speaking with a Liverpool supporting friend i told him that Moyes intentions will be clear once we know if he is starting Zouma, Paqueta, Bowen and Kudus. If all four start then he means proper business. </p><p>However, a big criticism of Moyes is his stubborn tactic of playing negatively against the top six - usually with disappointing results! If this Liverpool side has an achilles heal it is defensively. As such, it makes sense to play with an aggressive stance. </p><p>One big positive is that whatever happens there will be no extra time as it is straight to penalties if the sides are level at full time. </p><p>The worst case scenario for Moyes would be to field his strongest starting XI and lose on penalties.</p><p>The lineups ill be announced shortly.</p><p>COYI!!!</p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-58172262228755428612023-12-17T11:21:00.000-08:002023-12-17T11:21:26.555-08:00Both Craft and Grit behind Hammers Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfqvrjJNIJxbprVf6Nb-L3dg-VtCsONthENi6iLE7QLpx7yjTmTVk0k3EQ8Z8cw0o1KY2Ad-Kcqjs1EAXWe3TaS5HqnCu3RljEKMYUYT3WczZd_yfOZGZmASZAoHdbczTe3l3JBM6apDCEIT0csaQn0hFoat0ivZE-9Iecp2YIYvqoStiM039x6kQmc64/s599/Screenshot_20231217_185641_Google.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="505" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfqvrjJNIJxbprVf6Nb-L3dg-VtCsONthENi6iLE7QLpx7yjTmTVk0k3EQ8Z8cw0o1KY2Ad-Kcqjs1EAXWe3TaS5HqnCu3RljEKMYUYT3WczZd_yfOZGZmASZAoHdbczTe3l3JBM6apDCEIT0csaQn0hFoat0ivZE-9Iecp2YIYvqoStiM039x6kQmc64/s320/Screenshot_20231217_185641_Google.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><p>What a difference a week makes. After a dreadful 5-0 drubbing of our virus-ridden side by Fulham last weekend, Moyes' men bounced back with an impressive (and important) 2-0 win over Freiberg on Thursday followed by a clinical 3-0 thumping of Wolves this afternoon. We are 8th and looking nicely perched as we move into the Christmas fixturefest.</p><p>Wolves simply couldn't match the swashbuckling style of our front line, as Kudus was almost un-markable (and really hard to dispossess once he gets his feet on the ball). Paqueta is a magician - constantly dreaming up exotic ways to hurt the opposition, while throwing himself around midfield. Bowen is an incisive presence, with stunning accuracy both inside and outside the box!</p><p>While the floating front line of Bowen, Paqueta and Kudus has really found it's rhythm, there is also plenty of grit at the back as Zouma, Aguerd and Coufal are in top form. The recovery of form by Coufal has made a huge difference in both defence and attack. The Czech dynamo probably drifted into Julian Dicks territory at times today but you've got to admire the passion.</p><p>Meanwhile, Kudus and Paqueta are running a circus tricks sideshow to keep fans entertained, as Alvarez, Ward-Prowse and Soucek look after the housekeeping in front of the defence.</p><p>It would be wrong to overlook Lucasz Fabianski's excellent form, having come in to shore things up in Areola's absence - he made a number of key saves today that stopped Wolves gaining momentum.</p><p>Liverpool in midweek will be a tough encounter, with the prize a semi-final spot in the League cup. Man United come calling next Saturday and no doubt Moyes will fancy our chances against his former employer. </p><p>Even Roy Keane reckons West ham can bag a European slot this year.....</p><p>It's a veritable smorgasmoboard of entertainment just now!</p><p>COYI!!!</p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-64519578773957841152023-12-14T11:55:00.000-08:002023-12-14T12:01:05.822-08:00Exciting clash awaits humbled Hammers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwzgRbA5x-GbNBwuU3kqzADRlbVkj-ZKUtL6YlCMViaefsOcAv-xmZv4E_FtHZjSTANw8660r9U2mWmdC-MGAKYVssaomP2uBy3RygPOrhC4bPSSra1BmzqiZMKM1L0vo813r51Otkyld1VoGjBTd2ACjlI9Wh7uHNtfX2073yoEuP4D-xi_AVarMndbA/s366/Bubba3.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="351" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwzgRbA5x-GbNBwuU3kqzADRlbVkj-ZKUtL6YlCMViaefsOcAv-xmZv4E_FtHZjSTANw8660r9U2mWmdC-MGAKYVssaomP2uBy3RygPOrhC4bPSSra1BmzqiZMKM1L0vo813r51Otkyld1VoGjBTd2ACjlI9Wh7uHNtfX2073yoEuP4D-xi_AVarMndbA/s320/Bubba3.PNG" width="307" /></a></div><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">It's another night of European action at the London stadium as in-form Freiberg come looking to topple the Hammers off the top of their Europa League group table.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">The game is certainly no dead-rubber as the winners will avoid a tricky play off against one of the sides dropping into the Europa League from the Champions League.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">That would certainly add to what is already a congested fixture programme - but with the likes of AC Milan, Benfica, Galatassaray and Feyenoord in the draw, getting a result is a priority.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">The Hammers only need a draw as they overcame Frieberg in Germany, but after a 5-0 humbling at Fulham at the weekend, they need to up their game against a Freiberg side that are on a three game winning streak. </span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">Sitting in 8th in the Bundesligo, with the Hammers mid-table in the Premiershio, both sides will want to maintain their challenge in Europe.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">It's a strong starting XI, with just Zouma missing from Moyes' best starting XI. </span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit;">West Ham United:</span><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #202020; font-size: 16px;"> Fabiański, Coufal, Mavropanos, Aguerd, Emerson, Álvarez, Ward-Prowse, Souček, Kudus, Paquetá, Bowen</span></p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #202020; font-size: 16px;">Subs: Areola (GK), Johnson, Kehrer, Cresswell, Zouma, Ogbonna, Coventry, Fornals, Benrahma, Cornet, Mubama, Ings</span>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-81298936433150887722023-11-30T15:57:00.000-08:002023-11-30T16:12:45.046-08:00Player analysis: West ham vs Backa Topola<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulJYgqZqY3JTmBKnPrwH0vDntam-G9A0KQFEBraTLlbzTHrrT_VEcpJY2bmp-wJq0EpsWM25sPsNxCVtBVfYl5TuT_58SFi-sxFCsEg-1Dra94ph3pMd4YT72TImUyu651Cr436rWhl4wn5zDFJZQ1WHjyO3NAaPPNJ4kN0TR-6L4JTtrsd1ROekwFKYv/s2048/20180707_104601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulJYgqZqY3JTmBKnPrwH0vDntam-G9A0KQFEBraTLlbzTHrrT_VEcpJY2bmp-wJq0EpsWM25sPsNxCVtBVfYl5TuT_58SFi-sxFCsEg-1Dra94ph3pMd4YT72TImUyu651Cr436rWhl4wn5zDFJZQ1WHjyO3NAaPPNJ4kN0TR-6L4JTtrsd1ROekwFKYv/s320/20180707_104601.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was a tough night in Serbia, but the Hammers came away with an important win to keep them in pole position to win their Europa League group. </p><p>Tomas Soucek again underlined his importance in the side, creating chaos at set pieces and popping up in the role that had been given to Declan Rice last year to seize the winning goal.</p><p>Soucek is not always pretty to the eye, but he has a knack of scoring goals when it counts. At times ugly, but effective. Every top side needs one.</p><p>Ben Johnson had a great game and was probably our MOTM. Strong in defence, he was cheeky coming forward - like the kid who shot out of our youth set up 3 years ago. He earned a series of corners going forward despite a pretty predictable partnership with Fornals down the right wing.</p><p>Benrahma and Fornals did their usual thing - capable but not potent.</p><p>Mubama struggled up front alone and his lack of awareness as a target man showed. Lots to learn, hopefully at West ham, but he needs time to develop his positional awareness.</p><p>Cornet looked lacking in confidence and persistently turned in instead of testing their right backs speed. We've never seen the real Maxwell Cornet.</p><p>Mavropanos was slick in possession and solid against a lightweight attack. The jury remains out as to whether he can really cut it in the Premiership cauldron but he has plenty of potential.</p><p>Cresswell is coming to the end of a great career but the lack of game time was evident. With Ward Prowse on set piece duty his star is fading.</p><p>Danny Ings needs to drop down a level to a club that plays two up front - a rare beast in modern football.</p><p>We move on, it's a harsh wheel that keeps on spinning.</p><p>COYI!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-6918216473870313282023-11-30T11:41:00.000-08:002023-11-30T11:41:36.269-08:00Soucek steals it at the death<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxMhyphenhyphenZLlDybZ30PQGY2qFBvsk_lC8k3X64UHbChuAHiDxwIaQGZET4Nk7WYnEWzUym-2jMgPdhkKCDuHeuqGd8-vD6mby56F1lFg4B2OwF-7kW8JONj_gkOsjEg-sk-v8HSaFvQwsxJ8STSNgfJhWSuDlBuglmx_Ed3l2r68WmudmXDCA-xwvKc9GS26L/s699/Screenshot_20231130_193445_Google.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="668" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxMhyphenhyphenZLlDybZ30PQGY2qFBvsk_lC8k3X64UHbChuAHiDxwIaQGZET4Nk7WYnEWzUym-2jMgPdhkKCDuHeuqGd8-vD6mby56F1lFg4B2OwF-7kW8JONj_gkOsjEg-sk-v8HSaFvQwsxJ8STSNgfJhWSuDlBuglmx_Ed3l2r68WmudmXDCA-xwvKc9GS26L/s320/Screenshot_20231130_193445_Google.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Poor Backa Topola! The plucky Serbs had worked their socks off for a result and in all fairness deserved at least a draw.</p><p>But just before the 90 minute mark Tomas Soucek stole into the box and thumped in a crucial goal to snatch an ill-deserved win for Moyes' men.</p><p>Football can be so cruel at times.</p><p>On to Sunday and the visit of Palace. Let's hope Bowen et al are fit in time for an encounter that will require a much better performance from an out of sorts Hammers.</p><p>That said, four wins on the trot!</p><p><br /></p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-76583461647608222842023-11-30T11:25:00.000-08:002023-11-30T11:25:54.039-08:00Impotent Irons lurch towards play offs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3SK0Jfhyphenhyphenk6Ky7stIdb4ButW5EyfW6uPkd5MjZYgIoBYvZ0HaZkVCHjaoSlDOW7BSSKFx9AUI5p-yTqTSY-an-PS8sT3KlASCeZMWS1LV0IlOWiM2VsI5HWMyWRYrUdzVIxWdDwl0uUiGgm2iRn41u2AX1-LTFGmQkNowaE_23cxqV0jiGHzrThOi8wWe/s1282/comica1612105635518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3SK0Jfhyphenhyphenk6Ky7stIdb4ButW5EyfW6uPkd5MjZYgIoBYvZ0HaZkVCHjaoSlDOW7BSSKFx9AUI5p-yTqTSY-an-PS8sT3KlASCeZMWS1LV0IlOWiM2VsI5HWMyWRYrUdzVIxWdDwl0uUiGgm2iRn41u2AX1-LTFGmQkNowaE_23cxqV0jiGHzrThOi8wWe/s320/comica1612105635518.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>It's all gone very drab out in Serbia as the hapless Hammers have failed to impose their tactics on the game and allowed a determined Topola to coast along with hardly a save for their keeper to make.</p><p>Moyes has brought on fresh 'firepower' in Ings (no goals this season to date) and Cornet ( who has never scored for West ham).</p><p>Backa will see a result as their finest European achievement and look the more likely to snatch a win than the Hammers.</p><p>It's looking like the scenic route for Moyes men where if they don't beat Freiberg will have a two-leg knockout with a side dropping from the Champions league.</p><p>On the plus side, it would make for a cracking finale to the group in a fortnight.</p><p>Hmmmm </p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-9689927602191648862023-11-30T10:44:00.000-08:002023-11-30T10:44:57.341-08:00Hammers making hard work of Topola in Serbia<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQb6K1Uv-q6JyYIpvB4rnyHF8STh_85KhyfcG41P2qFgJBl5q9q1Qw_tvABuM7d0oICOEL40X9c70-5YCVs2q1cNPzd91MijSJJahlkKjbSuuU_HG43KH3ZXhR-GTULLHOiEAmrXdta-vs_Z_cSXB60xvQxLsakTmcHc-aCCLLkB4QDprUERx2f2fv3Ot1/s1017/Screenshot_20231130_183351_Chrome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="1017" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQb6K1Uv-q6JyYIpvB4rnyHF8STh_85KhyfcG41P2qFgJBl5q9q1Qw_tvABuM7d0oICOEL40X9c70-5YCVs2q1cNPzd91MijSJJahlkKjbSuuU_HG43KH3ZXhR-GTULLHOiEAmrXdta-vs_Z_cSXB60xvQxLsakTmcHc-aCCLLkB4QDprUERx2f2fv3Ot1/s320/Screenshot_20231130_183351_Chrome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It's been an intriguing first half - with high intensity cheered on by a typically passionate home crowd in Serbia. </p><p>Backa have been impressive, with plenty of energy and neat interpassing, while the Hammers are also moving the ball quickly but without any clear openings so far. </p><p>Johnson has made a number of key blocks and tackles to keep the Serbs at bay. Up front Mubama has looked an isolated figure, trying to live off long ball scraps.</p><p>Benrahma is doing his usual 'almost' act out on the left, while Paqueta and Ward Prowse have been busily probing through the centre.</p><p>Aaron Cresswell had an almost howler with a misplaced pass across the back on the half hour mark as Backa have looked hungry but Fabianski saved the day, albeit after an initial fumble.</p><p>All to play for in the second half, but with Freiberg an impressive 4-0 up at home to Olympiacos, Moyes men will need to uo their game if they want to top the group.</p><p>COYI!!!</p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-6179879641618008452023-11-30T09:34:00.000-08:002023-11-30T09:54:58.648-08:00Big night ahead for on the edge Hammers <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYR0bW2vXKYPEnPubm6EYUSwTdroiHR7odscLOoBziaAGm6VsxtIwo1jHynCF8Loz1DIoa8Suar2nKMOfeXXRb-fGEV6rCQcCjXRCXZX5TnpeHCbM6srvucXNubEHtHZ0vouLuEgSxc4HH6KmGxxvZJDxnMhGNuE6IOaeTgbWtz_DAoXCKmpp13d7BZLc/s366/Bubba3.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="351" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYR0bW2vXKYPEnPubm6EYUSwTdroiHR7odscLOoBziaAGm6VsxtIwo1jHynCF8Loz1DIoa8Suar2nKMOfeXXRb-fGEV6rCQcCjXRCXZX5TnpeHCbM6srvucXNubEHtHZ0vouLuEgSxc4HH6KmGxxvZJDxnMhGNuE6IOaeTgbWtz_DAoXCKmpp13d7BZLc/s320/Bubba3.PNG" width="307" /></a></div><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">The last time David Moyes reached into the depth of his squad for an away European match the Hammers came up well short of the mark with a tepid performance away to Olympiacos in Athens.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">He'll be hoping for a much better performance tonight in Serbia as he is forced to again field a weaker side due to an outbreak of niggly injuries that keep Antonio, Bowen and Kudus out of the matchday squad.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">Despite that, he has still been able to field a strong starting side with Divin Mubama starting up front. It's another big chance for the almost man that is Said Benrahma, with rumours of an end of season (or even January) exit growing.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">Mubama is looking to nail down a new contract and will need to impress in what is probably his biggest test yet at the club. Similarly, Ben Johnson has been handed a start ahead of Thilo Kehrer and needs to remind Moyes that he has a significant contribution to make at full back or will likely exit in the near future.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">Pablo Fornals has been a superb servant at the club but has slipped well down the pecking order and will relish the opportunity of a starting berth tonight.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">The bench is pretty youthful but also includes Cornet and Ings as attacking options if needed.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">A win would all but seal the group for Moyes' men before the final group fixture against Freiberg. </span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">Kick off is 5.45</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">COYI!!!</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit;">West Ham United:</span><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #202020; font-size: 16px;"> Fabiański, Johnson, Mavropanos, Aguerd, Cresswell, Fornals, Ward-Prowse, Souček, Paquetá, Benrahma, Mubama</span></p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #202020; font-size: 16px;">Subs: Areola (GK), Anang (GK), Emerson, Scarles, Kehrer, Zouma, Ogbonna, Orford, Coventry, Chesters, Cornet, Ings</span>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-34166613303679022642023-11-12T09:52:00.000-08:002023-11-12T09:52:57.953-08:00Hammers back on track after thrilling victory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-Km4Jt-ot68bNrtYVj3C4BDzbzHjrLvPU8dUxuJ6gp1jOUyRqgm42TaX6utDx2HfrEz-cFV38sW138hmgXEL3w18VouwtbZvSBUpWl7P3rGMJXqZqlHbpPzKrpGhhE17yED3Jw9LxUhN9KnuH3P2TQ_HViL8VB-Na5JMUf6Z9bypl4sUSfYtm1zURJJ4/s477/WHW.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="477" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-Km4Jt-ot68bNrtYVj3C4BDzbzHjrLvPU8dUxuJ6gp1jOUyRqgm42TaX6utDx2HfrEz-cFV38sW138hmgXEL3w18VouwtbZvSBUpWl7P3rGMJXqZqlHbpPzKrpGhhE17yED3Jw9LxUhN9KnuH3P2TQ_HViL8VB-Na5JMUf6Z9bypl4sUSfYtm1zURJJ4/s320/WHW.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Phew! Today's clash with Notts Forest certainly was a lively affair. The sides traded blows and thankfully at full time the Hammers had nosed ahead having trailed 2-1 at one point.</p><p>Forest wanted to play, which allowed for an enjoyable spectacle. David Moyes played a Paqueta-Bowen-Kudus attack which relied on fast counterattacking but ironically, it was two set pieces that delivered the crucial goals!</p><p>MOTM James Ward Prowse was at his best and grabbed two assists to underline his suitability for international duty. </p><p>The Czech mates had their best performance in ages, with the marauding Coufal cleverly managing an early yellow card while Soucek was dominant at set pieces and scored the winner.</p><p>But at the end of the day it still took a sensational save from Areola in stoppage time to seal the win. Back to mid-table as we enter yet another international break. </p><p>Moyes will sleep better after a gutsy performance in which the team looked much more coherent with Zouma back to steady the defence.</p><p>COYI!!!</p><p><br /></p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-37881138736737415192023-11-12T05:40:00.000-08:002023-11-12T05:40:43.177-08:00Moyes Brings in the Changes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvx9xIqwBrsVOjzuxGeEXEl_KYvO3r2yg_KR8vnWOEY_3CP_OzkP6m2GJNAN4N4V__oVgniqMAuuVOSmkH4tujuf-NP69gI_vHGywYx1AAzFkczcfDdpPi6TZFghg6GlYm3ofAVnkyAmokudBAE2TYIq22lR80tJWRB1C6hkl53fvOKyqqJy7JnYJaajm4/s339/Bubbs.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvx9xIqwBrsVOjzuxGeEXEl_KYvO3r2yg_KR8vnWOEY_3CP_OzkP6m2GJNAN4N4V__oVgniqMAuuVOSmkH4tujuf-NP69gI_vHGywYx1AAzFkczcfDdpPi6TZFghg6GlYm3ofAVnkyAmokudBAE2TYIq22lR80tJWRB1C6hkl53fvOKyqqJy7JnYJaajm4/s320/Bubbs.PNG" width="293" /></a></div><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">Despite all the talk about giving Divin Mubama his chance up front, conservative Mr Moyes hasn't even given the young star a place on the bench for today's visit of Nottingham Forest.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">It's back to old ways for the Hammers with both Soucek and Alvarez in the midfield and no natural striker up front as Antonio is on the bench.</span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit;">We can expect Paqueta to move further forward (and probably to the left) with Bowen centrally and Kudus on the right of the attack. </span></p><p><span face="Museo Sans, Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202020;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe;">In good news, Kurt Zouma is back and starts. The Hammers will need to pass well out of defence as the long ball looks like a poor option with such a short attack, unless Soucek pushes forwards.</span></span></p><p><span face="Museo Sans, Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202020;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe;">COYI!!!</span></span></p><p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: inherit; color: #202020; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit;">West Ham United</span><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #202020; font-size: 16px;">: Areola, Coufal, Zouma ©, Aguerd, Emerson, Álvarez, Souček, Ward-Prowse, Paquetá, Kudus, Bowen </span></p><span face=""Museo Sans", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #202020; font-size: 16px;">Subs: Fabiański (GK), Antonio, Cresswell, Mavropanos, Kehrer, Ogbonna, Fornals, Benrahma, Ings</span>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-55362305332514105082023-11-12T05:23:00.000-08:002023-11-12T05:23:54.702-08:00Time to shake it up in attack for Hammers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrEWTw0qiQB5ZXC8zLs6B41m1ALgB9y1ynthRsJ_SRvUjjNhGr_FPUysBRJkk7IdLV2_TplqvMZKT1O_BN9zfbJBrUG_kXTh09G-oqMLunxM4g31oZi3zNv49Ne7P81sM1iWdasHDhPWImwjekcI9MiExw32UESY2sA6xxScwXIVxyuYORjBkUPGhbdei/s858/IMG-20231110-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="858" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrEWTw0qiQB5ZXC8zLs6B41m1ALgB9y1ynthRsJ_SRvUjjNhGr_FPUysBRJkk7IdLV2_TplqvMZKT1O_BN9zfbJBrUG_kXTh09G-oqMLunxM4g31oZi3zNv49Ne7P81sM1iWdasHDhPWImwjekcI9MiExw32UESY2sA6xxScwXIVxyuYORjBkUPGhbdei/s320/IMG-20231110-WA0000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">VWH caught on camera!</div><p>So, after a tough battle at the London stadium on Thursday night, the Hammers pulled through to stay top of their group in the Europa League.</p><p>And it took a touch of brilliance from our two best performers of late, with James Ward-Prowse deftly lifting the ball into the box for Lucas Paqueta to slot home the winner.</p><p>It was a tricky encounter as Olympiacos were stubborn experienced European opponents who frustrated West ham at every possible opportunity.</p><p>But the worrying thing is that having gone ahead we lost momentun and but for the post, Olympiacos would have snatched a draw - possibly even deserved!</p><p>There's still plenty of football to be played in the Europa if the Hammers are to have European action after Christmas.</p><p>Back to the Premiership and frankly we are in miserable form after four successive defeats. The loss away to Brentford was especially disappointing as we did enough to win but managed to gift them all three points.</p><p>One cameo from that game has garnered much attention - with a 2-1 lead and seemingly coasting, we engineered a tap in for either Antonio or Benrahma at the back post. Bizarrely, the pair contrived to get into a tangle and put the ball wide.</p><p>And although our defensive leakiness is the most obvious problem right now, the form of Benrahma and Antonio is a close second in the concerning stakes. They both look devoid of confidence and really should be consigned to the bench today!</p><p>Forest are a difficult side with plenty of quality who will be salivating at the chance to have a crack at a befuddling West ham side. Quick on the break, Forest will punish any ponderous attacking that leaks turn over ball. </p><p>Up front, we lack shape and a clear plan. Mubama looks like a talent but he will continue to struggle with link up play unless he gets game time. Ings looks well off the pace and lost in Moyes' system. Antonio needs a goal badly - perhaps his old club are the side to do it against?</p><p>COYI!!!</p><p><br /></p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-11898954792789141832023-11-09T03:52:00.003-08:002023-11-09T03:55:50.681-08:00We demand a Greek tragedy!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbed9vz2xQx-B6ZdRfGJK2TnOnj6OLssopdV7gc40muxVTMjmpv1H9hfwizTnX9Ot5ofBZ9X-YW94ADMGpVgHFoL1-rhBhOJkth0hLURZjprRhO7hmlDmFBZHav8jDHwFPeRkddJEgM3MFc-9-1-CMNV8KNTYV_f543TrhRfMYhcA7p70qFS79YNZ0WTc/s974/Screenshot_20231109_111319_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="974" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbed9vz2xQx-B6ZdRfGJK2TnOnj6OLssopdV7gc40muxVTMjmpv1H9hfwizTnX9Ot5ofBZ9X-YW94ADMGpVgHFoL1-rhBhOJkth0hLURZjprRhO7hmlDmFBZHav8jDHwFPeRkddJEgM3MFc-9-1-CMNV8KNTYV_f543TrhRfMYhcA7p70qFS79YNZ0WTc/s320/Screenshot_20231109_111319_Chrome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span face=""Google Sans", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face=""Google Sans", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 20px;">If you look up the definition of a Greek tragedy you will know that it typically deals with themes of pride, arrogance, love and loss, highlighting the fraught relationship between men and the Gods. </span></p><p><span face=""Google Sans", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 20px;">And so it is that the Greeks of Olympiacos come to London tonight seeking to humiliate David Moyes bedraggled Hammers. Having dumped an out of sorts Hammers to their first European defeat in eons, the Greeks will surely swagger into town believing that further glory awaits their pillaging horde.</span></p><p><span face=""Google Sans", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 20px;">However, the arrogance of Olympiacos' provocative supersized banner during West ham's ill-fated visit to Athens a fortnight ago can be the motivation for a traditional East End revenge tonight.</span></p><p><span face=""Google Sans", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 20px;">A fortnight ago, it was Moyes' men who succumbed to the evil embrace of arrogance, allowing the energetic Greeks to seize the momentum. Two defensive howlers later and the game had slipped from the Hammers' flimsy grasp!</span></p><p><span face=""Google Sans", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 20px;">In fairness, the Greeks deserved their victory and at times played with riotous joy against an understrength West ham. But Olympiacos looked much less confident once Moyes finally unleashed his top talents and the suddenly shaky Greeks barely hung on for a famous 2-1 victory.</span></p><p><span face=""Google Sans", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 20px;">And therein lies the key to tonight's would be revenge - attack early and with great ire and Olympiacos will crumble. Anything less would be a crime against the Gods of football!</span></p><p><span face=""Google Sans", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 20px;">VERYWESTHAM will be pitchside as the game unfolds.</span></p><p><span face=""Google Sans", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 20px;">Our preferred starting XI is: Fabianski, Coufal, Mavropanos, Aguerd, Emerson, Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta, Kudus, Bowen, Antonio.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span face=""Google Sans", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 20px;">COYI!!!</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span face=""Google Sans", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 20px;"> </span></p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-44389002599211305072023-11-05T06:20:00.001-08:002023-11-05T06:20:11.708-08:00Hammers on the brink!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WbqOvlvgsHEJZ4WcPcIQHHda05Fmxg9FmnNw0-PPTJV2V2zUEDt0feGJ5JKB1zdstoUPIv6S4i-5KFaTsqDvbbA_k041xwK4CqijxPhowN9buslfX6VI8Vxj4F5l6dnry4_MUoSI1iJlqgXI0UhyUc8yfNQCpiBaNRRSdNbf8cXPQYwGFfMtlMFBZnib/s380/Sofa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="380" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WbqOvlvgsHEJZ4WcPcIQHHda05Fmxg9FmnNw0-PPTJV2V2zUEDt0feGJ5JKB1zdstoUPIv6S4i-5KFaTsqDvbbA_k041xwK4CqijxPhowN9buslfX6VI8Vxj4F5l6dnry4_MUoSI1iJlqgXI0UhyUc8yfNQCpiBaNRRSdNbf8cXPQYwGFfMtlMFBZnib/s320/Sofa.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>What started as a positive season for the Hammers has suddenly turned sour, and after yesterday's capitulation at Brentford has the media wolves back on David Moyes' trail.</p><p>Having come back from the concession of an early goal, strikes from Kudus and Bowen had the Hammers firmly on the front foot at half time against Brentford. </p><p>It looked like West ham were finally going to get a result against the Bees when Bowen flashed a perfect low cross across the box to where both Antonio and Benrahma were unmarked and looked certain to make it 3-1, but bizarrely contrived to grt in eachother's way.</p><p>Alas, two moments of poor defending later in the half and it was the 5th straight league defeat to Brentford. In fairness, the absences of Zouma, Alvarez and Paqueta were big factors but it was a game that the Hammers should have won.</p><p>Elsewhere, the impressive thumping of Arsenal in the midweek League cup tie was pleasing, but the Gods of Footy rewarded Moyes' men with a daunting quarter final trip to Anfield. </p><p>So, top six and League cup glory look pretty unlikely at this point. Thursday's clash with Olympiacos suddenly looks like a season-defining moment! It's time for the lads to roll up the sleeves and thoroughly avenge the cheeky Greeks!</p><p>If we play like we did in Athens we could be out of contention on all fronts before Christmas. It's hard to see Moyes surviving that scenario.</p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-5397728105184980282023-10-29T06:54:00.001-07:002023-10-29T06:54:06.972-07:00Drab Dychian affair as Hammers unable to find opening <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw33H2lDxoRvVEOxq7dN8stCNG1gcHXBnoYB-xAdnIX8-FUHE-wM9_yDRWUMtcEb0tFRaeYGgBii1BvEI_4lGCBwOUmunc1oa0nTIs1KeY3LnEEc5xOYzlOE9UprMFPw8N3LyCTlvXyPoxyrO0AtOY_idJgU5zpwvYE-m6iWmEK0HKMwJ9y75rE0tLR-fL/s2048/20181020_140702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw33H2lDxoRvVEOxq7dN8stCNG1gcHXBnoYB-xAdnIX8-FUHE-wM9_yDRWUMtcEb0tFRaeYGgBii1BvEI_4lGCBwOUmunc1oa0nTIs1KeY3LnEEc5xOYzlOE9UprMFPw8N3LyCTlvXyPoxyrO0AtOY_idJgU5zpwvYE-m6iWmEK0HKMwJ9y75rE0tLR-fL/s320/20181020_140702.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It's been a tricky first half for West ham as Everton have imposed their combatative, if limited, game on proceedings. </p><p>Paqueta and Kudus have looked lively, while Everton have remained disciplined, if unadventurous. Dyche will feel his side are better suited to the scrappy fare as Everton look to gring out a much needed result.</p><p>Kudus picked up a bizarre yellow card after a nasty challenge from James Tarkowski, in which the Ecerton centre back seemed to leave a bt in for Kudus. Jordan Pickford then stood over the floored Kudus roaring into his face. Pickford also collected a yellow which will hopefully quieten his timewasting antics as the game progresses.</p><p>West ham need a goal to draw Everton out to play. They certainly haven't looked close to finding the key in the first half.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-75823354320032770332023-10-29T05:47:00.004-07:002023-10-29T05:58:52.560-07:00Moyes Shakes it up for Toffees Visit<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRZqhW-Cy5s_yiIwrXESaJ49rrDjaYfWgpqUly-u0EwHXhcVuWaG2uLmESzJeB5Vo_wZur5NotOk0I2CLUxwRsmG1MvUtLamFMI1dVz3vGuPUj2UCegymVblFAQt2Q9x9ftqZPRlyURQk4SbWEWQhjMV5WsKHHz2UffRYu2sroJZtO0LqUfWReVXaCPfk/s2016/IMG-20220820-WA0007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRZqhW-Cy5s_yiIwrXESaJ49rrDjaYfWgpqUly-u0EwHXhcVuWaG2uLmESzJeB5Vo_wZur5NotOk0I2CLUxwRsmG1MvUtLamFMI1dVz3vGuPUj2UCegymVblFAQt2Q9x9ftqZPRlyURQk4SbWEWQhjMV5WsKHHz2UffRYu2sroJZtO0LqUfWReVXaCPfk/s320/IMG-20220820-WA0007.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Rubik;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">West ham have enjoyed a pretty positive start to the season but after a run of poor results really need to get back to winning ways today. Lowly Everton come to the London stadium looking to push away from the relegation zone and will hope to beat West ham at their own counterattacking game.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">Moyes will relish the opportunity to get one over on his old club and has unsurprisingly gone for his strongest starting XI. The big talking points are the return of Aaron Cresswell for Emerson who is on a ban, while Moyes intentions are clear with the switch of Soucek to the bench and a rare start for Kudus. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">How Bowen and Kudus line out is less clear as both prefer the right wing, but either can slip more centrally to slot in behind Antonio. Alternatively, Moyes might push Antonio to the left and push either Bowen or Kudus to the centre.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">Either way, Moyes clearly plans to attack an Everton defence that looks vulnerable. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">There's plenty on the bench if needed but disappointingly no spot for Divin Mubama who must be starting to wonder what he can do to get a chance in this strong squad?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">Rory Nostradamus predicts a 3-1 win for Moyes' men. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">COYI!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f6f6f2; color: #3b3b3b; font-size: 14.994px;"><span style="font-family: Rubik;">West Ham United: Areola, Coufal, Zouma(c), Aguerd, Cresswell, Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta, Kudus, Bowen, Antonio. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f6f6f2; color: #3b3b3b; font-size: 14.994px;"><span style="font-family: Rubik;">Subs: Fabianski, Soucek, Fornals, Mavropanos, Cornet, Ings, Ogbonna, Benrahma, Kehrer.</span></span></p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-64624021343506583652023-10-27T00:58:00.002-07:002023-10-27T00:58:09.529-07:00Hammers in one hell of a mess<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpsYMB2UDv-9sVTTKJSIB7ioSRRgTR2TG1tP3m73YN1gI-hTIUk46EXTc-4MMDLj3NZm71g6vylchsyPeh73ljN-of9sQ0-JML91cP-zqVD7J5BQ9Vfq2YzP8NxuMgQDQexq7xr7b4OWtGN11R-42K_7ulc9CO1r9Fhnz2Icy1zQQuzIUEQCzOlcILyfc/s666/Screenshot_20231027_081139_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="666" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpsYMB2UDv-9sVTTKJSIB7ioSRRgTR2TG1tP3m73YN1gI-hTIUk46EXTc-4MMDLj3NZm71g6vylchsyPeh73ljN-of9sQ0-JML91cP-zqVD7J5BQ9Vfq2YzP8NxuMgQDQexq7xr7b4OWtGN11R-42K_7ulc9CO1r9Fhnz2Icy1zQQuzIUEQCzOlcILyfc/w357-h236/Screenshot_20231027_081139_Chrome.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>David Moyes' men left Athens last night with their tails between their legs after a sound thumping from Olympiacos. In truth, the 2-1 scoreline did little justice to the Greek's dominance in a game where the Hammers didn't show up until the final fifteen minutes.</p><p>Moyes opted for a starting lineup consisting mainly of fringe players, presumably hoping that the hunger of those on the margins would translate into an energetic performance. It didn't!</p><p>The Hammers looked lacklustre and disorganised. Without Bowen, Paqueta and Antonio we lacked any cutting edge up front, while defensively we struggled with Olympiacos' width and then descended into circus antics in front of goal. </p><p>Olympiacos' first goal resulted from a stunning failure to close down a meandering run along the 18 yard box and a cruel deflection off Mavropanos. Instead of hitting back, we then conceded an embarrassingly sloppy second on the cusp of half time as Ogbonna and Areola miscommunicated and a seemingly benign cross scuttled into the net. </p><p>It was easy to blame our defence for the 0-2 scoreline at half-time but in reality our top half had totally misfired. It was hard to choose between Fornals, Ings and Benrahma as to who was the most unimpressive (or disinterested) as we seemed to feel entitled to get another European win by only showing up! Olympiacos, in comparison were full of energy and commitment, constantly coming out on top in 50-50 collisions.</p><p>Mercifully, half time came but instead of a second half revival, the next 30 minutes were dominated by the Greeks who truly had the bit between their teeth. Spurred on by their fans giant banner that read "Tonight you dine in hell" they hunted in packs and should have gone further ahead.</p><p>Moyes brought on the bomb squad, but they too stuttered and it wasn't until too late that Paqueta scored a majestic goal to open the door on an unlikely comeback. Along the way, Danny Ings missed a massive chance (again). Worryingly, once again we created almost nothing of note from a string of Ward-Prowse corners, getting lost in bully-boy antics in the six yard box.</p><p>Last night was the first time you could really sense the absence of Declan Rice's leadership and energy. </p><p>So, it's back to the drawing board. Everton at home on Sunday is a big chance to get going again, while Olympiacos' visit in a fortnight gives us a chance for some revenge.</p><p>COYI!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392941467446607388.post-40274174467662530722023-10-08T05:51:00.007-07:002023-10-08T06:05:42.035-07:00Hammers set to rock the toon<p><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #666666;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rOO4q64pQiCYme-DzI_0M7whXnh6m1K_vChz-0WTFBgfZi4MbV-svO6tgLSBCsa7z_a83gKDXD3WbDbiEhzVJoFP47GQ3TA9DAo-7UB_xK8vpLe2NiSmTbBfLku4sOK-DEbS6PZZva6rA_yEtM6GkLUUeVotPI0O5FhjUj__Dkk1-cx8gxgPEJP_oGp2/s339/Bubbs.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rOO4q64pQiCYme-DzI_0M7whXnh6m1K_vChz-0WTFBgfZi4MbV-svO6tgLSBCsa7z_a83gKDXD3WbDbiEhzVJoFP47GQ3TA9DAo-7UB_xK8vpLe2NiSmTbBfLku4sOK-DEbS6PZZva6rA_yEtM6GkLUUeVotPI0O5FhjUj__Dkk1-cx8gxgPEJP_oGp2/s320/Bubbs.PNG" width="293" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">It's fifteen minutes to kick off and the teamsheets are in. The Hammers starting XI is pretty much as predicted, with Kudus, Kehrer, Benrahma and Fornals on the bench. </span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Mavropanos is missing today. </span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Jarrod Bowen has never scored against Newcastle but will fancy his chances against Dan Burn at right back for the Toon.</span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Newcastle have Callum Wilson on the bench hoping to add to his dozen previous goals against the Irons. </span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Let's do this!</span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; color: #666666; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">West Ham United:</span><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; color: #666666; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Areola, Coufal, Zouma ©, Aguerd, Emerson, Álvarez, Souček, Ward-Prowse, Paquetá, Bowen, Antonio</b></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: none; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 13px 0px 20px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Subs: Fabiański (GK), Kehrer, Ogbonna, Fornals, Kudus, Cornet, Benrahma, Ings, Mubama</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: none; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 13px 0px 20px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="background: transparent; border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Newcastle United: </span>Pope, Trippier, Schär, Lascelles ©, Burn, Tonali, Longstaff, Guimarāes, Almirón, Anderson, Isak<br /></b></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: none; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 13px 0px 20px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Subs: Dúbravka (GK), Dummett, Targett, Livramento, Hall, Manquillo, Murphy, Ritchie, Wilson</p>Verywesthamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05959595297046383907noreply@blogger.com18