Putting Diop's Shaky Start at Centre Back into Context

New West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini has wasted no time ringing in the changes and in turn splashing plenty of cash to strengthen his squad. Having inherited the leakiest defence in the Premiership - one that conceded 68 goals in 38 games - it has been no surprise that he has looked to change defensive arrangements.

Bringing in French starlet Issa Diop was a particularly bold move, costing £22 million at the tender age of 21! However, having already risen to the role of club captain at Toulouse, Diop had established his leadership credentials.

That aside, Diop has featured in West Ham's Preseason friendlies against Wycombe Wanderers (where he had a solid 45 minutes) and Preston - where he looked off the pace of the game and was the shaky half of a partnership with Declan Rice.

However, its very early days. Reece Oxford's Premiership debut against Arsenal 3 years ago suggested we had unearthed the new Rio Ferdinand, but he has struggled ever since. Conversely, Winston Reid's debut gave little to suggest we had captured our solidest centre back of recent times as he had an underwhelming debut in 2010 in a 3-0 thumping by Villa and was part of a side that was relegated! Similarly, Angelo Ogbonna has been a decent performer since arriving from Juventus, but in his first game looked very nervy and even conceded a crucial own goal as we were spectacularly bounced out of the Europa League by Romanian minnows Astro Giurgui!

Early days then. All the same, he'll need to sharpen up by the time we travel to Anfield in a few week's time as Messrs Salah et al will be only too happy to demonstrate how the Premiership is a place of little sympathy for those hoping for time to catch their breath and get bedded in!

At the other end of the spectrum, Ryan Fredericks has settled in very quickly at right back and along with Andriy Yarmolenko looks set to bring real threat down the right wing next season!

COYI!!!

Wilshere Can Succeed Mark Noble as Captain Claret

There can be no doubting that it's been an interesting transfer widow for West Ham so far and apparently with even more new blood to arrive. However, the most exciting signing to date is Jack Wilshere from Arsenal - undoubtedly talented, his injury issues have stymied a career that looked soar.

With a bit more luck he would have made the England squad for Russia and come tomorrow night if Modric and Rakitic are bossing midfield Gareth Southgate may well wish he had brought Wilshere along!

Whatever about that, Wilshere is a proper Hammer and at just 26 should have his best years ahead of him. While we all love Mark Noble, we are having to get our heads around the reality that he can't keep putting in those amazing Duracell performances that keep our midfield ticking over (for a potent example check out Leicester last season!).

So who will step into those massive Noble shoes? Arnautovic could be an interesting possibility but he isn't historically a Hammer. Winston Reid is a big player but maybe not quite the force he was previously (let's hope he can recover with an injury-free run next season), Declan Rice is still too young but may well take on the role at some point as he is a ringer for Billy Bonds.....so what about Wilshere - a leader, intelligent and a proper Hammer!

It's going to be interesting to see how Pellegrini lines up his midfield talents - especially when Lanzini returns in January 2019 (all going well). 

Even more intriguing is how West Ham will line out against Liverpool and then Bournemouth...Will Wilshere and Noble both get a starting place? Surely that would lack pace…Will he rotate the two to keep Noble fesh and Wilshere injury-free?  How will he use Rice, Kouyate and Obiang?

Hmmm…

Never Mind The Pundits, This One will be a Pre-Christmas Cracker!

So this is Christmas...Moyes-style. Even after a series of season-changing performances, and picking up an unexpected 4 points in the series of games against Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal, the Hammers are still in the relegation zone. As a consequence, their Christmas campaign represents a crucial period for the club with lofty ambitions and an underperforming squad. In response, David Moyes has postponed the Christmas party until the club have achieved Premiership safety - something that is quite likely to run until the end of the season in a congested bottom half of the league!

Today's visit to Stoke will be a real test as the Hammers will be expected to do better than the 30% possession they have averaged in their past three games. Stoke are another side who are happy to let their opponents have the ball and try to catch them on the counter, so it'll be interesting to see who gets the lion's share of possession. While against the odds wins over the likes of Chelsea are very pleasing, it's games against fellow strugglers like Stoke and Newcastle that will decide the club's fate.

The Hammers have an awful record at the Brittania stadium but Stoke are on a dreadful run having lost 4 of their last five games. The absence of Winston Reid is a major concern for Moyes, but with the usually super-reliant James Collins ready to fill in, the Hammers will be hoping to continue their recent run of clean sheets. 

It is widely rumoured that Michail Antonio will be rested thus allowing Chicharito to return to lead the line but Moyes may prefer the physicality of Sakho or Carroll, especially at set pieces. Although the 'new' Stoke have a reputation for more positive and attacking football, they have the highest percentage of goals from set pieces in the Premiership accounting for 7 of their 19 strikes so far this season.

Marko Arnautovic will need to keep a cool head as he will undoubtedly receive a 'warm' welcome from his ex-club, but is on top form and may well silence the boo boys with a game-defining contribution. After letting the side down earlier in the season with a foolish red card, one would expect that he should have learned his lesson - but he isn't nicknamed 'Mad Marko' for nothing!

Mystic Mark Lawrenson predicts a 1-1 draw, Paul Merson reckons  it'll be 1-0 to the Potters, while Michael Owen fancies a 0-1 Hammers smash n grab raid. However, with the two leakiest defences in the league on show (Stoke 36 goals, West Ham 32 goals) we reckon a high scoring game is much more likely!

Rory Nostradamus is opting for a 2-3 scoreline, with the Hammers coming out on top.

Arnie to net the winner, of course!

COYI!!!

Two images that will please all West Ham fans

He's Back-ho! Diafra is training again with the first team. Fingers crossed, he's endured a torrid time with injuries. This is his make or break season.

Meanwhile, Winston Reid is preparing to return after his recent shin operation and word is that West Ham have NO interest in selling him to Everton or indeed anyone else!
.

 

Toffees Grab Winstone Read

The current speculation regarding the future of West ham's Kiwi defensive sensation Winston 'Wonderful' Reid has understandably angered many Hammers fans who feel that having made the most exciting collection of signings to date in the Premiership that the media should look elsewhere when creating speculative transfer news. Maybe try Spurs, for example, where the North London side have contributed nothing to the transfer circus apart from letting one of their best players go to rivals Man City.


The rumour is that Ronald Koeman wants a West Ham centre back - initially, it was speculated that James Collins might make the move - albeit with no apparent foundation and very much flying against Collins' own recent comments about his future: "I’d love to finish my career here....It’s been a major part of my life – I met my wife here, so my family are from the area, and I’m a very lucky boy to have been at such a good club for so long. And hopefully it can continue"

Read more at https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2017/july/16-july/collins-i-want-end-my-career-west-ham#fWpgoUpMlSpVrBq2.99

As such, tabloid interest has now switched to focus upon Winston Reid.

Just exactly why Reid would want to leave London for Liverpool, or switch from a club where he has been the lynchpin around which our continued rise has been driven, makes no sense. With Everton having lost their best player while West Ham have patiently assembled a top class squad, it seems that West Ham rather than Everton are the better bet for a top six invasion next season. Hammers fans will be calmed by the clue as to the veracity of the story highlighted by the suggested fee of £9million. Ahaaaaahaaaaa. Dream on Toffees! Reid is contracted to 2021 and has a £20 million buyout clause - both for good reason!

As the Lukaku-less Toffees try to regroup, perhaps their efforts can indeed be encouraged by a Winstone Read - but they are more likely to get a read of Ray Winstone's compelling biography than a slice of our Kiwi maestro.   

Meanwhile, Winston Reid is preparing himself for the season when his sustained efforts of recent years are rewarded with some silverware!

COYI!!!


 

Were Marseille Eastended in Payet Transfer?

Olympic Marseille seemed to have picked up a bargain when they snapped up Dimitri Payet from West Ham for a cut-price £25 million during the transfer window. Having in no way influenced the player before his one man strike, both club and player looked smug as they released pictures of him undergoing a medical having returned home the hero!

Only a week later and things seem to have turned nasty! Marseille continue to struggle for form and lost 1-0 to lowly Metz on Friday night. So unimpressed with Mr Payet were the footy afficionados at L'Equipe that they posted a derogatory cartoon of him with a pudgy pudding belly! Some fans have even suggested that we have sent them Benni McCarthy renamed as 'Gimi a Pie-Eh?' instead of the lithe midfield talisman!

We have translated the piece which is a low hit and suggests that Dimitri may have gotten overly fond of his Pie n Mash while training with the development squad during his want-away strike campaign.

Meanwhile, the Hammers are playing with a Joie de Vive that was visibly absent before Payet's departure and look more solid with Snodgrass' huge work rate to compliment his creativity. The elder statesmen of the team have stepped up their game and suddenly Andy Carroll and Winston Reid look like the leaders we have been lacking in the 'get the ball to Dimitri' game plan we were using up until now.

It sure is a funny old world - especially when you are talking about team sports!

COYI!!!

More Transfer Weirdness From West Ham

 Jose Fonte - a decent centre back who has good leadership skills. Moreover, he is a proven winner with Portugal in the 2016 Euros. However, at 33 years 'young' you'd really have to wonder what on earth West Ham are doing! The reported transfer fee of £8 million seems exorbitant - especially when you consider that West Ham let the talented and versatile (and considerably younger) James Tomkins go for £10 million in the Summer!

The big question is where Fonte will fit into Bilic's side? The Irrepressible Winston Reid would seem a starting fixture which raises questions about the confidence SuperSlav has in Angelo Ogbonna. Moreover, the move will hardly Cheer the two Reece's who surely must be worth more game time as we seem to be heading for a mid-table consolidation year?

The contract runs until 2019 by which time Fonte will be 35. It's a strange one and in all honesty, just now is a move from Southampton to West Ham really much of an upgrade? Perhaps SuperSlav will argue that strengthening the defence and adding leadership to the side will tilt our fortunes for a big push forwards?

A look at Fonte's stats on Squawka further confuses the matter. He has an overall rating of 261, with 9 defensive actions per game and a 47% success rate in challenges. At 28 years of age, Angelo Ogbonna is in his prime and has a rating of 300 with 8 defensive actions per game and a 59% success rate in duels. Is Fonte here to just provide cover? That would be quite a come down for the Southampton captain!

Weird, just weird!

Ok, so it WAS a stroll in the park

We had warned before the game that yesterday's visit to the Liberty Stadium would be no stroll in the park but as it turned out we put in an excellent performance and ran out easy winners at 4-1. In truth, Swansea had the better of proceedings until the Ayew goal but thereafter they looked rattled and we were calm in the way that a team who is coming off the back of a series of good results can be.

Tormentor in chief was the splendid Andy Carroll. How quickly we forget his injury problems when he is back and in dominant form like yesterday. He may have left it until injury time to grab a deserved goal, but all afternoon he ran Swansea ragged as he dominated their centre backs in the air and looks almost back to his best.  

Next up was Winston Reid who was once again assured at the back and even popped up to snatch a goal as he outmuscled the hapless Swansea defence to head in a delicious Payet corner. Behind him, Darren Randolph was equal to pretty much everything Swansea could offer and will be annoyed at the concession of a late goal through some somnolent defending by Oggy and Cressy. 

We reverted to four at the back in a 4-2-3-1 formation that looked much more fluid than we have in a long time. Even with Manuel Lanzini missing and Dimitri Payet somewhat off form, we still looked much more penetrating than the Swans. SuperSlav was happy with both the result and the performance but in many respects this outing leaves even more questions to answer about our best formation and starting XI!

Either way, with 22 points and in eleventh with still a game to play before the half way mark of the season, we can afford to experiment a little in January and February as new recruits arrive. Nordtveit performed decently at right back yesterday but we clearly need a specialist in that position. Antonio's strike again emphasised how much he is wasted when played as a makeshift right back. With Kouyate about to depart for the AFCON, we have limited resources in midfield and, of course, we need a striker or two! The bench yesterday emphasised our lack of squad depth with the kids getting some valuable matchday experience.

COYI!!!

 

Sifting Through the Rubble after WHL Horror Show

As the dust settles on what was one of the most disappointing defeats EVER for Hammers fans, we can perhaps look at the game more objectively. We showed great courage to get ahead twice in a game where we conceded the lions share of the possession (67%!!!). The principal factor in this was the resolute defending with Winston Reid in particular really putting in a massive shift. 

That his game ended with a red card was just one more misfortune in what ended as a sickening day. He will miss the Man United game which will make it even harder to get a result to lift us away from the drop zone. Even though we don't deserve to be quite as low in the Premiership as 17th, as Hammers fans we know that once you go into the drop zone the bad luck becomes infectious.

Up front Diafra Sakho was a delight to watch. He hurried and harried the Spurs defence and given his lack of match time over the past 6 months he put in a tremendous hour's work. Simone Zaza was awful and messed up a chance to bury Spurs when we were 2-1 up but dallied and the chance slipped away. He needs a new club. Andre Ayew has yet to play well for us but its early days.
Which brings us to the Spurs goals. All three came from moves down our right side. The first involved a hand ball by Janssen, the second was grave misfortune but a decent right back would have blocked passage before the ball whizzed across to Harry Kane. Dazza Randolph got a hand to it but in doing so made Kane's task all the easier. The penalty was a moment of utter madness from Nordtveit. Randolph almost pulled off a wonder save despite Kane's precision. Hmmm.

Alvaro Arbeloa must be wondering what is going on. He silently slipped off the radar a few weeks back for no apparent reason. He didn't play badly at any point and is not injured. Bilic has changed our system somewhat - and is once again experimenting with playing our best attacker in a defensive role! However, there is no such difficulty on the left, so why not play a specialist right back on the right?

The January transfer window is not the ideal place to look for decent first team additions or indeed for value, but we need a major clear out. All of the loan deals have been disappointingly unsuccessful and Tore, Zaza and Calleri should be let go asap. Nordtveit has been solid (apart from yesterday's foolishness which will unfortunately be remembered for ever!), Feghouli has looked interesting but without a cutting edge. Fletcher is developing. Let's hope Sakho is back for real and not just to ready him for a move in January. With Andy Carroll we need to  cut our losses and just plan for him not ever being reliably available and enjoy it when he is.

We need to dust ourselves down and focus upon the Old Trafford visits. We deserved at least a draw at Spurs but that's history now. The cup competitions still present a good chance to make our season memorable for positive reasons.

COYI!!!

Miserable Moyes Back to His Best

David Moyes got just the boost he needed in injury time yesterday as his Sunderland side were denied a hard earned point by Winston Reid's stunning strike just 7 seconds from the end. The incident provided Moyes with an ideal opportunity to demonstrate his considerable curmudgeonly talents, indulging in a delicious piece of righteous indignation as he growled about 'interfering with play' highlighting how the referee had been visibly uncertain and looked to his linesmen for guidance.


In reality, West Ham were very fortunate that the goal was allowed as two Hammers players (Calleri and Kouyate) were offside and clearly impeding the Sunderland goalkeeper's view of proceedings.

SuperSlav may well point to the overall performance in which Sunderland rarely threatened and could have been three goals down after 25 minutes, but the truth is that West Ham remain without a cutting edge up front and looked like they could have played out there for days without scoring. The sooner Sakho, Carroll and Ayew are available the better. 

On the plus side, our defence looks tighter again - something that will be put to the test over our next six games where we face a remarkably tough series of fixtures. After Chelsea in the cup, we have Premierships matches with Everton (A), Stoke (H), Spurs (A), Man United (A), Arsenal (H), Liverpool (A). The three points from yesterday will be vital as we still sit in a lowly 15th and look likely to nosedive over the coming weeks where points will surely be at a premium.

So it's a case of tough times ahead, but there are encouraging signs of late as Winston Reid is back to his best and the three man centre back formation looks tight. Adrian has survived his wobbly period and looks sharp again. Obiang and newbie Fernandez offer options in midfield. While many fans have been really disappointed with this year's transfer arrivals, fit-again Sofiane Feghouli looks to be the most impressive of them and added an extra width when he came on yesterday.

Bilic likes to play as the underdog and catch teams on the counter - there will be plenty of opportunities to test that strategy over the next six weeks!

COYI!!!

Perfect Start to New Life at OS for Hammers but how did they rate individually?

Life at the Olympic Stadium began with an emphatic win as West Ham dominated Slovenian rivals NK Domzale, overturning the 2-1 deficit from the first leg to run out 3-0 victors. The reward will be a tie versus Romanian side Astra Giurgiu who defeated the Hammers in last year's Europa exit. One senses that Slaven Bilic will be looking to avenge that defeat with a strong side when the tems meet on the 18th (a) and 25th (h) of August.

But how did our heroes perform individually?

Darren Randolph: Dazza is a top quality keeper and we are lucky to have him as back up to Adrian. A quiet night but he was called into action in the second half as Domzale tried to get back into the tie. His concentration was good and he made the one excellent save that was needed. Good distribution from the back as well. 8/10.

Sam Byram: Sam played really well despite being on his less favoured flank. He also contributed to the attacking efforts of the team with plenty of overlapping runs. One foolish mistimed challenge in the second half reminded us that he isn't the finished product just yet but is certainly progressing well. 8/10.

Michail Antonio: A better organised defence last night meant that his lack of defensive positional sense was not exposed as in the first leg. One mistimed tackle reminded us that he is naturally an attacker. Michail was unphased by the difficulties of the previous match and just got on with it, pushing forward regularly without any fear. He seemed to connect well with Reece Oxford as the right-sided CB as well. Still wasted though at RB! 8/10.

Winston Reid: Cool and committed, Winston is our best defender by an amount. He linked in brilliantly with young Oxford while also supporting Byram out wide. Top class player. 9/10.

Reece Oxford: He really does look like the new Rio! Calm, intelligent and fearless - should he start against Chelsea? We think yes!!! Made some excellent tackles when needed and looked entirely unphased by events. 10/10.

Havard Nordtveit: Looked much more comfortable as the defensive midfielder than he did at CB last week. A decent physical presence he looks well suited for the Premiership. No nonsense tackling and unfussy but distribution. he'll be pleased with his contribution. 8/10.

Mark Noble: Captain Claret fluffed his first few touches at his new home but naturally kicked into gear and kept the intensity of our game at a high level throughout with his high octane contributions. 8/10.

Cheik Kouyate: Looked a bit off form last week but was back to his best with his energetic running and, of course, two decent goals. Kouyate likes playing anywhere in midfield and last night emphasized his ability to be the more forward element of the midfield. All smiles, as always! 10/10.

Enner Valencia: Made the first goal and looked lively throughout. However, he missed a few decent opportunities and in fairness it seems that things have just never quite kicked on for him at West Ham. Maybe its time for a switch? 7/10.

Sofiane Feghouli: You sense that we have picked up another diamond here. Lively, nice touch and an eye for goal as emphasised by his finish for the third goal. We simply cannot wait to see him alongside Payet and Lanzini. 9/10.

Andy Carroll: No goals but he put in a very decent shift. Andy looks like he has gained a yard or two in pace as well! We were once again reminded just how big his contribution to the team effort is with his targeted physicality. Ten goals a season along with the chaos (and space) he creates is enough. 8/10.





 

Reid Injured. Hammers up the spout.

Balls! I hadn't thought that might happen...

Ok, just kidding. As far as we know, Winston is actually fine. But just consider...what if? After James Tomkins' departure can you imagine how devastating this news would be? Some might write this off as doom-mongering, but the fact is that Reid's competitive style comes at a price - and there is no denying that he has had extended absences in each of the last few seasons. This is a highly predictable scenario...Ogbonna plus ANOther.

Which brings me to another observation; if Leicester can do it, there's got to be a chance that West ham can too! Be honest, Hammers fans really think a top four finish is on the cards next year, while many secretly fantasize that we might emulate Leicester's achievement.

However, all it takes is one bad month for results and any such hopes will be dashed. Ginge is well matured now, so unless we bring in another centre back we will have relatively untested kids lining out alongside Ogbonna. Hardly Champions League stuff is it?

Ogbonna had a good season last year. After a shaky start, he settled in. Amongst his undoubted strengths are his calmness in possession and sure footedness on the ground. He is pretty average in the air such that either of the superskinny Reece's would come under considerable physical pressure if twinned with Ogbonna. Hmmm.

As for Tonks, its a real pity we couldn't accomodate his needs. A club with our aspirations should have three centre backs who are at the peak of their careers. Ginge is a star but he's on the down curve. Let's hope the Reece's are as good as Slav surely believes.

Unfortunately, this decision looks likely to come back to bite us in the ass.

Oh No! IT'S TRUE, he's really leaving after all...

That should silence that creepy Icelandic chant thing...

The major discussion point of last weekend was, for once, not whether Dimitri Payet will leave West Ham after the Euros, but rather, that academy graduate James Tomkins might be off to Crystal Palace. This time last year such a move would have been laughably unlikely, but wind on a year that has seen the arrival of the impressive Angelo Ogbonna coupled with the further development of the Reece's, and suddenly Tonks departure is not so crazy an idea. 

The level of debate has been intense, with those in favour citing that Tomkins' distribution when coming out of defence is not sleek enough for Bilic's set up. Conversely, many others (VWH included) still regard Tonks as our best centre back after Winston Reid. Undoubtedly, his versatility as a makeshift right back is an asset but seems to have gone against him under Bilic.

 However, with James Collins well into his thirties, one would think that three experienced centre backs are a mandatory requirement in these days of soft suspensions and high speed injuries. Campaigns in the two seasons prior to Slaven's arrival were both derailed by our lack of adequate cover at centre back that left a gaping hole in our defence that was only partially plugged by the arrival of Roger 'the relegator' Johnson. Can anyone erase the painful trauma of the back to back 6-goal concessions to Man City and Nottingham's Florist?

Initially the rumours sounded as daft as those that suggested he was heading to rejoin Big Slam at Slumberland, but his visible omission from the US trip raised eyebrows and now there are reports this morning that he is on his way for a medical after the agreement of a £12 million deal. For those that see us as a family club that emphasises blending incoming stars with our home grown talent, this has to be seen as a disappointing moment. For those avaricious types who view £12 million as good money, the purpose of the OS move is to end our history of selling off our best talent. In that regard, Tonks has been the best graduate from our academy since Noble before him.

Meanwhile, on the Payet front, despite a relatively quiet night by his standards last night, he demonstrated his two-footedness with a stunning strike with his lesser (?) left foot in a 5-2 mauling of Iceland. The latest display will only serve to further energise the interests of Europe's top clubs and as Tomkins departure highlights, at the right price we are still as selling club! 





 

The picture that captures the force that drives SuperSlav's Heroes!

Tuesday night's festivities provided a fitting farewell to the Boleyn with Manchester United the perfect victims of the force that characterises Bilic's West Ham. Manchester United provided the final part of the jigsaw as a rampant Hammers have felled all of the so-called 'Big Six', also throwing in a thrashing to Spurs to the mix. The spirit and determination that Bilic has instilled in his side is truly awesome such that even when the Hammers go behind there is always a sense that they can get a result. As Winston Reid peels away after sealing a well-deserved winner to cap off the Hammers comeback, the look of resignation on Chris Smalling's face captures the extent of the force that drives this West Ham team. Let's hope Super Slav can maintain it as we move to our new stadium!

Meanwhile, today's trip to Stoke brings down the curtain on a memorable season. We need to win to be sure of European qualification. A Payet-free side will need to be at their best to overcome 'Stokalona' but for Bilic's boys it seems no mountain is too high!

Hilarious, simply bloody hilarious!

7-2 against: that's ludicrous!!!

Once again the Hammers provide stunning value for money for those wanting to exact revenge on Paddy Poormaker and the rest of the bookies gang.

With West Ham 7-2 against to win at Stamford bridge, a comparison of these two sides recent form suggests that the East Londoners are certainly in with a shout despite going 13 years since their last win away to Chelsea.

On that day, a certain Mr Di Canio decided to take control of proceedings. Aided and abetted by a side blessed with Carrick, Cole, Defoe, Sinclair and David James, you can see why they came out on top.

Oh, and let's not forget that Frank Lampard Jnr was on the losing side that day.

Since then, Chelsea have won eight with two draws, but let's face it, this season is totally different under Bilic who, if anything, seems to prefer the role of underdog away side.

Today Chelsea are without Diego Caustic and Eddie Izzard, while for West Ham the good news is that Winston Reid is fit.

Bilic has gone for an attack-minded side with Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia claiming starting berths. Big Andy is lurking on the bench ready to repeat his heroics from earlier in the season when he scored a cracking winner against a hapless Chelsea who soonafter lost their manager and are in rebuilding mode until a new long-term boss arrives.  

WEST HAM UNITED starting XI: Adrian, Antonio, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Kouyate, Noble (c), Lanzini, Payet, Valencia, Sakho

I guess all that's left to say is 'Over to you Mr Payet...'

Hammers Receive Two Further Champions League Boosts

Just as Winston Reid confirmed that he is fit and injury-free after Saturday's clash with Manchester United, poor Vincent Kompany has sustained yet another injury and has been substituted tonight during Manchester City's Champion's League tie against ex-Hammer Sergei Rebrov's Dynamo Kiev.

The double news is just the sort of thing that can tilt the balance in West Ham's favour as they chase the teams above them for one of the much-coveted Champion's League spots. The release of a table depicting current form over the past eight games confirms how SuperSlav has timed the Hammers run to perfection as they top the Premiership on performances during that crucial period! even better, both Arsenal and Man City are in the bottom half of the table!!!

With the Hammers facing a tough tie away to a recovering Chelsea side, Arsenal face a tricky away visit to Everton while the Manchester sides slug it out at the Etihad on Sunday.

After that, the Hammers face a series of tough ties but will be buoyed by the number of returning players which gives Bilic plenty of options as he plots his tactical strategy home to Crystal Palace and Arsenal and away to Leicester. Thereafter, every game is a cup final.

Speaking of which, the real cup final may also intervene upon our fixture calendar before the season is done.

Happy, happy days!!!

 

Reid to be dropped for the rest of the season?

Ouch!

As news emerged that West ham's european dream might still be alive - by virtue of topping the Premiership fair play league - the focus has turned to which players accumulate the most cautions.

Unfortunately, this will be bad news for those Hammers who attract most yellow card cautions, with ace defender Winston Reid topping the list with a whopping eight yellow cards accrued this season. With Burnley breathing down our necks on the fair play league there seems little option other than to rest the Kiwi warrior for fear his disciplinary record might drag us away from the current Europa league placing.

Second worst offender is James Tomkins with six yellows, but his recent operation will limit the fair play damage he can contribute. Maybe its time to give one of the Reece's a run in the first team?

Hammers Select Strongest Possible Starting XI

It's the big one and not surprisingly Big Sam has selected a strong starting line up. Interestingly, Kevin Nolan is on the bench as the dream midfield of Kouyate, Song, Noble and Downing finally gets to start. In Nolan's absence, Mark Noble is captain. The prolific Harry Kane returns for Spurs but West Ham will hope that the similarly returning Winston Reid can stiffle his impact. Up front for West Ham, Sakho is fit and ready to terrorise the Tottenham defence while for his striking partnet Enner Valencia today is the ideal moment to shine.

Rory Nostradamus predicts a thriller with the final score a 2-2 draw

Tottenham

Lloris, Walker, Dier, Vertonghen, Rose, Bentaleb, Mason, Lamela, Dembele, Townsend, Kane
Subs: Vorm, Davies, Fazio, Stambouli, Chadli, Eriksen, Soldado

West Ham

Adrian, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell, Song, Noble, Kouyate, Downing, Sakho, Valencia.
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Demel, O’Brien, Collins, Nolan, Jarvis, Cole

West Ham Reach Tipping Point

Please Sir, can we have some more?

Today's clash with Hull City presents a key moment in the Hammers season as, after a series of draws following a disappointing Christmas spell, Big Sam's troops find themselves rapidly drifting towards mid-table obscurity. Even more concerning than the poor points haul of late, is the reality that  performances in the drawn matches against West Brom and Swansea were below par, while a ten-man Everton more than competed against West ham for an hour during Tuesday night's FA cup tie.

The absence of Sakho and Kouyate certainly weakens his hand, but Allardyce will hope that Enner Valencia can develop on his goal in the midweek FA cup dramafest against Everton, while Alex Song should be fit to start.

Valencia's form has been in and out, and despite newspaper reports suggesting that he was the star performer for West Ham on the night, many observers noted that he seems to be suffering from a dip in confidence - with a series of poor touches, followed by a tame one on one miss, and then  getting in the way of a certain Song goal evidence from the first half that things have not been working out for him of late. That said, his goal was well taken and who can forget his stunning strike in the 2-2 clash at the KC stadium earlier this season which serves as evidence of what the lad is capable of. Today should be a chance for him to kick on.

Reid remains unavailable due to an ankle injury. How many times have players holding out until the end of contracts picked up injuries along the way and suddenly found themselves much less desirable to would-be wooers? The conspiracy theorists will undoubtedly wonder if he is being rested prior to a January exit which, given that European football is looking less likely after our recent run of results, may now be inevitable as Winston seeks a new challenge.

In other news, Ricky Vaz Te has departed to Turkey in a mutually agreed termination of his contract. Ricky never quite delivered in the Premiership, but there can be no doubting his contribution to our presence in the top league as his arrival three years ago during the January transfer window kick started a Hammers side who after a good start to their promotion campaign, found themselves unable to win games and were sliding down the Championship. Maybe his departure will allow a new face to come in who can similarly reignite our push for Europe this season? Either way, it seems such a waste that he has spent so much of his recent career not playing - just think of the job he might have done for any of the Championship promotion wannabes this season?

Hull arrive in poor shape - a poor away record, currently languishing in the relegation zone, and with both Hernandez and Jelavic crocked. They will surely struggle to score goals and would almost certainly be happy with a point, so we better brace ourselves for a conservative approach from Steve Bruce's men. Let's hope big Sam doesn't play it too conservative as this is a game where Amalfitano should definitely start ahead of Nolan. If we can get an early goal it should be an enjoyable encounter. If not, Hull can expect a Carlton-Andy bludgeoning for the last 20 minutes as this is one we simply MUST win. 

Rory Nostradamus predicts a 2-0 home win.

Reid for Jenkinson? its now or never for Arsenal and West ham to talk

As West ham's grip on star defender Winston Reid increasingly loosens, many Hammers have started to accept that the Kiwi seems Arsenal-bound. For his part, Big Sam has done his best to muddy the water by alleging untoward familiarity between would be wooers and his current star, but even this seems desperate. A different perspective is that this may be a crafty attempt to soften our North London neighbours attitudes ahead of the inevitable negotiations to part with their right back star when his season-long loan comes to an end.

Jenkinson has warmed to life in the East end with a series of stunning performances this season, with today's efforts against Swansea amongst the very best. In simple terms, Jenkinson has been a quiet sensation- solid defensively (what about that tackle in the first half when a goal seemed certain? ), while offering a whole added dimension to our offensive efforts.

It is no coincidence that this season we are the highest ranking team in the Premiership for crosses into the box with Aaron Cresswell and Jenkinson a constant source of intelligent supply.

So as the January window continues, this may indeed be the time to do some business in respect of Reid while we still have some say on what happens next?

Losing Reid would be tough - but capturing Jenks on a long term contract would certainly soften the disappointment, which seems almost inevitable at this stage. For Arsenal, if they let matters run until Reid is out of contract then there will likely be a stampede to sign a proven and high performing Premiership centre back.

For both club it seems that now is the moment to do business.