Allardyce on the defensive

  • by Staff Writer
  • Friday, 6th February 2015

Sam Allardyce is delighted to welcome Diafra Sakho back into his team - but admits he is struggling to field a defence against Manchester United this Sunday.

The Hammers boss could be without several first team players when West Ham host the Red Devils on Sunday afternoon, including Winston Reid, James Collins, Guy Demel, Diego Poyet and Andy Carroll.

Additionally, his only other first team central defender - James Tomkins - is also struggling for fitness following recent injury - and that has given Allardyce a major selection headache ahead of this weekend's big game.

"The injuries are worrying," he said. "I've brought my list with me - Reid, Collins, Demel, Henry, Carroll and Poyet are all doubtful and lie in our medical room at the moment.

"We are not sure how many if any of those will make Sunday’s game. Obviously, with a very busy week, very few risks will be taken. Unless they are 100 percent fit, they won’t be playing.

"With such a big week coming - three games in a week - there'll be very few risks taken unless they're 100% fit. If we play them it may exacerbate the injuries, so we will go to battle with what we've got."

West Ham will be attempting to beat Man U for the first time since goals from Carlton Cole and Jonathan Spector gave West Ham a 4-0 Carling Cup win in the snow, back in November 2010.

Since then the two sides have met on eight occasions, with the Hammers drawing two and losing six.

* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.



More News