I would not be the least bit surprised to see emergency left back Patrice Evra line up at left back with Aaron Cresswell employed in the Arthur Masuaku role on Saturday afternoon against Watford.
With Arthur Masuaku’s disgusting moment of madness coming just before the close of the window on January 27 and little time left to find a replacement in the longer term, it’s probably a worthwhile punt to bring the French left back in for four games as an emergency.
There can be no other reason to sign him and although he is very close to the end of his career he can probably do a short term job for the team.
However, at 36 the idea of him performing as a rapid left wing raider is too much to expect and thus his natural role will be on the left side of the defence presumably freeing up Cressie to attack down the left.
We were woefully shore in that area against Brighton so let’s hope, if that’s the plan, it works against Watford – it makes more sense to me.
Michael Antonio is expected to be involved from the start at the weekend with Marko Arnautovic likely to be on the bench.
And that would allow the manager to play him up front possibly with Joao Mario slotting into the Manu Lanzini role as he bids to reproduce the previously successful partnership between Manu and Marko.
That of course leaves only two fit regular midfielders available – Noble and Kouyate – and rather than use Zabaleta used in there I hope the manager goes for youthful Declan Rice to provide some energy.
That will allow him to play Zaba at the back in his proper position with hopefully Reid, Ogbonna and the previously mentioned Evra at the back.
CandH possible line-up: Adrian, Zabaleta, Reid, Ogbonna, Evra; Cresswell, Noble, Rice, Kouyate; Antonio, Mario.
No Chicharito?
Well to say it was a surprise is an understatement . I couldn’t believe my ears at 3am watching Sky News . West Ham we’re most definitely alerted to it instantly when Evra suddenly became available . And in my honest opinion , despite the Dave’s saga we shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth . We really do someone at left back . Regardless of his age or pace , his experience should be worth fortunes to us . If only to see out the season and help us in our fight against relegation . He could even have the odd goal in him.
The David’s ( and Brady ) have let us down badly , that’s plain for all to see , as plain as the nose on your face . But this stroke of luck , yes luck , could be exactly what we needed .
He must surely start against Watford as there is rather obviously no alternative . Let’s wish Him well for all our sakes . There is many a player who has made a solid contribution at his age ,,,, so why shouldn’t He !. Heck , we need something Lads .
There’s no way we should be dropping Hernandez for Antonio in my opinion, he won the penalty against Palace and scored against Brighton. Ok he’s not everyone’s cup of tea but he’s potentially hitting a bit of form, if anything it should be Antonio and Hernandez up top together.
Watford are a very physical side, meet fire with fire, put Huggill in from the start, Antonio can play his best position, right wing, Zab back to right back, Noble, Joao Mario in central midfield, Evra or Cresswell left wing, Hernandez up front with Huggy, then Collins and Oggy in central defence and Adrian in goal. Standard 442.
Personally I don’t try to outguess the Manager . But starting Evra is the only way to get him up and running . He can be substituted during 90mins .
Strange , yet somehow exciting times at the LS . Song , Nasri amongst possibles .
Don’t give up on us yet fellas.
COYHAMMERS
Massive risk playing Evra – nowhere near match fit.
He’s also 36 trying to go toe to toe with players more than ten years younger. I hope I’m pleasantly surprised. I reckon he’s another hamstring waiting to happen.
Hernandez has found a bit of form after getting more game time.Big mistake to not start him as he was the only positive in last weeks horror show on the South coast.Playing 6 defenders at home will not please the fans especially as there is no out and out goal scorer in this starting 11.
By the sounds of more injury updates, Reid ain’t gonna play due to a throat infection. To that end i’m hoping Moyes is going to go with a back 3 of Collins, Ogbonna & Evra. Byram is getting better every game, still not the finished product but works his socks off so should keep that RWB spot. Cressy as the LWB now that Evra can cover in the back 3. That means Moyes can then play Rice in his preferred role of DM with Nobes. Zab has done an ok job of filling in there but he does look very awkward. That then means Mario can play just in front of Nobes & Declan to feed Hernandez and Antonio. Mario is another one looking better every match even though his had only 2 run outs, he does look quality and is certainly filling the massive void of Lanzini. That leaves us a half decent bench for a change with Arnie on for Antonio at the 60/70 minute mark. Kouyate & Zab as the midfield reserve if we need more going forward or to bring in a bit more security to see the match out. Would like to see Hugill get a good 20 minutes as well rather than the cameo 5/10 mins. If he’s as awkward and strong as they say he is, him and Arnie should be able to terrorise an injury stricken & tired Watford defense in the last 20 minutes.