West Ham’s trip across the river tomorrow is the last game in something of an early season marathon which will have seen every team in this league complete eight games plus cup ties in little over a month of football. Fortunately – for the players at least- there’s an extra long international break around the corner with the Irons’ next scheduled competitive game not until Friday 9th October.
That’s a three week gap between Championship fixtures which will surely allow bruises to heal and enable the Hammers squad head off for some warm weather R and R.
However, for Millwall, Saturday’s fixture sees no less than nine squad players injured and ruled out.
Millwall’s striker Josh Coburn ruled out
According to footballleagueworld.co.uk probably their two biggest ‘misses’ are last season’s nine goal striker Josh Coburn and first choice goal keeper Lucas Jensen:
“Coburn was spotted leaving SE16 with crutches after sustaining a blow to the heel against Wrexham, and it has since been stated by Neil that he will be out of action “this side of the international break.”
In addition, the report highlights Tristan Crama, Ryan Leonard, Alfie Doughty, Mathis Servais, Casper De Norre, Romain Esse and Mikhail Ivanovic as all ruled out, a total of nine absentees.
Compared to the Lions’ woes, West Ham’s doubtful starters Joel Veltman and Tomas Soucek would seem relatively minor concerns for Nuno who has the bulk of his squad fit and firing, having rested all four of his first choice Championship attackers until appearances during the second half against Fulham.
Taty Castellanos (main pic) made a welcome return on Tuesday after missing a start with a hamstring issue and of course Pablo proved he’s over his calf injury in the best way possible, by netting his first goal as a West Ham player.
Physically, West Ham must have the edge with the Lions’ boss being reported last week as saying his side were ‘down to the bare bones’.
As has been the case several times this season, it may be the quality of the substitutes West Ham are able to field in the last quarter that gives them a big advantage over their opponents, who will no doubt come flying out of the blocks upon the starting whistle, but may struggle to sustain that level of performance for the full 90 minutes.
Hopefully start with Pablo up top he gets the energy up and can help mitigate against being overrun in midfield, would be interesting to see a 451 formation to start and change that up after we have weathered the early charge.
F-off.
Millwall lololololol.
Bet… Our lads to be remove their lack of desire as they get intertwined in the rivalry.
4-1. Their injury depleted squad being their only exuse and they’ve done naught but ramp up our lads.
COYI’s!!!
vipontnik from swansea golden boot winner cant get in the team at the moment we can buy him injan forcheap
No balance to tip. Confidant we can overcome the “intimidating atmosphere” COYI.