We are probably missing Jarvis and Benayoun and Vaz Te is out long term. I would therefore say we will be lacking a bit of invention to break down a decent stoke defence. My money would be on a draw if going with my head. Whatever the result, it's sure to be a footballing masterclass between these two sides
Have fun trixter and hopefully Nolan gets some goals/assists for fantasy football purposes. PS I can certainly see Stoke facing relegation trouble later on in the season. So good luck.
This is just terrible to watch. Neville commented before kick off that this wasn't a "beauty pageant" and these 2 clubs know how to win a game of football. I can't argue with that, and West Ham's record this year doesn't lie, this style of football is effective if you have the right kind of players to execute it. Problem is I go to football to be entertained and this just isn't entertaining! The football club at the end of my road play like this....they just aren't as accurate.......hoooooooooooOOOOOOOOFFFFFFFFFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHU are definitely reverting to long ball at the moment. Radio 5 LIVE commentators are talking amongst themselves more than commentating. Shame because in the first 30 minutes there were a few good moments. Shows I'm bored when I'm listening to commentary involving other teams. Lots of positive Saints earlier, before the game.
West Ham were given a footballing lesson by Stoke, in my opinion. Especially in the first half. Stoke played some really decent stuff. Obviously not Saints-levels of intricacy, but still alright on the eye. West Ham, well, they've taken the mantle for hoofball.
First half was stokes. Second half was West Ham's. Poor game overall but overall we were better than them as we had the better chances. A draw is a decent result against the type of side we struggle against. Anyone that comes and defends in numbers will probably get something as we aren't the best at breaking down stubborn defences. Anyone that comes and has a go at us will probably come unstuck on the break (as you well know). Also bear in mind we were missing 4/5 first teamers, 3 of which are our creative midfielders. Decent point from a tough game and our unbeaten run continues. Don't start looking down your nose at us just because you've won a game against the worst side in the division mate. You may well have turned the corner but you have an awful lot to do yet.
With respect, we have half the points needed for survival after less than a third of our games. I wouldn't call 5 wins and a handful of draws over the next 26 games "a lot to do". You will probably be ok, but you are still 11 points behind us and you have only just got your second win. We played some decent stuff at times tonight and some of you lot belittling the way we play is quite frankly inappropriate and mis-judged. Given the league positions of the two sides and the result between our sides a few weeks ago you are in no position to gloat. Good night Gents.
True, but in a few weeks time it may be a different story. Not saying it will be, but it could be. Our next 7 games: Newcastle (h) Norwich (h) Liverpool (a) Reading (h) Sunderland (h) Fulham (a) Stoke (a) Your next 7 fixtures: Spurs (a) Man Utd (a) Chelsea (h) Liverpool (h) West Brom (a) Everton (h) Arsenal (a) It's not stupid to think that we could catch up with you over this period.
