How do we approach this one? I think Gus got it wrong yesterday with selection and formation. I expect a return to 4-3-2-1. Larsson has to be dropped and I think Altidore will get the nod ahead of Fletcher. West Ham have Spurs Arsenal and Man Utd after so they have to.go for it, which hopefully plays into our hands. Id go; -------------------Mannone------------------ Celustka-----Oshea------Broen-----Bardsley --------Cattermole---Ki------Colback--------- Giaccherini----------------------------Johnson --------------------Altidore---------------------
Mannone, Bardsley, O'Shea, Brown, Dossena, Cattermole, Colback, Ki, Borini, Giaccherini, Altidore. that should of been the team for the last 2 games & in my opinion we would of got something from the games. Come on Gus pick the right team for once.
Same team/formation I've been putting forward for the last month. West ham play sluggish direct football which we should be able to deal with. They struggle to score and can't retain the ball. Lets just play our new found possession philosophy, be patient and I think it's in the bag this one.
IMO the biggest boost is Nolan not playing.|His foul yesterday would have produced a yellow card against us or you.He is a strong influence on refs and Fat Sam plays on it.
Drop O Shea and Bardsley Colback in for Bardsley and Gardner for O Shea they are too slow 5 in midfield start Altidor.
Sounds like someone who hasn't watched us much. Our points tally is mostly down to a shocking run of home games and dreadful refereeing. You've got home advantage so the pressure is on you, especially given the three fixtures that follow. You think Allardyce will still be in the job come January?
Catts definitely starts for me. We looked a far better team when he came on. I thought we did OK first half TBH. Second half we were woeful but Catts kept the ball much better than Colback after he came on (I thought colback had his worst game for some time IMO). Nolan missing from their side is massive. Fletcher starts on the bench and Jozy up top but we NEED runners from midfield to support him. Giacc and Johnson on the wings and getting into the box when they can.
I'd personally like to see Ki do it - he is composed on the ball and has good vision. Not sure what the gaffer thinks though!!
It would be nice if ki moved on forward with conviction, he seems to have the ability but your right would Gus advocate this.
I'd go with that team. Although I'd be tempted to put Roberge at CB instead of JOS, and would make sure Ki gets further upfield.
I friend in the smoke, a hammers fan ,has offered to get me a ticket, but with our form I reckon he just wants his chance to gloat!
ah well, I'm flying in Thursday night and taking my Sis - who is red and white through and through - to her first away match. If we win and other results go in our favour, she'll be getting sent round the country with regularity. probably going to try the Palm Tree in Mile End for a few pre-match sharpeners. proper old boozer by the canal which has refuted any and all attempts to gentrify it into some faceless gastro/chain pub.
