Hammers get a long overdue break

Alese may get his FA Cup chance

Tired Irons limbs are about to get a well deserved and overdue rest!

With injuries having kicked in and the defence noticeably stretched with three major injuries, the Hammers are heading into a decent break without a Premier League game.

That arrives on the 12th of the month when the rearranged fixture against Norwich City is played at the London Stadium.

Ahead of that we have the FA Cup clash against Leeds at home next Sunday, which gives the manager a chance to play some of the youngsters who looked good in the final Europa League Cup clash against Dinamo Zagreb.

I would expect the likes of Rice,  Soucek, Dawson and Antonio to get a rest for the FA Cup match and Alese and Longelo to get their chances. Mark Noble is also booked for a return to action.

Vlasic looks certain to get his chance in Benrahma’s Afcon  absence and Lanzini too is set for inclusion given he has played fewer games than most and is in amazing form. The FA Cup match may also see Fredericks make a long overdue return.

But centrally the rest comes at just the right time and although it’s as well not to get to indifferent to oppositions, clearly Leeds and Norwich aren’t as intimidating as some.

COYI