Any news on Martinelli and Saka yet and when they're likely to be back in training? I'd be amazed if both were not available for this game. In fact I see no reason why Saliba shouldn't came straight back into training after a couple of days off. Too much at stake.
goon
Arteta said of Saka and Martinelli: “They’ll come back straight away into the rhythm, shape and mould of the team. “We’re waiting for them and they are desperate to be back as well. I’ve spoken to both of them. “Gabi was here today, with a big smile and big energy. He’s ready to go again. It’s going to be a big boost for the team.”
Arteta said of Saka and Martinelli: “They’ll come back straight away into the rhythm, shape and mould of the team.
“We’re waiting for them and they are desperate to be back as well. I’ve spoken to both of them.
“Gabi was here today, with a big smile and big energy. He’s ready to go again. It’s going to be a big boost for the team.”
JazzG you never know but Jesus injury aside I'm hoping it will be a big positive. Hardest thing about these campaigns is keeping the intensity and focus up every week and if feels like that should be easier if you split the season in two.
Burnwinter Our team is so good, decision making and cohesion at a premier level. Cant wait for the campaign push to get off and running again.
Clrnc
Both men are plain versus Bellingham. I would give my left nut for the boy. He can play any midfield position at a high level.
Claudius I think the boat has sailed for him. We can't afford to buy him simple as, but if we want someone similar to beat press and carry the ball forward, Ounahi is a slightly inferior but capable option
Its going to be a real chance for Eddie to prove himself. Playing up top in his preferred position with the first team around him isn't something he's had a lot of chances at this season. Last season he was great when we needed him and won a new contract, lets hope he can solidify his spot in the squad this time.
Even last season he was often playing in a depleted side (Tavarez, Elneny, Cedric, Holding among others) and we're a better team this season anyway. He'll need to be quick though, because at some point we'll try Martinelli or someone else up top with a new forward signings likely and ESR coming back.
If Nketiah can keep up intensity and pressing up front, as he did last season, I think he'll keep his place in the team even if he doesn't score regularly.
True Kel, its not like Jesus was scoring a ton. I don't see Eddie being able to provide the all round play Jesus did though so he'll need to hit the back of the net pretty regularly.
Moyes on West Ham's forwards for tomorrow:
"Gianluca has got an ankle injury and Mick had a calf strain. We're hoping they both have a chance, but they are doubtful. I think every club is going to have issues with players returning after the World Cup. Jarrod is more than capable of playing down the middle. We've done the same with Marko Arnautovic and Michail Antonio, so who says we can't do it with Jarrod?"
Pepe LeFrits
I find it amusing that Moyes bemoans the impact of the WC on player fitness, yet none of the injury doubts he mentioned went to Qatar!
Who is the favourite to start at striker here ?
I guess nketiah is the straightforward choice, but wonder if Martinelli gets a shot through the middle
I'd go with Eddie myself
Me too, would be bit a of blow to the lad to be sat in this circumstance. Excited to see him play tomorrow along with Tierney in particular, who I think will start as well.
As said in another thread, you can't pay Eddie £100k pw and not play him if Jesus is out.
I'm gonna have a shit load of food, a lot to drink and watch the game, what a day
Full team +Nketiah
Let's go
Clrnc Zinny on the bench so not a full team technically.
goon He's never fit so Tierney will be first choice
West Ham: Fabianski; Coufal, Dawson, Kehrer, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Paqueta, Benrahma; Antonio
Not a lot of attacking options on our bench.
Pepe LeFrits 1x Cozier Duberry!
