Hammers double bill can right wrongs
Hughie Southon looks at the upcoming Hammers double bill
West Ham United have the perfect game to right wrongs next weekend following the defeat by Aston Villa as David Moyes‘ former team Everton arrive at the London Stadium.
The Toffees are down among the sticky stuff in the Premier League sitting in 16th position with just two wins against Bournemouth and Brentford who are a team losing their way for the first time since arriving at the top level.
Sean Dyche’s outfit lost the Merseyside derby at the weekend and are yet to win a game away from home but having said that, the Hammers will need to be a lot better than they were at Villa to get the three points.
Before that of course we travel to Olympiacos for the Europa Cup match on Thursday where we will be looking to remain unbeaten for the 18th game on the trot and record holders . It will be interesting to see the team Moyes puts out and I hope that Mavropanos makes the starting eleven in a team which could see the return of either Aaron Cresswell or Ben Johnson at left back.
Sadly, Danny Ings looks to be the only option up top which given how out of form Antonio looked against Villa is a big worry and whilst on that topic am I the only one who wondered why the No 9 stayed on the pitch in preference to Tomas Soucek.
Mohammad Kudus looks set to start after his fine performances in the Europa League thus far and it may be that Angelo Ogbonna is recalled given the difficulties Kurt Zouma has in playing two games a week with his ankles tending to swell up after games and given he will be needed for next Sunday.
Olympiacos are top of their league and have been beaten only once, by Freiburg in 13 gamms and in their last were held to a draw by Backus Topola. This match won’t be easy and it will be no surprise to see several changes from the team humbled in the midlands yesterday afternoon.
Possible team: Fabianski; Kehrer, Oggy, Mavropanos, Johnson; Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta, Fornals, Kudus, Ings