Vladimir Coufal faces another huge test when Crystal Palace come visiting on Wednesday night
The Hammers right back has the unenviable job of trying to keep Wilfried Zaha in check as the Hammers look to follow up on the win over Leeds.
Coufal faced his first setback since arriving at the Hammers when subbed for Ben Johnson after being given a torrid time by Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford who was probably instrumental in giving the visitors their London Stadium win despite that controversial goal.
Now, within three games, he will again face a huge challenge as Zaha looks to torment the Irons in a game that can take out points tally to 23 as we keep out eyes on the top six.
The Czech will be looking to demonstrate that he can truly cope with that type of individual and the face-off could be the key to a match we are hoping will see us go well over the halfway mark to the usual 38 points safety target.
Palace are no mugs off their own manor and this season have accounted for Manchester United, Fulham, Newcastle and West Brom on the road.
Regardless of how we set up, Bowen will have to be defensively minded with Zaha on his side. One-on-one, there are few right backs that can handle Zaha or Grealish (the cheater didn’t draw a foul till the 10th minute against Wolves, when he was mugged in the middle of the pitch). Together, Bowen-Rice-Soufal-Balbuena will manage as it is a team sport.
You must have been watching a different game to the Man Utd game I was watching. He was outstanding in that game for example the third goal was completely down to Ogbonna who was not in line with the other defenders and played Rashford onside. He has nothing to prove, already put players like Sterling in his pocket, a top RB so I am surprised you are suggesting otherwise. Zaha and Eze are very good players and it will be another tough evening but I am alot less concerned with Coufal in the team. And even if he has a stinker or torrid time he is entitled to a poor game now and again.
You’re probably right but why do you think he was subbed for Johnson because he wasn’t injured. And by the way I think he’s a great player but Rashford murdered him that night.
Fresh legs I think, Hugh, nothing else. Rashford came on at half time and so was fresher than Coufal and Johnson may be a little quicker than him which was needed against Rashford.
Hmmm not sure about that Saul…he looked out of it and I really dolike Vlad