By Hugh Southon

It seems from Sam Allardyce’s  public pronouncements – plus what I’ve personally heard – that we will see a very weakened team in action against Spurs tonight!

The logic is that with the number of injuries the club is suffering, they simply cannot put any of the fit first teamers at risk ahead of the game against Manchester United at the weekend.

Commenting on the game the manager said: “I would have loved to have come to this game with a bigger squad; I’m not saying a full squad because everybody has the odd injury or suspension.

“We will use the squad to its full intent and play the team on Wednesday night that hopefully has the desire and the energy to go out there and give a great account of themselves against a very good side.

I would expect there to be a reaction from them after Sunday’s defeat against Liverpool.”

Reading between the lines of that and linking it to some private conversations we’ve had it would be a surprise  if we saw more than a couple of regular first teamers.

At one level the thinking is  understandable – we can barely afford another injury, on the other there’s the cynical view that it’s hardly likely to make much difference at Old Trafford at the weekend.

It’s a tricky one and in an article from Martin Samuel in today the Hammers fan and ghost writer for Harry Redknapp’s latest book gives his view. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-2525512/Sam-Allardyce-making-West-Ham-dreams-fade-die–Martin-Samuel.html

Here’s what we see as a possible team given we played two up at Burnley initially: Adrian, Chambers, O’Brien, Diarra, Rat; Cole, Noble, Collision, Taylor, Cole, Maiga

Give us your views on the forum below