West Ham (A) - 27/02/22 Build-Up & Match Thread

[Nando]

Subs: Ruddy, Hoever, Marcal, Toti, Moutinho, Cundle, Neto, Trincao, Fabio

 

[Nando]

I'd also be looking to switch to a back four after this weekend with our fixtures through March. We need more bodies in and around Raul to try and bring him back to somewhere near his best. Semedo is likely to be done for at least a month and we'll miss his athleticism down the right.

 

[redvictor]

Not sure Jonny can do 90. I'd certainly have KH on the bench to cover.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Must win or must not lose?

They've looked off their best lately.

Same starting XI as yesterday for me bar Jonny for Semedo (enforced).

2021/22: W 1-0 (H)
2020/21: L 2-3 (H), L 0-4 (A)
2019/20: W 2-0 (H), W 2-0 (A)
2018/19: W 3-0 (H), W 1-0 (A)
2015/16: L 0-1 (A, FAC)
2010/11: D 1-1 (H), L 0-2 (A)
2009/10: L 0-2 (H), W 3-1 (A)
2004/5: W 4-2 (H), L 0-1 (A)
2003/4: L 1-3 (H, FAC)

 

[YoungWolf]

Win definitely puts us back on track. I think we’re capable too despite a disappointing performance last night. We played well against them at home and we should enjoy a lot more possession in this game

 

[The Bear]

Must not lose. We have a good run of games after this so a point is minimum.

 

[NicholasG1973]

I think I’d give Raul a rest - he just looks totally ineffective in all areas - it’s not just in front of goal.

I’d play Hwang through the middle with Podence one side and then……Neto…..let’s start the little magician.

Neves and Moutinho in the middle and everyone else the same as finished last night.

Nothing to fear here. West Ham are definitely not the side they were four months ago.

 

[big mean bunny]

Given their dip in form I'd want us to win this to look to start another run going.

 

[PuntsWolf]

Must not lose as I think we can out PPG them for the rest of the season.

We’re effectively 6 points behind Arsenal now and they have a game in hand. Top 4 is done.

So don’t lose and we’ve got to see us as favourites to finish above West Ham. Should be targeting a win though

 

[Tony Towner]

I'm worried about this. This side has proven me wrong on a number of occasions, but I think this game is coming too soon after a physical and emotionally draining game last night. Happy with the team in the OP, although Jonny looked a fair way off last night. Snap your hand off for a point

 

[Mild 'n' Scratchins]

I'd go 3-5-2, adding Cundle to the midfield with Moutinho and Neves. Obviously Jonny for Semedo. Might even bring Marcal in for RAN to help shore up that left hand side, which was critically exposed twice last night. Hwang and Podence up top, give Raul a rest.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

I don't like our 3-5-2 very much to be honest. We sacrifice goal threat for not much, we don't keep the ball any better when Donck plays and we don't look much more solid.

It was great when we had Jota but no one in the current squad is playing that role alongside Raul or scoring the amount of goals he used to.

Also Jonny working his way back to fitness as our sole outlet down the right isn't great. We will miss Semedo a lot, he's had an excellent season. Was probably our best player last night until he went off.

 

[Mild 'n' Scratchins]

I don't like our 3-5-2 very much to be honest. We sacrifice goal threat for not much, we don't keep the ball any better when Donck plays and we don't look much more solid.

It was great when we had Jota but no one in the current squad is playing that role alongside Raul or scoring the amount of goals he used to.

Also Jonny working his way back to fitness as our sole outlet down the right isn't great. We will miss Semedo a lot, he's had an excellent season. Was probably our best player last night until he went off.

A 352 with Cundle instead of Dendonker is worth a try, especially given how well Cundle played against Spurs.

 

[The Bear]

We generally respond well to defeats, so I don't worry about attitude. Tiredness could be an issue though. At least we have a full bench to call from, so hopefully Bruno fully utilises it on Sunday.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

A 352 with Cundle instead of Dendonker is worth a try, especially given how well Cundle played against Spurs.

Well, maybe. But it doesn't up our goal threat, which is already pretty scant. We can stick an extra man in midfield if we like but I doubt it would see us getting any more control in games.

Would also never pick Marçal out of choice, a complete black hole of possession and not even that good defensively.

 

[Tony Towner]

West Ham isn't a team you need a 3 against, you just need to stand up to their physicality/legs there

 

[The Bear]

I agree. I'd rather have the extra forward than an extra body deeper in midfield. If we're getting overrun in there then he can change it.

 

[sycophantia]

I'd be concerned about 3-5-2 with our wbs being Jonny (so soon) and Marcal...no forward threat or go forward there, we don't really have an option in our 3 man midfield for breaking forward unless Cundle can do that effectively.

 

[Bigbadwulf07]

IMO if Raul starts which is most likely I'd be planning to give Fabio 20-25 mins to give Raul a rest and I think Fabio can offer a worthwhile alternative

 

[Johnny75]

I thought Fabio did well last night helping Nelson to the tunnel.