After a loss and a draw in the second division, West Ham travel to Watford hoping to post three points on the board for the first time since relegation. However after the dismal showing against Charlton and the defensive howlers against Burnley that let the Clarets share the points, few would normally be optimistic.
However the small matter of an ‘unimportant’ Carling Cup fixture on Tuesday night with a romping West Ham 4 – 1 away victory re-ignites hope in Hammers fans hearts again that Nuno will learn the lessons and keep a youthful blend and an attacking mindset to his set up against the Hornets this afternoon.
Our own predictions are that Nuno will revert to type and ditch Josh Ajala, Airidas Golambeckis and others from his Cup line up that featured no less than eight academy graduates.
However… Surely he’s seen the benefits of retaining Lewis Orford ahead of Moh Kanté in the starting eleven? Knowing how stubborn he is, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him persevere with Kante. – we’ll find out at 1.45pm.
Our training ground source suggests Mavropanos needs a late fitness test – which could produce a call up for Airidas Golambecks.
Here’s my best guess of Nuno’s starting eleven:
West Ham United
Hermansen | Veltman, Mavropanos (if fit), Kilman, Walker Peters |Solomon, Orford, Engels, Bowen, | Castellanos, Piroe
Score predictions
Martin 2-0 West Ham win
Sean 1 – 0 West Ham win
Matt 2-1 West Ham win
Three for a Hammers win – the triumph of hope over experience…
Gonzo – draw- probably 2 – 2.. The voice of years and years of experience.
Nuno’s line up will be released here in less than an hour – so check back at 1.45pm!
I’m more concerned with the diabolical Bobby Madley officiating than whatever starting eleven is selected.
He always seems to give a dubious decision against us.
Expecting controversy today and hopefully three points.
2-1 Watford. We will take the lead and then Nervous Nuno will repeat the mistakes of Burnley all over again