The Hammers clash with the Swans this afternoon sadly sharing a record of six winless matches whilst struggling for goals.
However, there is encouragement for the Irons in the fact that the Welsh team are without a clean sheet in 10 Premier League games and have conceded at least twice in each of their last three league games at the Liberty Stadium.
The counter-balance to that of course is the wicked injury crisis facing our squad and whilst the Swans management has some doubt that Andy Carroll is injured he is very unlikely to be a shock inclusion.
It’s far more likely that Enner Valencia will be involved up front with the manager having a decision to make on Nikicia Jelavic .
Personally. I think the the Croat is again more likely to come off the bench but with options so limited, nothing will be a surprise.
Goals, however, are most surely on the cards particularly remembering that both sides tend to concede early and the stats show that only Bournemouth have conceded more times in the first half an hour than the 10 goals shipped by Swansea.
The Irons have conceded eight but have two clean sheets behind them over the last two games and will take massive heart from that.
This is the perfect opportunity to get off to a Christmas three pointer and with out of form Villa and Saints over Christmas there’s really no reason not to be thinking nine points.
COYI
Hugh’s verdict: Swansea 0 Irons 2 (Kouyate, Zarate)
I have a quiet confidence, just disappointed I could not make it, have a feeling we could get a few goals, without the shackles of the headless chicken striker (if injured) we may be able to return to the fast flowing football he can’t into, fingers crossed.