Graham Potter has a choice between going more offensive against Leicester City from the start – by employing the same seven who carried out such a sterling job in the rearguard action at Arsenal, or whether to try and use home advantage against a lesser side and go more aggressive.
The second option would no doubt appeal more to Hammers fans eager to see Evan Ferguson take the pitch for a full debut from the start as part of an attacking trio – but knowing how West Ham are the Premier League’s equal worst performers for conceding in the first 15 minutes – 10 goals so far this season – Potter may well stick with safety first and send out the same eleven as started at the Emirates.
The team news is out and it is the same starting eleven as predicted:
Areola | Wan Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell, Scarles | Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Soucek | Bowen, Kudus
Don’t forget to check back at halftime for our “first half summary” as the game is not televised on Sky – and Gonzo’s player ratings which will be live at the final whistle along with our ‘final whistle first impressions’ article. You lucky people!
Interesting to see Grsham’s pre match interview and his really positive comments about the Academy and the importance of rebuilding the relationship with fans. Brilliant interview with Jarrod and his role as Captain, and loved his comments about previous captains being legends at this club.
After Brentford’ 4-0 defeat of Leicester at the weekend, and recent poor run of results their confidence is shot. If we get an early goal can see us winning 3-0 tonight. Ferguson to come on and get his first goal for us tonight and Ollie to get an assist.
Looks sound enough to me. Bench looks stronger than of late…
I think this team/formation makes sense (we’ll see..). I’m hoping/expecting us to be able to play the same system that mugged Arsenal in a more adventurous way in a home match vs strugglers. 3-5-2 can be very flexible home and away against all kinds of opposition.
It also means we can get Bowen and Kudus together upfront, something I’ve been looking forward to seeing for a long time. Ferguson off the bench for Creswell in second half probably makes sense, almost no matter how the game is going.
I am more than happy with the starting lineup. Scarles is definitely worth his place and Cresswell is playing well enough to keep Mav out of the team.
Live TV coverage of the game just started on TNT Sports 1 COYI ⚒️