I’m expecting us to make it seven points from three games this afternoon but it won’t be pretty or entertaining.
Wednesday night’s game against Burnley was as horrible as I expected it to be but the fact we didn’t look in the slightest bit confident or relaxed really doesn’t matter at all at this stage.
We were hanging on for 45 minutes – and that doesn’t matter either – because as a former player and manager I can assure you that all you are doing is waiting for the final whistle when you are in these circumstances.
Today may be a little better with four points from two behind us and hopefully confidence rising, but Hull will play three central defenders and go five at the back because they simply don’t have a real striker threat.
The have Mbokani back from suspension up front but I expect us to contain that threat with the aim being yet another clean sheet.
The vibes and mood coming out of the Hammers has been a lot more positive since last weekend and the players will be feeling better about themselves.
If we play a bit fine, but at the end of it all three points is the only objective is three more points which will take us halfway towards the 38 generally required in the PL.
The other good news this week is that Zaza is on his way back to Italy. Ok, I’m being harsh on him but how the hell did we ever come to get him at the club.
I said ( and I know most others did too) three months ago that he would never do it. You can tell a player when you see one and I’m relieved he’s on his way.
Today I expect a 2-0 win with Dimi Payet and Andy Carroll finding the net.
COYI
Yes, you wonder why they ever signed Zaza – I’d never heard of him until that Penalty attempt in the Euros, and anybody who saw that would have had serious doubts about him.
It’s rotten to rejoice in something negative but we’re well rid off him!