I know by and large we can be a pessimistic lot when the chips are down but I simply have to fancy us against an inconsistent Leeds United at the London Stadium tonight.

Chelsea and Everton play before us and by the time we take the pitch we will have the bonus of knowing exactly what we have to do to enhance our European qualification  challenge is concerned.

I know what’s likely to come my way in predicting my result but, never mind, I do expect a decent win and in hope, rather than optimism, I’m going for a 3-1 

I was impressed with the comments of Joleon Lescott who reckons if the visitors play their normal man on man game Mike Antonio could destroy them. Many team double up on him with little result!

With one win from their last four  games and the Hammers in prime form it’s easy to see why a decent win SHOULD be on the cards.

We have a brilliantly organised defence in which we haven’t even missed Angelo Ogbonna, one of the best midfields in the country and, if Mike is in in his best form, we have reason to be optimistic of goals.

With doubts still over the keepers  it’s not possible to be confident in a team selection but here’s the one I’d like to see: Fab (although I believe it’s more likely to be Randolph), Coufal, Diop, Dawson, Cresswell; Bowen, Rice, Soucek, Lingard, Fornals, Antonio.