Carroll, unfortunately, seems to be hitting form, which is bad timing for us. We need the ref to be strong and differentiate between physicality and dirty play, where he is concerned, and recognise that any contact made on him, by someone of the stature of Clasie, JWP, Davis and Cedric should not have a 6ft plus lump of meat falling to the ground. It has always amazed me as to how frail Carroll can be, and how frequently the refs buy it. A Snodgrass free kick, aimed at Carroll's head, could be a dangerous combination, so no free kicks near our box should be drummed into the players.
Now this will undoubtedly be a jinx, but he was pretty poor last night. He ran loads, got quite angry then got subbed. Hopefully his recovery time is still poor.
Wouldn't surprise me if we go to 4-2-3-1 for the rest of the season to give Stephens and Yoshida more protection. Also means Boufal sits behind the ST where he was so good against Swansea.
I'd have Barry, Jay & Shane together working on things all week as well. If they can form an understanding, that would be massive.
Carroll will score, and then he'll get injured again in West Hams next game, always seems to happen. We'll win 3-2 though so don't worry.
Decision time for Puel. Does he line up more defensively in order to help protect the defence (Clasie and Romeu both sit deep). Or do we go extra attacking to compensate for potential goals conceded (would love to see 4-2-3-1 with Sims in behind Long)
I've been doing a bit of thinking, (yep my head hurts), but this game could be a good tactical rehearsal for the cup final. Both WHU and Manure carry a big goal threat through having players that are very good in the air, so this game will give Claude a good chance to set the team up to prevent balls being launched into the danger zone. At Anfield, when Liverpool had the ball, we were happy to sit our midfield in front of the back four and force them out wide, knowing that they don't carry such a potent aerial threat as some teams. Much could depend on our wide players staying alert and tracking back, to cut out the crosses and maybe force them inside, to try and play through us. Just a thought.
I would consider having 3 at the back as we only have 1 real CDM. We can play our freshly signed CB (it's a good job we had lots of notice with fonte leaving, otherwise we may not have signed anyone).
Was expecting to see a completely changed west ham team with all their new January signings, then realised only signed 2 and they have lost payet. Sims to start please.
Manolo looks like a smack head in a movie sweating under interrogation who ends up dead in the river after being suspected of being a grass.
