West Ham's busy schedule just might be an added bonus for AFCB. Playing in Europe is not something that the Hammers had much chance to get used to last season and they have a big challenge to make this season a settled time in the club's history as Slaven Bilic contends with a new stadium, new signings and the extra games in Europe. All that and it's the first Premier League game at home for West Ham having found Chelsea too strong for them in their first game of the season.
So is the pressure on West Ham? For this game against AFCB I'd say yes. Not only as it is what their fans have been waiting, but it is a game that they are probably favourites for with the bookies and yet they didn't win the fixture last season. It is again an early game in the season for the two and form may well be hard to call at the moment, but AFCB will know that West Ham's squad has to have some rotation after playing Chelsea and Astra Giurgiu in the last seven days.
While AFCB's team has only seen one or two departures there is the possibility of Bilic introducing a few players that are a little unfamiliar playing in West Ham colours. The signing of Argentine striker Jonathan Calleri only happened a week ago and Andre Ayew is already injured and out for four months. Still, West Ham have reliable quality in the form of Payet and Lanzini and while Kouyaté can blow hot and cold, on his day he can be unplayable. In fact it's the midfield players that appear more of a strength and Bilic has build a good balance with Mark Noble also in there and one of the most underrated players.
It is in midfield where I see this game being won and lost. Both teams like to get in behind on the wings so it could be an energy-sapping game for the wing-backs as well. AFCB need to keep the pace high and make it a game that tests the durability of this West Ham side. They just may find it is one game too many in such a short space of time.
My two question and answer sections with the opposition are now live. See links below.
West Ham Til I die answer piece
Ironsview answer piece
So is the pressure on West Ham? For this game against AFCB I'd say yes. Not only as it is what their fans have been waiting, but it is a game that they are probably favourites for with the bookies and yet they didn't win the fixture last season. It is again an early game in the season for the two and form may well be hard to call at the moment, but AFCB will know that West Ham's squad has to have some rotation after playing Chelsea and Astra Giurgiu in the last seven days.
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| West Ham may have moved home but they will be another difficult game for AFCB. |
It is in midfield where I see this game being won and lost. Both teams like to get in behind on the wings so it could be an energy-sapping game for the wing-backs as well. AFCB need to keep the pace high and make it a game that tests the durability of this West Ham side. They just may find it is one game too many in such a short space of time.
My two question and answer sections with the opposition are now live. See links below.
West Ham Til I die answer piece
Ironsview answer piece
Personally and I hope I am wrong but I think we are going to get murdered this afternoon and it will mean that we have lost 9 out of the last ten matches and there is just a feeling that the bubble has burst and we could have a very very tough season....
ReplyDeleteThe defence has not changed and its leaky....very leaky...and I am afraid that next weeks game against Crystal palace is already looking a six pointer relegation battle....
Wilson as is a current theme of mine is not a 100% and he is a luxury we cannot afford right now....Afobe should be up front....
I would give Mousset a chance...again what is the point of buying these young players unless they get to play and not against Morecambe ....
My fear is that Lewis Cook will be dropped and he is the one new player who has the class and confidence to make a real difference..and he will...Eddie will bring back Gosling....I would play Ake as centre half...Ibe looks like he will flatter to deceive...and we look like relegation fodder
As a West Ham fan I would like to say what a well considers and balanced article this is. However, if you think the battle will be won in midfield you may just have an advantage. Lanzini is definetly out, Payet may be carrying a knock and there is uncertainty around the fitness of Kouyate! On another note, I would like to hear the impressions of the away fans at the new stadium later. I've been twice so far and think that it is stunning.
ReplyDeleteHave just heard the team and find that Lewis Cook is dropped...I am sorry unless he is injured what on earth is the point of buying players and not playing them other than in minor cup competitions
ReplyDeleteThe manager has bought seven players..and he plays one....its beyond me ...it truly is..its the same as last season...Atsu,Tomlin,Murray,Iturbe.....not given a chance
I am sorry but we are in for a season where we are going to be relegated and the manager has been found out.
ReplyDeleteArter is always likely to be sent off and the stupidity of him being booked for dissent the manager should have substituted him as soon as he had a booking because the likelihood of a second booking was never far away and it cost the team a point....
As I have said,the manager does not want to play new players but continue with his favourites..its obvious that Wilson is not match fit..he has not scored since he has come back from injury..and he needs game time in the reserves to get match fit...he should be barred from any interviews until he has scored six goals in the Premiership.
I just no not understand why Lewis Cook is not even on the substitutes bench...unless he is injured..in which case I apologise...why isn't Ake playing...in fact the whole transfer strategy seems wrong...buying players for the sake of it who have no chance of playing...and what about Afobe..poor sod...he is going to be leading the line against Morecambe...but he shouldn't be...he should be told he is starting against Crystal Palace and at least the next six matches in Premiership......but I doubt it...I have doubts whether the manager is ruthless enough ..I predict regretfully a swift relegation..a big exodus..find out we have massive debts....and a fall from grace...hopefully I will be wrong...