EL: Genk 2-2 West Ham Utd (04/11/21)

[il_martello_di_genovesi]

I actually think we shouldn't go too weak for this one. If we manage to win this, then the group is pretty much won. The other 2 games we have are in the middle of a run of 10 games in a calendar month. That includes Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea and the Tottenham QF. Win on Thursday and we can probably rest and rotate in those other 2 games, where it will be very important to.

[Clacton-ammer]

Our midfield pairing need to be fully rested for the mickey game, we are 3 in 3 in Europe, would not be unhappy to see Rice/Soucek rested for this game, our "B" team have been doing great, let them continue without the CM pairing, good challenge for them that will mean they need to step up even more. But then..

You keep winning it breeds even more confidence, so Rice coming in increases that chance..

Mr Moyes, do what you think best as you are doing pretty well to date

[IronRhino]

Our midfield pairing need to be fully rested for the mickey game, we are 3 in 3 in Europe, would not be unhappy to see Rice/Soucek rested for this game, our "B" team have been doing great, let them continue without the CM pairing, good challenge for them that will mean they need to step up even more. But then..

You keep winning it breeds even more confidence, so Rice coming in increases that chance..

Mr Moyes, do what you think best as you are doing pretty well to date

I would rest both Rice and Socek. I agree about the importance of momentum and the need to keep our winning run going, but I think our second team with a sprinkling of first team starters will be too good for Genk. It is great for the general feel good factor if the larger squad can contribute to the winning run

[Southminster Hammer]

With Moyes and the coaching staff we have a squad, rather than a first team and reserves? If Rice and Soucek need rest, or anybody else, I trust They will pick and prepare the team properly for the Game, really can't ever remember any of our previous managers in the modern era being able to do this. Long may it continue

[helic0n]

I suspect Rice will play and Soucek will be rested, given how we lined up vs Man City.
I'd rest Cresswell too and save Antonio for Liverpool.

Areola
Coufal Dawson Diop
Fredericks Noble Rice Masuaku
Lanzini
Yarmolenko Vlasic

[Belgian Iron]

I suspect Rice will play and Soucek will be rested, given how we lined up vs Man City.
I'd rest Cresswell too and save Antonio for Liverpool.

Areola
Coufal Dawson Diop
Fredericks Noble Rice Masuaku
Lanzini
Yarmolenko Vlasic

Would be the correct line up. Doubling up on there quick wingers Bongonda & Ito will be handy. And Rice will boss midfield which is always vital.
Yarmolenko can't play up top on his own, so support from Vlasic is necessary.

[iLoveLasagne]

It is so nice being in Europe having even more West Ham to watch. It gives me something to look forward to. And it really is weird where no fixtures are dreaded. Long may it continue.

[TommyHammer]

Areola,
Coufal, Diop, Dawson, Masuaku,
Noble, Kral
Bowen, Vlasic, Fornals,
Yarmolenko

[sendô]

It is so nice being in Europe having even more West Ham to watch. It gives me something to look forward to. And it really is weird where no fixtures are dreaded. Long may it continue.

Yeah, but honestly the wife is getting pissed off that - in her words - "life seems to revolve around ****ing football at the moment".

She clearly doesn't realise that it always did.

[Hammer in Hornchurch]

A 3-5-2 with any two of Coufal/Johnson/Fredricks used to counter there wingers, Ito in particular.

[irving boleyn]

I believe that Rice is such an athlete at the moment that playing both games will not diminish him.

[HamburgHammer]

My head keeps telling me to rest Rice, Moyes may think the same.
But Rice is the skipper, young, full of energy and he will not want to miss out on a game in the Europa League that could cement first place for us in the group.

It would be hard to make him sit this one out. Hopefully we can get a comfortable lead and then replace him with Kral or even young Chesters.

[rudekid]

I echo the team selection above. I think it's crucial to rest players for Sunday. We lost to Brentford and Man U after midweek Europa fixtures. The only post Europa fixture we won was against the spuds (so doesn't count as they're ****) so we need Rice / Soucek and our front 4 at full strength.....

[Hampshire Hammer]

Yeah, but honestly the wife is getting pissed off that - in her words - "life seems to revolve around ****ing football at the moment".

She clearly doesn't realise that it always did.

I've had similar conversations, on Sunday it was fine I watched West Ham then she watched Strictly (whilst I sat there reading my kindle and pretending I was vaguely interested in what was on the TV) - everyone's a winner.

Early kick off Thursday is good as she doesn't get home from slimming world until just after 7

[ageing hammer]

Early kick off Thursday is good as she doesn't get home from slimming world until just after 7

I absolutely love this post

[Hampshire Hammer]

I absolutely love this post

I wrote fat club first time but then bottled it

[WestSam]

Early kick off Thursday is good as she doesn't get home from slimming world until just after 7

Keep sticking 16 sugars in her tea...

[Bond Holder 59]

Apologies if it is blinding obvious, but the game on Thursday kicks off at 17:45 due to clock changes.

[alantaylorsleftfoot]

There will never be a better opportunity to give Longelo a game at left back. Areola, Coufal, Dawson and Diop will be the rest of the defence. Noble, Kral, Lanzini, Yarmolenko, Vlasic and Masuaku to make up the rest of the team. It would still be a very experienced line-up.

Though, I expect it will be one on Masuaku, Johnson or Fredricks out of position at Left Back.

[funky chicken]

I’d go with…..

—————————-—-Areola———————————-

-Coufal———Dawson———Diop———Masuaku-

———————-Noble———-Kral—————————-

———————————Lanzini———————————

-Fredericks——-Yarmolenko—————-Vlasic-


Another big test for Areola. He played well against Man City, a team not known for being dangerous in the air. Let’s see what he does against this lot again against their 6ft7 giant. Give Coufal some much needed minutes to get his fitness back up. And I really want to see some more minutes from Kral. As he’s played nowhere near enough in the cup games.