Well that’s another international break done with thank goodness and we can now get back to the serious stuff of West Ham’s “rise” up the Premier League.
Interestingly for the purposes of this blog we meet Everton – a club which may just represent that ‘next level’ we as Hammers supporters are continually discussing.
For Everton relegation is never an issue having played more seasons of top flight football than any club in English football.
Only twice have they been relegated the last time being in 1951 just two seasons after being crowned champions and two seasons after the legendary Dixie Dean set a new top division scoring record – a record which still stands.
And that is precisely the sort of standard the Irons should be looking at – to never find ourselves in relgation trouble whilst flirting with the top six season in season out.
It would be a great start to beat the Toffees who are unquestionably one of our bogey teams down the years at the London Stadium on Saturday evening.
There can be few excuses for defeat with players back from injury and the team and manager still entirely focused on the top seven.
Various questions arise for Pellegrini the first being whether Balbuena rejoins Diop at centre back and if Arnautovic continues to lead the attack.
One thing is for sure in my book and I’d be disappointed if Samir Nasri doesn’t start with probably Mark Noble dropping to the bench.
Here’s my team: Leave your thoughts below: Fabianski; Zaba, Balbuena, Diop, Cresswell, Rice, Nasri, Antonio; Anderson, Lanzini, Chicharito
That would be my starting lineup too, with Cress as captain after his performance in that role at Saints. Subs – Fredericks for Zaba, Ogbonna for Balbuena and Snoddy for Antonio.
Everton are next level in terms of their squad probably the only team outside the top 6 capable of sustaining a push on both European and domestic fronts.
No way balbuena is going to start this one.
1. Pellegrini loyalty
2. He’s travelled across the world and back, the other two haven’t
3. During the break ogbonna and diop will have been continuing to train together