Looking positively at West Hams’ season to date, there is a noticeable lack of injury amongst the squad which is as refreshing as it is surprising – only Niclas Fullkrug has spent time sidelined this season and he is reportedly good to go for the trip to the south coast on Monday night. With the obvious, sadly unavoidable exception of long-term absence of Michail Antonio, West Ham have managed to keep injuries well under control this season.
I hope that isn’t tempting fate for Mondays game.
In contrast, Bournemouth face considerable challenges: In his pre-match press conference Manager Iraola detailed a sorry list of absentees in the pre-Christmas clash which is crucial for Julen Lopetegui’s long term job security every bit as for the three points on offer.
As detailed in Sports Mole “The Cherries will be without defender Marcos Senesi who requires thigh surgery, while Marcus Tavernier is out with a hamstring problem.”
“Alex Scott (knee), Luis Sinisterra (hamstring) and Julian Araujo (hamstring) will play no part in this one either”
West Ham’s left back Emerson Palmieri will miss the game with a one – match suspension following his receipt of a fifth yellow card against Wolves. Whilst Bournemouth are the favourites, I wouldn’t rule out West Ham’s recovery continuing with a bit more backbone being shown. The five absentees which their opponents have to deal with can only be to West Ham’s advantage.
IF Lopetegui gets his starting eleven right then there might just be something in it – I am a little wary of seeing the dreaded five at the back line up again which has failed so dramatically in performances against Chelsea and Liverpool in the Carabao cup.
Please, Julen. 4-2-3-1 : you know it is the only way to be. COYI!
We have largely attacked well this season but finished poorly. 21 shots in one half against Leicester and 4 or 5 of those were golden.
We need to tighten up without losing that attacking momentum.
Got good feelings about Monday. Soaring up the league. COYI
I do not want to see Ings on the starting eleven, in fact not even substitute,
I’m afraid he is no longer a premiership player
Take a look at Ings illustrious career, 5 goals for us in 62 appearances
2 seasons 25, then 13,11, and the rest single figures, was he ever a premier League player?
This game will show if the player back Lopo or not .. with the speculation about Potter ready to take over … it will be interesting to see how they perform… this could be the game to decide if he can get something Monday night ……
IMO……. Taxi for Lopo………. COYI
You seriously still backing this clown
Those Bournemouth players listed as doubtful or injured are their best players.
I´ll be watching the team announcement on Monday & will have a flutter on the Irons if those players are mainly/totally missing
We all know the back needs tightening up but if the players have the same attitude as they did against the barcodes we have a good chance……but sadly the way Loppy picks a team i could see him not starting Soler/Pacman and have Alvarez Soucek and Irving starting! in the middle
We should be capable of going out there and beating their best team…………….not relying on beating a broken one for christ sake!!!………….if we do manage to limp over the line with a win it means another stay of execution for El Clownio!!!,
IMHO it’s less about who he picks, as how he sets them up and instructs them to approach the game.
WHU have a habit of giving away early goals this season.
Maybe change that and there’s a result to be had?
Couldn’t agree more, Brian, maybe less adventurous movement in first half an hour from Wan Bissaka, more solidity in midfield. Don’t lose the game in the first half (eek does that sound more like David Moyes!)