By Hugh Southon
Mark Noble or Tomas Soucek to start against Wolves?
CandH blogger Allen Cummings opened up an interesting discussion when giving his reasons why he was plumping for Nobes and although I don’t necessarily see it as an either/or situation I’m forced to disagree with my buddy Mr C.
His argument was that in a stadium bereft of fans and therefore atmosphere we needed the Noble approach to inspire the team. Fair point and I get that.
However, even were it be be a straight fight between the two for a starting berth -which I don’t believe it is – I’d go for the more youthful and skilled approach of Soucek.
He’s a fine defensive midfielder – which we will certainly need against the likes of Wolves, Spurs and Chelsea – but has an uncanny Martin Peters-type ability – to get forward and score goals.
So far this season he has scored 11 in all appearances for club and parent club Sparta Prague – two having come at Champions League level.
I’ve written before that assuming we stay up he looks a natural West Ham captain for the future.
Should Moyes decide Nobes must play then Pablo Fornals will be the one to miss out as there can be no dropping Rice or Bowen.
That would be a shame but I think we can be pretty well sure that the team will change a fair bit over the rist three or four games but at the outset it would be Soucek and Fornals for me.
Our team: Fabianski, Johnson, Diop, Ogbonna (capt), Cresswell; Rice, Soucek, Fornals, Bowen, Antonio, Haller. Suns: Randolph, Fredericks, Balbuena, Noble, Anderson, Snodgrass, Yarmolenko.
A good team and I would be happy with this team but for one, Anderson is our best player and we really need him in the team so for me I would bring Anderson in for Fornals for me with Fornals off the bench. We have enough power in Rice, Soucek, Antonio and Haller but we need that bit more creative with Bowen that Anderson brings.
Imperative to play Soucek! Noble sadly past it but can be cheerleader from sidelines!!.
IF FIT: Wilshire on the bench because better forward-looking midfield option than Noble
I agree with your selection, Hugh, with maybe Lanzini on the bench instead of Yarmolenko. One thing lockdown has given us is the opportunity for Fabianski to get over his injury worries. We’re going to need a fully-fit Fab, for sure. COYI.
You query my only doubt re Manu and Yarmolemnko Daze. Like your point about Fab too
Yep bang on my starting eleven. .just gotta see how it pans out if Mr Moyes has other plans but I don’t think there is many of us would disagree with your first 11.. Except the very well respected Mr Cummings..maybe..
I habve much respect for Mr C but on this occasion ….:-)
I think you have it spot on including Johnson if fully fit
I agree, whatever the rest of the line up is, Soucek must start.