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‘Noble Factor’ set to raise its head

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slaven-bilic-and-mark-nobleWith Sam Byram being reported fit for action this weekend Slaven Bilic has an interesting selection issue at Watford.

For should  the right back return to  the team at Vicarage Road that will release Cheik Kouyate to move into the midfield position he prefers and the one in which he is clearly more effective.

And that will again create a ‘Noble Factor’ which has been on the cards all season without – for various reasons – it ever coming to a head.

There is now little question that a Kouyate/Obiang midfield partnership is seen as the Irons’ best option but with Afcon intervening and the Byram injury problems an issue, we have yet to see it bed down.

The Vicarage Road clash may be the first opportunity for it to happen and that will put big pressure on the captain who has hardly enjoyed one of his most impressive seasons.

Byram’s form can of course be another issue but should he show that he is indeed the answer to the right back situation Noble’s role in the team could become interesting to put it mildly particularly with record signing Andree Ayew ready to return.

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Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!"

Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon

0 comments

  • John says:

    Not to mention the Sakho vrs Carroll decision and the Ayew vrs Antonio vrs Feg vrs Snodgrass problem. Bring it on.

  • Hammer and Pickle says:

    Noble will start if fit.Its nailed on,not that i think it should be.We dont win when he doesnt play i learnt from the sad stats fanatics somewhere else!

  • Roman says:

    The Noble Factor hasn’t been in view since last year and even then sparingly. Under any of the more recognized managers Noble wouldn’t be in the starting line up.As for Mr Carroll my information is he won’t be a starter at Vicarage Road.

    • John says:

      Roman in the know!! In 4 days you will either have a full time contract with Hugh as one of his senior sources or your reputation will be in tatters 😂😂

      • Roman says:

        I’m just a humble supporter that reads all he can about the club from selected sources.Honestly John I hope Carroll does play and as far as my alleged reputation goes I don’t possess one. lol

  • Roman says:

    P.S Yes I do have one.Someone on this site called me a ‘prat’ over my opinion on Mark Noble. lol

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