At Last, Some Movement...

It's already more than half way through January with very little transfer action at relegation-threatened West Ham. Darren Randolph has returned to steady our dodgy defence, while exciting youngster Conor Coventry has signed a new contract, but otherwise there has been precious little for Hammers fans to celebrate.

Most meaningful January action happens in the final few days, so it's too early to panic. In addition to bringing in a defender and a box to box midfielder, West ham need to clear out some deadwood. To that end it has been confirmed that Roberto will be heading on loan back to Spain to Alaves, probably early next week.

The Spaniard has endured a torrid time at the club during which his contributions have been highlighted as major factors in the Hammers lowly position in the Premiership table, and ultimately the departure of Manuel Pellegrini.

Maybe Carlos Sanchez might be next?

COYI!!!

QUACK QUACK!!! Anyone for a Cup Run?

Listening on the radio feed to yesterday's game the crowd noise was unmistakeably that of a cup game! Loud and passionate, you could sense the passion and excitement. Things weren't too bad on the pitch either, as Manuel Pellegrini fielded a strong side who ultimately had too much for a gamey Birmingham City.

The Blues had a number of chances to level matters along the way and will feel that West Ham were lucky to keep a clean sheet, but ultimately with 74% possession, almost three times as many passes (619 vs 211) and a vastly higher pass accuracy, West Ham were relatively comfortable winners.

There were impressive performances by the youngsters, with both Silva and Diangana posing a constant threat up front and forcing Birmingham to play relatively deep. However, the biggest talking point was the bizarre Arnautovic substitution. It seems Pellegrini may have had a rare rush of blood to the head as he pulled Marko ashore after just 20 minutes, much to the astonishment of everybody - including Arnie himself!

One disappointment from the game was that we could not get a two goal cushion early enough to give Conor Coventry a run. The cup provides excellent opportunity for younger players to get big match experience but equally, with our injury problems the Hammers did not want to concede and have to go to a replay.  

Andy Carroll got his first goal for nine months with a classical Carroll header - but not after missing two gilt edged opportunities on the floor! Its hard to know where to go with the Carroll story from here as he remains a great striker but simply cannot maintain fitness. One suspects that Pellegrini has a clear mind and will follow his plans with his usual ruthlessness. It was wonderful to hear him calmly dismissing the media in his post match interview as they tried to create a storm about the Arnautovic incident.

Next up its Monday night and the draw. We are ball 22 (Quack Quack!!!). David Gold has tweeted that he feels a Cup run coming. There is a good feeling about the club right now and that's a great time to have a run at the cup. The draw is after the Liverpool game (maybe 9.45). Ex-Hammer Robbie Keane will be pulling the balls.

Arsenal next Saturday will be a big test. The Gunners have a modest away record this season, winning four of their ten games and losing on three occasions. With Zabaleta coming back to add balance at the back, Nasri adding to our midfield options and both Arnie and Andy Carroll reasonably fit, maybe its time to buck the trend as over the past decade we have won only 1 of 22 games (2015), with 4 draws!!!

COYI!!!

The Kids Are United: No Sham United For Blues Visit

Having finally found our stride under Manuel Pellegrini, a cup run looks like an enticing prospect despite our injury problems. The cup can also provide an excellent opportunity to give some of our promising youngsters a chance to strut their stuff - something that Pellegrini has not been shy about. With Declan Rice now established as the central cog of our midfield, Grady Diangana gaining valuable match experience by the week and Conor Coventry having made a few matchday squads, it's all looking very youth-friendly. However, all eyes will be on Xande Silva today. The Portuguese hot shot gets his first start for the Hammers and will be looking to make his mark!


Pelle has almost certainly been asked to avoid an embarrassing defeat to Messers Gold n Sullivan's former club who are looking well organised under the impressive Gary Monk and will be no push over today. As such, the starting XI is strong with Diop and Ogbonna at the centre of the defence. and Arnie up front. There is plenty of quality on the bench if things don't go according to plan in the first hour! 

Samir Nasri gets his first start for the Hammers and will be hoping to demonstrate his value after a prolonged break from top class action. Sadly for Reece Oxford, there is no room in the squad, further demonstrating how far he has drifted off course since that impressive debut against Arsenal back at the start of Slaven Bilic's reign.

Rory Nostradamus reckons it'll be a 4-2 cracker.

Kick off is 12.30.

COYI!!!

West Ham United: Adrian (c), Antonio, Diop, Ogbonna, Masuaku, Rice, Obiang, Diangana, Nasri, Xande Silva, Arnautovic

Subs: Fabianski, Cresswell, Coventry, Snodgrass, Felipe Anderson, Lucas Perez, Carroll