Sam Byram is tonight being featured on the official website giving his view of tomorrow night’ game against Huddersfield.
And that may be a clue that the right back is set to be included possibly at the expense of Pablo Zabaleta.
There are no guarantees on such things of course but it seems to be a common theme from past examples that if a player is quoted on a game on the site ahead of a game then he is often involved in the action.
And with Pablo Zabaleta having received some criticism over the first games it looks more than possible that the former Leeds defender could be in line for a recall
Commenting on the game Byram said: “We know it’s going to be a tough game, coming to a big stadium like ours and taking on another big club, so it’s a challenge for them and it’ll not be an easy game, by any means.
“What you get with Huddersfield is that they are always going to work hard and, coming from the Championship, they have a point to prove and they’ve made their point so far.
“I’ve seen clips of their games and they seem well-drilled and their manager has got them playing well and got them organised. I think the main thing for a team coming up is to stick together. It’s all right having good individual players, but if you’re not together as a team then it will get you nowhere.
“Obviously, they used to be quite big rivals of Leeds when I was playing there and, in that regard, it’s a shame it’s them who came up and not Leeds. That said, it’s nice to see a club from that area doing well.”
“I’m looking forward to it. It’ll be nice to be back at London Stadium, as we’ve not had the best of starts, but this is a chance to put things right. This is a good game to come back off the international break from.
“At the minute, three points is the most important thing, but we also want to start putting together some convincing performances and playing the type of football this squad is capable of.”
“It’s still very early, but there are things we need to address in the coming weeks and Monday night is a good test for us to start to put things right.
“Obviously, people are entitled to be frustrated, but at the training ground everyone is trying to stay positive. Negativity doesn’t help in football as there is a confidence and mental preparation that goes into it.
“We’re just working hard on the training pitch and we’ll be giving everything on Monday night to make sure we get the win and put in a good performance.”
Zab could play as a holding midfielder something he did against us last season
He was probably one of the few players in a Man City shirt not to score against us last year. I’m still not completely convinced on bringing him to West Ham. I hope he does not turn into another Arbeloa.
As I said in a previous article Zaba’s legs are going if not gone. He is relying on experience now, not a good signing. Byram should be persevered with along with Rice and bring Holland into the squad. Let’s get some youth and pace into side.
Ogbanna Fonte Ginge are all slowing up, even Reid looked lethargic before his injury.
Agree he is not and Arlebeo he does have leadership tho he does lack the pace and yrs is legs are going be better at CB think. And not a starter squad player.
I was confused when we got him esp w sticking w WBs and he was never going to feel that role. Bryam is good and only 23 can put in a cross and has pace if he dlcan mentor him that would be best work on his defensive quality. But I like Bryan
And wouldn’t Mind Holland as well at LW and Sead and Rice should start at CB for me.
If not all 3 should be on bench w Noble
Byram should play esp if in WB but with their pace Bryam has the legs and pace to match
Take the Old Boy off, and put Byram back in the team where he belongs; it’s a no brainer!