It almost seems like a case of the season starts here as the Hammers travel to north London tomorrow.
And the fascinating question for me is given Mark Noble’s toe injury whether the moment has come for Josh Cullen to get his big chance in the midfield.
Noble faces a late test tomorrow but when managers mention these things so close to game it generally means there is a pretty big chance the player will miss it.
And given his outstanding performance against Charlton on Tuesday night, it would seem that young Josh is the natural candidate to replace the captain should he be unavailable.
Manu Lanzini made a big impression and surely comes into the reckoning unless Moyes decides on a safety-first – “they shall not pass” approach to the game.
Felipe Anderson and Seb Haller both made a case for themselves but I would be surprised if they don’t remain among the subs at the Emirates.
The manager – in an interesting passing remark when discussing defensive signings – mentioned he has the option of using Declan Rice at central defence.
And with Issa Diop having missed much of pre-season and looking leggy against Charlton that may be a consideration for Saturday although I expect the young Frenchman to retain his place-.
Here’s our expected line-up: Fabianski; Fredericks, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Rice, Soucek, Cullen, Bowen, Lanzini, Antonio. Subs: Randolph, Johnson, Masuaku, Fornals, Snodgrass, Yarmolenko, Anderson
Haller not on bench?
No Haller in the 16? Do you have inside info?
Is Haller injured then?
I have no doubt whatsoever that Cullen has the ability and mentality to play for West Ham at this level. Many supporters feel this way about him too and can’t wait to see him get his chance and the game time that he deserves.
The thing that strikes me about Cullen is his steely determination and never say die will and if you could possibly pin “Mr West Ham Mkll” on Anyone, it would have to be on him. Once he is allowed to find his feet in the team, he may possibly become indispensable.
COYI
Haller has to be on the bench at least.
That’s a poor line up and we will conceed more goals with those full backs. I’d be happier with Fab, Johnson, Diop, Ogbonna, Masuaku, Rice, Soucek, Cullen, Bowen, Antonio, Haller
Then have Yarmo, Lanzini, Snoddy, Anderson, Randolph, Cress, Fredericks on bench.
If it doesn’t work, we change formation and bring Anderson and Yarmo on to feed through to Haller…
We have the capability of taking any team apart with our attacking players with the right set up, just need those defensive positions shored up fast. Why Fredericks and Cress would start after last week is beyond me…
Masuaku should NEVER get any where near our defence for crying out loud!