Nuno Espirito Santo’s starting line up has just been announced for West Ham’s 3pm kick off against Watford at Vicarage Road. Against a mobile, pacy attack becoming good at hitting teams on the break, Nuno has revamped his starting eleven following late fitness issues.
The Hammers sit somewhat uncomfortably – but justifiably – in sixteenth position in the Championship but could rise fairly spectacularly with three points today – ninth place is just three points away before the weekend fixtures so the expectation has to be to play for the victory: Playing style doesn’t matter – just grab the three points and head back home.
The West Ham starting line up has just been revealed and here it is:
West Ham United:
Hermansen | Veltman, Golambeckis, Kilman, Walker Peters |Kanté, Engels, | Solomon, Bowen, Makassa | Castellanos
No place for Lewis Orford in the starting line up this afternoon: Mavropanos appears to have failed a late fitness test on a dead leg and Joel Piroe is also left out, starting on the bench. A debut for teenager Airidas Golambeckis in the Championship.
We’ll have a full time report and Gonzo’s player ratings so check back at 5pm to make your own comments on West Ham’s first away win of the Championship season.
Come on you Irons!
With amount of games in pipeline there will be subs coming on.
Orford for Kante and Piroe for Tatty maybe Ajala for Musaka.
Formation looks an update on previous starts.
Hope Golambekis has good game.
Signed Edvin Austbo (did that pain Nuno or is Nelson coming as well).
Just 4 to come_c/bk, left back, midfield, striker (probably a freebie maybe after window shuts.
Overall more encouraging than some recent selections. Would like to see Orford on and not Nuno’s usual reliance on Pablo. Good for Taty to know his place is not automatic. Is Areola on Nuno’s naughty list?
Only surprise is dropping Orford.
@Mike M I think he is injured, but would rather have Hermansen as no 1
Surely our strongest team (on paper Clough quotes incoming!), aside from Mav missing although on recent evidence maybe not! Everyone still think Nuno should go?!!
Wonderful to see Golambeckis!! Did not think manager would be brave enough.
For me, 3 in midfield is great news, pity about Orford but if Engels pipped him, it is good to have competition of that quality. No Piroe, thought he would have done enough to start, but he’ll be breathing down Tay’s neck and keeping him on his toes. That might spur him on a bit.
As many have been saying, it seems NES has taken a step back and been convinced by what he saw at Soton.
Enjoy the match everyone, COYI!
Nuno had no choice, Peter, Mav failed a fitness test on a dead leg.
Areola missing again? Any reason?
calf injury picked up just before the Southampton game