David Moyes will kick off his pre-Leicester presser at 1.30 pm when presumably we will get updates on Declan and Mikey – not they we seriously require them.
Both will be unavailable for one of the biggest games of the season with the Hammers looking to complete yet another double following the 3-0 win in the midlands earlier this season.
So far this term we have managed double wins over Sheffield United, Leeds United, Aston Villa and Wolves.
Should we manage the same on Sunday it will be the most notable of the season but it would be good to have a fit Angelo Ogbonna back to deal with 14 goal Jamie Vardy.
However, it is not the Moyes way to offer definite statements on who and who won’t be playing although the vast majority of the team looks well in place.
It remains to be seen if he will do an Arthur Masuaku by launching Oggy straight back into action following a long injury break.
It wouldn’t surprise us.
Here’s what we think may well be the team: Fab; Couval, Oggy, Dawson, Cresswell; Masuaku Noble, Soucek, Fornals, Lingard, Bowen.
Should go with 5 at the back against Leicester and play a bit deeper to negate Barnes and Vardy’s pace. If he felt like being experimental he could drop Noble and give Benrahma a man marking role on Tielemans certainly a riskier option but I can’t see how Noble can compete against him.
If we qualify for the Champions League it would be a hugely magnificent achievement .
We haven’t been that bad without Antonio, but without Declan it’s a different ball game .
Noble is a very good player with loads of experience and is not quite the slouch many accuse him to be . Bowen can step up and with Lingard / Benrahma / Lanzini we can still win games . In fact the necessary tactical change can work in our favour if it confuses opponents . I know ( and we all know ) our squad needs fattening out somewhat , but let’s support the Team & Manager and give the whole club our support . We can only try and give it our all . Even if we qualify for Thursday games in the Europa League it’s a giant leap for our club .
I think we can beat Leicester City despite our weakened team . A draw would also keep us in touch with the top four . Nobody expected us to be where we are , fans included . So I say shout West Ham from the rooftops .
COYHAMMERS
The team picks itself due to the lack of options.
I’d be tempted to give Nobes a break from this game. Two 90 min. outings in such a short space of time may be a bit much. Especially as he’s not played much. Tielemans has ruined a lot of good players this year. He doesn’t keep still for a second. Could Diop do a job there ?