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Lopetegui’s Luck Runs Out

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About two weeks ago, we published a graphic from the BBC showing the ‘injury league table’ and West Ham United sitting at the very bottom, an enviable record with fewest days injured for first team players this season.

Yesterday Lopetegui’s luck ran out and suddenly he has challenges across his squad with no less than five players likely to be out for the visit of Liverpool this weekend: At a time when even the Hammers’ strongest eleven would struggle against the top-of-the-table Reds, having five absentees makes the mountain that much harder to climb, especially considering how much West Ham struggled to dominate bottom of the table Southampton.

Lucas Fabianski will face at least ten days out under concussion protocol after being stretchered off against Southampton. Alphonse Areola had better take extra care of his health as only Wes Foderingham waits as the spare keeper.

Max Kilman left the field after sustaining – or aggravating – a shoulder injury which clearly wasn’t fixed by spray or strapping. I didn’t see his interview, but apparently Lopetegui confirmed after the game that he’s doubtful for Liverpool having been an ever-present this season.

Carlos Soler was substituted at half time after aggravating a knee injury and likely will miss the Liverpool game.

With both Guido Rodriguez and Tomas Soucek picking up yellows, they are suspended for the Liverpool match meaning five likely absentees. Fortunately Hammers’ Lucas Paquetá will be back from suspension and Edson Alvarez has no issues so there are just two midfielders fit and ready to start.

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From the old Bobby Moore Upper to the Billy Bonds' stand these days - sometimes- have to admit I have not renewed my season ticket... I've been watching since '03 and a supporter since about 1970..
Favourite player - Dean Ashton: Still watch YouTube repeats of the Cup Final of 2006 hoping in vain that Shaka Hislop grows six inches and stops Steven Gerrard's injury time equaliser. Can tell I'm getting old knowing I saw both Mark Noble's debut and his last game at West Ham.
Pulling on a Claret and Blue replica shirt still makes me feel the same butterflies as when I was seven years old. Magic.

15 comments

  • D.f.butcher says:

    Too much doom and gloom , we can take em COYI?

  • Taffyhammer says:

    We’re in the middle of a purple patch right now. Credit where it’s due. Injury setbacks are an opportunity for the benched to start a game and for others to try out the bench and match day experience.

    If called upon, in Wes we trust. The future is brighter. Next week is another year.

    Come on you Irons

  • Phil Baker says:

    What excuse will be given for not sacking Lupetegui when Liverpool humiliate Westham ? Lopetegui is a dour defensive coach with no creativity of tactical skills . Keeping him is just causing strife within the squad .

  • Kip says:

    Anialaytion waits at Liverpool…and the so called progress against wolves and soton 🤣will be put in to perspective …….if your not sure..just watch the soton game again…it gets worse every time …
    They are awful and should of had at the very least 3 goals against us …there front man was awful luckily

    .

  • Rob says:

    Expecting 5/6 – 1 loss against the reds, J lo will be his normal no style or system of play. He needs to go as quickly as possible, Sullivan holding us back by his dithering on sacking him. Man up and do what’s best for west ham and not yourself as you pick him so own up and get him gone from west ham

  • John Harris says:

    If..If we win our next two league games JLs stock goes through the roof
    Such is the fickle nature of on line click bait, grab a headline reporting.
    The smart money is on a 4..0 loss.
    As you rightly said plenty of injuries to point at pre and post match.
    As a paying punter who has thirty years or more under his belt, i have always thought we stand a chance..If the stars are aligned etc.
    All i ask is for the team that is picked is not to go out there as they did against Arsenal…Just give them a game..Dont roll over.

  • Leo says:

    West Ham to finish mid table this season .???
    but that’s really not good enough considering the amount of money spent and the promise made when the coach was appointed pre season …… I still done think he’s a good fit for us … but as the team is still hanging on .. until the Liverpool game and that will be a different and difficult game
    … he will probably still be in charge at the end of the season …..

  • Beyond caring now says:

    Gonna be embarrassing
    Just depends if Liverpool really want to up there goal difference or go kind on us

  • tom says:

    if the german plays up front again all we will do is hoof it long again as yesterday. summerville needs to start

  • Jeeps says:

    West ham are not in their position due to management organisation or team consolidation.
    Luck, luck, luck has played 90% of it.
    Even under Moyes they won some games convincingly.
    Scrapping the barrel scores
    JLo needs to stop being a numb nut and accept playing players out of position isn’t working.
    Liverpool’s game will be a case of attempting damage limitation.
    Still has his front runners Summerville, Kudus and Bowen which should be used in that order.
    If he can’t swallow his pride the score line could be into double figures.

    • Leo says:

      Totally agree with you ….dreading the Liverpool game … could be double figures for Liverpool ⚒️

  • The Artist Formerly known as B says:

    Maybe it’s an opportunity to do something different tactically/formation/personnel wise?
    Seeing as West Ham have looked lost and confused on the pitch in every game this season, and this is a game many expect to lose, there’s little to lose and something to learn.

  • John Ayris says:

    We have had good fortune this season. Remarkably few injuries and games that I have no idea how we got points from. I doubt very much that it will continue against Liverpool, we can already see the players out while they’re likely to be far more clinical than Southampton.

  • Mick Bering says:

    Just hope the board dont just use the loss because it’s coming as an excuse because we have players out injured after 6 months under this manager we hould have a team ready to face and match any side in this league regardless

    • SirAlfred says:

      If Orford is close to ready have him in the mix? Otherwise Irvine looks like he will have a part to play. The speed and intensity of Liverpool all over the pitch though? As I read somewhere, its likely to be like one of those “Zulu” films 🥴

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