As West Ham were parting company with their failed Premier League players in the summer there was an anxiety that the squad the Hammers were building would be too thin for the rigours of the second division. Sixteen exits but nine arrivals – in the end – meant that the squad had to be bolstered by a significant influx of former academy talent.
It seems already the rigours of twice-weekly games is telling on sides within this highly competitive league.
“Bolton right-back problems worsen ahead of West Ham clash”
Shouts the Bolton News as two of their right-sided defenders go on the sick list.
Three games in eight days is reminiscent of West Ham’s European adventure under Moyes when the same twelve players were rinsed to a standstill, yet it is this schedule in which Nuno’s side now find themselves, ahead of the temporary respite of an international break on the horizon.
Taty -doubtful for tomorrow’s game at Bolton: We will hear more from Nuno today
Like Bolton, West Ham’s side already face their issues with both forwards Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe doubtful for Tuesday, the Argentine limping off early against Derby whilst the Brazilian never made it to the starting line.
Which has knock – on effects (excuse the pun) for the rest of the squad: Nuno would, I’m sure, love to restrict Bowen’s game time but without a natural right winger the Hammers captain may have to go again tomorrow.
At least the signing of Edwin Austvø alongside Manor Solomon give the Irons some attacking alternatives but the Championship’s brutal schedule is already making its presence known in just its second month.
No wonder it is called the toughest league in the world. 46 games is a marathon before the cup competitions and play offs (shudder) are factored in. Perhaps the only positive of the squad overhaul in this division (for fans if not players) is that fewer of West Ham group of players is likely to complete an arduous travelling and training schedule during the forthcoming international ‘break’.
With any luck a spell of rest and recuperation and some much needed team building awaits come September 18th. Shame we cannot all share the same.
Steve F, agreed. Game Tuesday and the travelling will probably see Tatty and Pablo rested. LaMadrid should be utilised at right wing,maybe even Ajala,I think he can play across the front 3. Either start one of these and have Bowen on for the last 30 minutes.We have to see if either can help Bowen out.
There is Fearon to add too, he ended last season playing in a more advanced role.Any more injuries and he’ll be there.
All teams will face injuries through the season and I think we have alot more strength in depth than most. Ajala, Austbo, Orford and Kante all really good options. Musaka could be pushed further forward if required.
Yes, 16 players out and nine in. But the 9 in are all likely to play for the first team this season (already have?) whilst half of the 16 wouldn’t have even made the bench in all likelihood.
And I suspect most fans want the youngsters in and around the team rather than feeling ‘we have to have them’ because there is no other option.
That said, the 2 games per week will be hard on the squad and possibly more so on the youngsters. But indications from the Wolves and Derby games are that we have more strength in depth – just hope the injuries we collect are not in the same position at the same time – such as striker! Oops
Ostbo can play right wing, Kante also has looked ok, we should also consider playing Ajala as a striker.
Piroe barely played last year so hopefully he is well rested enough to play the games.
I want to see more of Golembeckis in the team too, he is our best defender by far and like Orford looks like he has the game to play in the PL. if Nuno wastes the chance to season them this year when we should be comfortably good enough most games to win, it further demonstrates he is not the man to take us forward as he isn’t strong enough to make the right choices.
Nuno’s experiments in the past have been very poor, but just maybe he needs to pick a few games other than the league cup matches, to bring his main team on at 60 minutes
How about trying
Austbo on the right wing for Bolton
Lamradid in at left wing for Wrexham
Ajaja up front for Bolton
Rotate Kante and Orford in the midfield slots
Magassa/Alvarez (not both) in a midfield slot
Golambekis for Dinos is one match
Morato for Kilman in the other
Boiro in at Left back for one match (possibly both)
KWP back at right back for the other match
Not all of them at once as they do for cup games and have those rested on the bench ready to be abie to attack for the final third of the game (I know that last piece is alien to Nuno and his tactics)