David Moyes may have an ace up his sleeve for Monday night when the Hammers face Burnley.
He is hoping that Declan Rice can return to help drive West Ham’s bid for European qualification.
Moyes is banking on Declan Rice to plug the leaks in West Ham’s defence and lead their push for Europe.
The Hammers have conceded 11 goals in their last five matches with back-to-back defeats by Newcastle and Chelsea denting their bid to reach the Champions League.
When asked why West Ham’s previously excellent defensive record has been blemished of late, Moyes had a simple answer.
“Mostly it is not having Declan Rice,” said the Hammers manager.
“Is he that important? I think so, yeah. He played in the game where we drew 3-3 against Arsenal so you could take that away, but he is incredibly important.
Massive if Rice makes it , he is a great player , love the guy . Be nice to have everyone fit for the last 5 games. Come on lads , COYI ⚒
Be great to have him back. We have suffered as a result of his absence. Whilst Mark Noble has his heart in the right place, we appear to slow down under his captaincy. We seem to have to wait and see where everyone is before passing the ball sideways and backwards. No wonder Seb Haller looked relatively poor when the ball was hardly ever played early with him on the front foot. No coincidence that we don’t look our forward facing, attacking threat without Declan Rice. We look more like the struggling side of old. Magnificent chance with our remaining fixtures – let’s go get the points in style.
COYI