14 Comments

Fornals set to return…but Bowen question remains

(Photo by James Griffiths/West Ham United FC via Getty Images)

West Ham are heading into a game which would bring them their first ‘double ‘ of the season on Saturday and one which is again seen as a ‘must win.’

Much has been made of Southampton’s revival after a 0-9 hammering by Leicester City back in October yet it was followed by two Premier League defeats and a draw before a couple of wins kicked in.

Since then they have won six times but have been beaten in League and Cup in three of the last four Cup and League games.

David Moyes has to approach the game in exactly the same way as he did against Liverpool and the level of performance – as declared by Declan Rice – has to be at the same the ‘minimum.’.

Nothing else will do at this stage of proceedings and the big question is will we see Jarrod Bowen get his first start in the claret and blue.

But for Liverpool keeper Allison’s head he would have grabbed a late equaliser against the PL leaders on Monday evening when – in typical fashion – he cut in from the right and just failed with a dink over him with his left.

I don’t think we will and expect the manager to make just one change with Fornals coming in for the injured Soucek.

That would be  a shame as I have believed since before we signed him that Bowen can play a big part in our survival.

He is  – in old fashioned terms – an inside right and as things stand it would seem the only player he can replace is Anderson who, for me, continues to disappoint.

Although he had only just returned from an injury break he seemed to be in much the same ‘form’ as before his back injury and his apparent avoidance of too much physical contact is a worry.

Whether Bowen is any sort of direct replacement for him we can only wonder in the meantime.

These are decisions which Moyes simply has to get right on Saturday in a game which probably ranks as the most important so far given the circumstances.

Likely team: Fabianski; Ngakia, Diop, Ogbonna, Creswell; Rice, Noble, Fornals Snodgrass; Anderson, Antonio 

 

About Hugh5outhon1895

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!" Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon

14 comments on “Fornals set to return…but Bowen question remains

  1. Got to start Bowen IMO..if not for a must win game v Southampton then when?? Showed glimpses of quality in his brief appearances so far. Fornals for Soucek and Bowen for Snodgrass.

  2. I personally would replace snodgrass for Bowen, and play Anderson Antonio Bowen up front.

    Could be seem as harsh on snodgrass, but I think this team is more likely to get goals lots of pace.

  3. I agree with you about Bowen, Hugh, he looks up for it and was unlucky that dink happened to catch Allison’s head. Looking forward to more of Ngakia and Fornals, too. All three seem to have the temperament for the fight to come.

  4. Bowen needs to start on Saturday, we signed him to score the goals to keep us up. He was given a few minutes against the top two & showed a little promise but it is 100% sure he wont score by sitting on the bench.
    If not against Soton what would the best game to play him in? Games are running out &
    A. Antonio is not a striker
    B. Haller is less than useless atm
    C. Snograss’s legs have gone
    D. Noble’s whole body has gone
    Going back to the side who have been behind our pathetic season so far is asking for trouble

  5. Personally I’d drop Antonio – he’s not a striker and he’s not the answer upfront. He’s incredibly effective coming off the bench and running at tired legs. I rate Haller, I just think we haven’t been playing to his strengths but with Anderson, Fornals and Bowen (replacing Antonio) behind him should give him enough support and players who’ll create chances.

    You only need to look at Hallers goal against Bournemouth to see that he has far better predatory instincts then Antonio and in a tight game, I’d trust him over Antonio to take one of a few chances

  6. I agree, Snodgrass out, Bowen in.

  7. Mr Moyes will I am sure be on the side of caution. .but for crying out loud this is more than a six pointer it is a beef up for the fight that lyes ahead nothing less than 3 points is acceptable in our current plight so if he doesn’t play an attack minded team from.the start with Bowen and Antonio from the start and we fail.to get 3 points then it’s all done and dusted.
    Mr Moyes you have to go for it!!!

  8. Gavin&Stacey
    February 26, 2020 at 11:50 am

    100% true. You are saying what most of us can see. We must inject extra pace and energy in to the team. We have it, so lets use it.

    Snoddy and Nobes , time for bench warming, until we’re safe.

  9. I would play Snodgrass instead of Noble & have Anderson, Antonio & Bowen top 3, Snodgrass can tackle & go forward if needed, can be used 2 switch on right wing for Bowen @ times 2 confuse Southampton, Forlan & Antonio can also switch left wing, draw out their defenders as they won’t know who 2 mark, back 6 cover themselves. FABIANSKI; NGAKIA, DIOP, OGBONNA, CRESSWELL; RICE(DMC).

    • I would like to see bowen start but we didn’t do to bad against Liverpool so go with the same on Saturday and bring him on later instead of haller?

  10. Sorry, Haller is a plodder and has done nothing whatever the system.
    We were leading against Liverpool when Andersen was taken off, at least he has some pace, and must start against Southampton.
    Cresswell is a liability at full back.
    Snodgrass and Formals both lack pace.
    It is a pity Soucek is injured because his work ethic and commitment is exactly what we need he also supports well in attack which is what we have lacked. Bowen looks as if he could provide a goal threat, and must start against Southampton.
    I would start with Formals with Rice and Noble in midfield.
    Possible playing Bowen an Antonio on the wings with Haller through the middle and keep the same back 5 as we don’t have any better options.

  11. I would like to see bowen start but we didn’t do to bad against Liverpool so go with the same on Saturday and bring him on later instead of haller?

  12. If we want to win this is the team for Southampton
    Fabianski
    Ngakia Diop ogbonna cresswell
    Rice fornals Anderson
    Snodgrass Haller Bowen

Comments are closed.