It’s very much as case of ‘as you were’ for todays game at The London Stadium. Nuno Espirito Santo has gone with an unchanged starting line-up although there’s a surprise on the bench with James Ward Prowse included. Therefore, with Paqueta still sidelined, Guido Rodriguez offski and Adama Traore still not here, it looks like a front two of Tatty and Pablo again.
The early lunchtime kick off today gets underway at 1230 so the team news is ‘live’ especially early today. West Ham have the latest in their relegation hurdles: The tricky challenge of Sunderland come calling. The Black Cats travel south sitting currently in ninth spot in thePremier League after impressing early in their first season back in the top flight.
However their last six games have seen four draws, one loss and a win last time out against Nottingham Forest so perhaps the early season promise is being tempered by the realities of week in, week out top flight football. However they have amassed a very creditable thirty three points: a total that leaves West Ham looking woeful by comparison. The Hammers’ season got off to its dreadful start with a 0-3 loss against Sunderland back in August, under the now departed Graham Potter.
The starting eleven to take on the Black Cats has just been released and here it is:
West Ham United:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Areola |
| RB | Wan-Bissaka |
| CB | Mavropanos |
| CB | Todibo |
| LB | Scarles |
| CM | Fernandes |
| CM | Souček |
| RM | Bowen |
| LM | Summerville |
| CF | Pablo |
| CF | Castellanos |
I think Scarles deserves to keep his place despite the return of Diouf who is on the bench.
If Diouf comes on at some stage it could be to replace Scarles or Summerville or even as an inverted right wing in place of Bowen. Remember started as a left back for Arsenal before transitioning to his inverted right wing role.
This would rely on Diouf having a good right foot which I’ve yet to see.
JWP it’s not a reprieve. More like desperation.
2 strikers, a 6 month signing (Traore) and player who will be ready in 18 months (if your lucky).
If that sums up our reinforcement schedule hello championship.
If Nuno is going to pick Soucek he has to start as he does today, because he has proved he makes no impact as a sub.so I’m happy with the line up which I believe will keep the momentum going with another victory.