West Ham United finally return to Championship action against Queens Park Rangers on Friday night following a three-week break which arrived just as Nuno Espírito Santo’s side were beginning to build some serious momentum.
The Hammers are unbeaten in six league games and victory would move us to the top of the table before the rest of the weekend’s fixtures. However, QPR have lost only once this season and remain unbeaten away from home, so this is not a game West Ham can take lightly.
Friday will also be an emotional occasion as the London Stadium remembers the late, great Luděk Mikloško, who represented both clubs during his career and made 373 appearances in Claret and Blue.
Did the break arrive at the wrong time?
It is difficult to predict whether the three-week interruption will have helped or hindered West Ham.
We had started building momentum before the break, winning four consecutive league games before drawing 2-2 at Millwall. When a team is playing well, there is always a concern that a lengthy pause might interrupt its rhythm.
Konstantinos Mavropanos will have enjoyed his break playing for Greece
However, after playing twice a week, I am sure most of the squad appreciated having a couple of weeks away from competitive football. For somebody like Jarrod Bowen, the rest was probably as valuable mentally as it was physically.
Bowen was not selected for international duty and should return refreshed. With four goals and three assists, no Championship player has recorded more goal involvements this season, and there is already a feeling that the West Ham captain has not yet reached top gear.
QPR will look to exploit West Ham’s weakness
West Ham must take QPR very seriously. Julien Stéphan’s side sit sixth after collecting three wins and four draws from their opening eight matches, while they are one of only two Championship teams yet to lose away from home.
The visitors have been hit heavily by injuries, with Tariq Lamptey, Richard Kone, Ilias Chair, Boy Kemper and Karamoko Dembélé all doubts. Dennis Cirkin is suspended after being sent off during the 2-2 draw against Preston North End.
However, Millwall also had a long list of absentees before facing West Ham and still caused us plenty of problems.
I expect QPR to sit back, defend in numbers and attempt to hit the Hammers on the counterattack. That approach has already caused West Ham difficulties this season, so Nuno’s team will need patience without becoming ponderous.
The statistics underline the challenge. QPR have conceded only seven league goals, while West Ham’s tally of 22 is the highest in the Championship. It is a meeting between one of the division’s most disciplined defensive sides and its most productive attack.
Souček should be eased back
Tomáš Souček is finally approaching his competitive return after recovering from the ankle ligament injury he sustained at the World Cup.
The Czech midfielder featured in West Ham’s behind-closed-doors victory over Wycombe Wanderers, playing for 65 minutes and scoring. That is excellent news, but I would keep him on the bench against QPR and ease him back into the team.
Mohamadou Kanté is suspended following his late red card at Millwall, although he was unlikely to start this match anyway. I expect Nuno to continue with Divine Mukasa and Arne Engels in central midfield.
Mukasa has quickly become integral to the way West Ham play, while Engels has settled increasingly well following his arrival. Souček would then provide an experienced option from the bench if West Ham need greater physicality or control later in the game.
Soucek will be fighting fit and ready to play for West Ham
Veltman decision awaits Nuno
Nuno also has a decision to make at right-back, where Joël Veltman could return after missing the recent run through injury.
Kyle Walker-Peters has performed well enough in his absence, but I would bring Veltman back if he is fully fit. His experience and defensive awareness could be particularly useful against a QPR side looking to counterattack.
Morato is my prediction at left-back, with Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos continuing their partnership in central defence.
Mavropanos will be particularly important, although there must be some concern over fatigue after he represented Greece four times during the extended international window. Unlike most of his West Ham teammates, he has not benefited from a prolonged rest.
There is also a potential concern in goal, where Mads Hermansen has remained the only established senior goalkeeper known to be fully available. West Ham were left walking a fine line during the international break, although Hermansen is expected to start on Friday.
Nuno likely to retain his 4-4-2
With all three senior strikers fit, I expect Nuno to persist with the 4-4-2 formation which helped West Ham produce four consecutive Championship victories.
I have not always been convinced by the system, particularly when West Ham have been outnumbered in midfield. Nevertheless, it would be difficult to argue too strongly against a formation which has recently produced results and plenty of goals.
My expectation is that Nuno will select Pablo Felipe alongside Taty Castellanos, with Bowen operating from the right and Manor Solomon providing pace from the left.
Joël Piroe would be unfortunate to miss out, but his ability to score after coming from the bench makes him an extremely useful option if West Ham need to change the game.
Gonzo’s predicted West Ham team
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Mads Hermansen |
| RB | Joël Veltman |
| CB | Konstantinos Mavropanos |
| CB | Max Kilman |
| LB | Morato |
| RM | Jarrod Bowen |
| CM | Divine Mukasa |
| CM | Arne Engels |
| LM | Manor Solomon |
| CF | Pablo Felipe |
| CF | Taty Castellanos |
Formation: 4-4-2
Gonzo’s prediction
QPR are organised, difficult to beat and capable of punishing West Ham on the counterattack. Their impressive away record means this is unlikely to be as comfortable as the league table or injury list might suggest.
However, West Ham possess the Championship’s most potent attack and should have enough quality on the pitch and from the bench to secure another home victory.
Bowen will once again be crucial, while the options of Piroe and Souček could make a significant difference during the second half.
Prediction: West Ham United 3-1 Queens Park Rangers
Friday’s match will be refereed by Ruebyn Ricardo, assisted by Richard Woodward and Jacob Graham, with John Busby acting as fourth official.
QPR haven’t won in four, they started well but have done less well lately. We should be winning this and I think we will 2-0