Us Irons fans are really good at moaning about injury problems so let’s put a small smile on our faces this morning because there aren’t any.
We have learned that David Moyes will again have a full set of options when he comes to make his selection decisions for the Friday night match against Watford.
And our bet is that – extraordinary though it would have seemed a few months back – skipper Mark Noble will take up the position usually reserved for the so called creative players Felipe Anderson and Manu Lanzini.
Seeing the team ahead of the match on Saturday’s eyes – including mine – glazed over at Noble’s inclusion but it turned out to be a Moyes master stroke as a good peformance including two assists demonstrated.
And with Mark freed up for the role as a result of a stronger defensive midfield I would imagine the same scenario will unfold against the Hornets.
With former injury absentees, Wilshere, Yarmolenko, Noble himself and now Arthur Masuaku available, there can be no excuses should the worst occur on Friday.
A Hammers source told us by e mail: “As things stand they are all available and fit. Ony an injury on the training ground before the game would change things.
Likely team and bench: Fabianski, Fredericks, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Rice, Soucek, Fornals, Bowen, Noble, Antonio. Subs: Randolph, Johnson, Balbuena, Masuaku, Yarmolenko, Wilshere, Anderson, Lanzini, Haller.
Even though he had a good game would drop Noble for Haller, I think Soucek and Rice can overpower Doucoure and Capoue and without Delofeu, it’s a marginal call though as we know defensively on the wings players like Sar and Wellbeck can get in behind, hopefully Bowen and Fornals are enough to compensate and if we have two players up front we could cause mayhem for them in what is a very poor defence, Foster is the threat to us at the back so imho the more threat and options we have to get by him the better.
I see what you are saying , 32 ; but Haller has nowhere near proved himself whereas Noble doesn’t need to . I would definitely start Noble . Haller should start on the bench and only bought on if a change in tactics Or formation is required .
We all have our opinions at this critical time and everyone is entitled to them . Any , 32 let’s get behind the team and encourage whomever is in the starting line up .
COYHAMMERS
I think Moyes was correct to pick Noble against Norwich as they play through the middle and they focus more on technique than power. However I would say that Noble cant play against Watford as they will play 3 big men in midfield who have energy and legs. We need to revert back to a midfield 3 of Soucek, Rice and Fornals for this game and reintroduce Lanzini on the left side. I also believe Sarr is their best forward and their biggest threat. I would be of the opinion that Cresswell will struggle big time with his power and pace so we must have a plan in place to deal with this. I expect at least 1 change for this game and a second if the manager has a good alternate plan to Cresswell. I f it was me I would go 3-5-2 to nullify Sarr and to play two up top and have a go at the Watford defense.
I agree with No32 . Noble should not play . It is all about not getting overrun in midfield and having good defensive cover . Noble found his level at Norwich but must not start against Watford . He offers nothing in attack or defence . We must have two up front or we will get bombarded by long balls and Deeley who is a battering ram .
Didn’t he provide two assists?