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  • West Ham Preview vs Liverpool | Premier League 2020/21

    West Ham Preview vs Liverpool | Premier League 2020/21

    West Ham United host Liverpool in the Premier League with just one spot behind the defending champions.

    A win for West Ham could see them move up to 4th in the table above this Sunday’s opposition. They head into this game on some fine form, only league leader Manchester City are higher than West Ham in the Form Table, with their latest win coming over Crystal Palace in a thrilling game which finished 3-2 to the Hammers. 

    The opportunity to leapfrog Liverpool will be too good to pass up for the Hammers who have been absolutely smashing it this season, a rejuvenated season for David Moyes could see him match if not better the feats that he achieved at Everton. If David Moyes could steer West Ham towards the European Places it would be their best-ever finish in the Premier League for West Ham and could give them a chance to keep hold of key players like Declan Rice. 

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    But that is a long way away, with a lot of teams still realistically in the race to finish in the European spots with fellow London clubs Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur all looking to get back into the Top 6 spots. The likes of Southampton and Aston Villa still having a chance of moving into the European qualification spots. There is a lot riding on this game for West Ham and a positive result against Liverpool at home would certainly build up moment to take into February. 

    This could be the best time for the Hammers to face off against Liverpool, the Reds are still struggling with defensive issues and West Ham could exploit that with the Saudi that they have got. 

    West Ham Team News vs Liverpool: 

    Arthur Masuaku is out for this game. Goalkeeper Darren Randolph will face a late fitness test to determine if he is available for squad selection.

    David Moyes likes to use a 4-2-3-1 shape with this West Ham side and it should be more of the same on Sunday.

    West Ham Predicted XI vs Liverpool:

    The Hammers should be looking to target Liverpool’s defensive woes and David Moyes could have a similar game plan. 

    Michail Antonio will be at the helm for West Ham. He has managed to score 4 goals in his last 6 appearances against the Reds all of which came since Jurgen Klopp’s appointment. 

    Thomas Soucek will be another attacking threat for West Ham in this game, arriving late into the box and using his giant frame to his advantage against an inexperienced and makeshift Liverpool defense. 

    GK: Fabianski.

    Defense: Coufal, Dawson, Ogbonna, Cresswell.

    Midfield: Soucek, Rice.

    Forwards: Bowen, Benrahma, Fornals.

    Striker: Antonio.

  • FPL: Gameweek 21 Differentials

    FPL: Gameweek 21 Differentials

    Another day, another FPL deadline on the horizon. As Premier League Gameweek 21 nears, we have a look at some options that can provide the extra edge to your teams.

    Tomas Soucek (£5.3m)

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    The West Ham ace scored twice against Crystal Palace in GW20 and has provided plenty to be cheerful for his FPL managers this season. The Czech does not disappoint for his meagre price and almost never fails to deliver. Although the Hammers face a tough fixture against Liverpool at home, FPL managers should be on the lookout for the midfielder to perform well against a weakened Liverpool defence (especially aerially from the dead-ball).

    Che Adams (£5.9m)

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    Southampton faces favorable fixtures like Aston Villa (H), Newcastle United (A), and Wolves (H) in three of their next four Gameweeks. If you can’t afford his pricy counterpart Danny Ings, Che Adams is a good option worth considering while choosing your forwards. He is on the cheaper side of options but is surely worth a risk given Southampton’s next few games and their form.

    Matt Targett (£4.7m)

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    Aston Villa, surprisingly, has the third-best defence in the league this season. They have been massively over-performing and can be relied upon when picking your FPL team. Besides being good defensively, the Englishman is also pretty good going forward so there is a pretty good chance of him grabbing an assist in the upcoming games.

    Ilkay Gundogan (£5.7m)

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    The German midfielder has probably been the most in-form player in the Premier League. While Kevin De Bruyne is injured, Gundogan has stepped up well and has been the perfect replacement for the Belgian (considering his goalscoring prowess of late). The creative midfielder has also scored 7 in his last 8 premier league appearances. For the price and the easy fixtures that Manchester City face, he is the perfect choice when it comes to price and reliability.

    Ollie Watkins (£6.2m)

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    While there are not many reliable forwards available on FPL, Ollie Watkins (just like Aston Villa) has been a hidden gem. From being relegation survivors from last season to being in the contention for the Europa League spots, Watkins and Aston Villa have surprised everyone with their performances. Watkins has scored twice in his last two games and faces desirable fixtures like Southampton (A), West Ham (H), Arsenal (H), and Brighton (A) in their next four. So, a good FPL haul in the upcoming Gameweeks could surely be on the cards for the Englishman.

  • West Ham’s Emerson loan bid rejected

    West Ham’s Emerson loan bid rejected

    Chelsea rejected a loan bid made from fellow Premier League club, West Ham, for their Italian left-back Emerson Palmieri.

    West Ham are in the market searching for a left-back on a temporary basis due to Arthur Musaku being injured. Aaron Cresswell has stepped up well for the Hammers but they still look to find a cover for their 31-year-old English left-back. They did shortlist Emerson from Chelsea to be fit for the role and thus offered a loan move until the end of the season but have their bid rejected.

    Emerson, 26, has been with the London Blues since January 2018 and has been the crucial squad player under various managers. He currently is Chelsea’s second choice left-back providing cover to Ben Chilwell. Emerson, this season has 10 caps for The Blues where he has been their first choice in Cup games. He has managed to place himself higher in the pecking order over Alonso as Chelsea has a problem of many for the same position.

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    Cementing himself as the second choice and being favored over Alonso for Lampard, always meant that he has a future at Chelsea. Being a very good cover, he has not put a foot wrong in Chilwell’s absence, and chances of him moving out this January look very bleak. Also, there have been reports suggesting that Chelsea will only let him leave if they get a very good offer and such a situation looks very unlikely at this stage.

    Meanwhile, West Ham can shift their attention to Brandon Williams for Manchester United as the youngster might be looking for a new challenge this January.

  • Transfer Analysis: Boulaye Dia to West Ham

    Transfer Analysis: Boulaye Dia to West Ham

    West Ham has enjoyed an overwhelming start to the season, with the Hammers currently in the tenth place, but just 7 points behind league leaders Liverpool.

    The summer transfer window saw the London-based club welcome many new faces such as Vladimír Coufal and Said Benrahama; and now with the winter transfer window open, it seems that West Ham are back to business.

    The Hammers’ first piece of business was the departure of record signing Sebastien Haller, 18 months after his arrival to the London Stadium. Haller completed his transfer to the Dutch side, Ajax for reportedly €20 million.

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    With Haller’s departure and considering Antonio’s injury record this season, West Ham will look to sign one, if not two center forwards in this window.

    One of them might be 24-year-old Senegalese center forward: Boulaye Dia. The Senegalese could be available for a reasonable price tag of just €14 million according to EN 24 News.

    Transfer Analysis:

    Boulaye Dia has had an impressive start the season with Stade Reims in the Ligue 1. The Senegalese center forward has 10 goals and an assist in 16 games till now.

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    However, the major question that arises is that, is Dia an apt replacement for Haller considering West Ham’s style of play. Current West Ham striker, Michail Anotonio has flourished since his move from Nottingham in 2015 and a key reason behind his success has been that his attributes have complimented West Ham’s general style of play. As seen on multiple occasions, Antonio holds the ball well and lays it of perfectly for his teammates. But can the same be expected from Dia is a major doubt.

    Dia likes to make runs for penetrative balls and his hold up play has been proven weak even in the Ligue 1 and the Premier League could prove a bit too physical for him.

  • Chelsea player of the season ruled out vs West Ham?

    Chelsea player of the season ruled out vs West Ham?

    Chelsea were performing at their utmost best couple of weeks back and by then they were definitely one of the best performing European teams. But have they now caught an evil eye?

    With just a point in their last three games all over the Europe, Chelsea have become the critic favourites and do need a turn-around in their fortunes. But their worries are not just limited on the field as they face injury issues off the field as well. With Hakim Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi already ruled out for a short span of time, now a major blow is potentially on the cards with reports of Reece James being ruled out due to his knee issues.

    According to Simon Johnson of The Athletic, Reece James did complain of great pain in his knee after his training on Saturday and thus had to undergo a scan. He had troubles with his knee in his last few matches but was able to continue due to earlier reports saying that it was nothing serious. But now things could be as worse as operation worthy and this could rule him out for a hefty amount of games.

    James, this season has definitely stepped up as one of the most influential players in the league and also claimed his stake as the best right back in the league. Chelsea have relied on him in both attacking and defensive halves and he definitely has been one of the best in both phases. He has been lethal as always on his crosses but this season has stepped up his game in defensive aspect as well. He is now the favourite to win one-on ones against the best of attacking threats and thus is now par with the Best in his Position.

    This definitely could be a huge blow for the team but they do have the best back-ups in form of the Club Captain, Cesar Azpilicueta. He could be the best back up options one could imagine and thus Reece’s absence in the defensive half will not be much heard. In the attacking half, Hakim Ziyech will now have to take the responsibility on himself to cross in the balls with utmost precision. Another opportunity could be for club graduate Livramento who has been one of the best players of the development squad. He could be getting minutes in the FA Cup games and will have the opportunity to prove his worth at the highest level possible.

    As of now as things stand, Reece is in contention against the Hammers but will be assessed in the next 24 hours based on his scan reports.

  • DECLAN RICE’s Chelsea Audition at Stamford Bridge

    DECLAN RICE’s Chelsea Audition at Stamford Bridge

    Chelsea have spent surplus this summer and were in pole position to win any transfer battle against any club for any player. But the only player that they did not acquire the services this summer, which was also the one with most sung name, Declan Rice.

    Frank Lampard and the Chelsea board have been great admirers of West Ham centre mid for long and according to many he is their final piece to the puzzle. It comes out as a bit of shocker for many, considering the fact Chelsea have great depth in midfield already and this necessarily is not the transfer they need to prioritize as of now. But the former Chelsea graduate is tipped to take up a Centre Back role rather than any position in midfield. He is being considered a ‘Leader of the Future’ and reunite with many of his old team mates from his youth Cobham team.

    Now the things are advancing at a progressive rate, considering the transfer window is approaching, as there have been news of him parting ways with his former agent and his new agent being his father, Sean Rice who is a season ticket holder at Stamford Bridge.

    This all news comes up just before the London Derby as Rice visits Stamford Bridge with the West Ham squad facing Chelsea Blues. Chelsea are facing a dip in form after consecutive losses against Everton and Wolves in the league which pushes them to a 9 point drift from league leaders, Liverpool. Two weeks back, Chelsea were considered as one of the favorites to win the league but with this display of game in such a crucial phase of league has put them under a radar of many critics. This seems to be a must win game for Chelsea cubs as they look to keep themselves in a position to push for the Top 2 each game week.

    But the test for Declan Rice is a bigger one as he has the task to win the fans of London Blues and prove a point to everyone who do not find him as a suitor at the Bridge. He has a huge price tag on his shoulders and the England International has to justify each penny of it and convince the board at Bridge to acquire his services. A win against his old and ‘to be’ team will not be the ideal scenario for fans in Blue but a solid performance is must as this is nothing less than an ‘Audition at the Bridge’ for him.

  • Bielsa names his starting eleven, days before West Ham clash

    Bielsa names his starting eleven, days before West Ham clash

    Bielsa names his Starting 11, days before West Ham clash.

    Leeds United suffered a 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge against title favourites Chelsea on Saturday which was a disappointing game as Leeds scored the first goal in the 4th minute through their in-form striker Patrick Bamford who has now scored 8 goals in 11 matches for the Whites who is now level with Harry Kane for goals scored this season in the Premier League.

     

  • West Ham vs Manchester United: Preview | Premier League 2020/21

    West Ham vs Manchester United: Preview | Premier League 2020/21

    It is matchday 11 in the Premier league and West Ham host Manchester United at the London stadium as fans return to the stands 9 months after lockdown and matches being played behind closed doors amid the coronavirus pandemic.

    A maximum of 2000 fans will be let in the London Stadium to witness the match between the Hammers and the Red Devils.

    Recent Form:

    The two teams are four places apart in the Premier League table but separated by just 1 point. West Ham sit just outside the top 4, on fifth while Manchester United are on the ninth spot. West Ham are on a 3 game winning run. The Hammers have had an impressive start to the season with wins against Arsenal, Wolves, Leicester, and a point against Manchester City and league leaders Tottenham. Manchester United have had a highly inconsistent start to the season, although they have won their last 3 league games followed by a midweek defeat against PSG in the UEFA Champions League.

    Team News:

    Manchester United will be hopeful that Marcus Rashford is fit for this game after picking up a knock on his shoulder vs PSG on Wednesday. Edinson Cavani, who scored a brace against Southampton, is injury free however he is yet to hear the result of his investigation from the FA after his instagram story was deemed racist. If the decision goes against the Uruguayan striker, he might have to face a 3 match ban. The match comes too quick for Luke Shaw.

    West Ham United have a fully fit squad with only Ukrainian winger Andiy Yarmolemko doubtful for the game. Michail Antonio has returned to full fitness as can be expected to lead the line from the start.

    Predicted lineups:

    West Ham: (3-4-3) Fabianski, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Coufal, Rice, Soucek, Masuaku, Bowen, Antonio, Fornals.

    Manchester United: (4-2-3-1) De Gea, Wan Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Telles, Mctominay, Fred, Greenwood, Martial, Cavani.

    Key Clashes:

    Michail Antonio vs Harry Maguire: Antonio has shown that how dangerous he can be particularly with the pace he possesses, Maguire has shown vulnerability vs quick attackers with his speed letting him down often.

    Jarrod Bowen vs Alex Telles: Bowen has been amazing on the left wing for the Hammers but he will be up against, Alex Telles, someone who likes to drive up front so it will be interesting to see how the Brazilian keep track of in-form Bowen.

    Declan Rice vs Scott McTominay: Both Rice and Mctominay are highly rated young British midfielders who have developed their reputation in the last few seasons, this will be an interesting clash in the center of the park!

  • How many fans will each club be allowed to have in stadiums?

    How many fans will each club be allowed to have in stadiums?

    Football fans will be allowed back into the Stadiums albeit a very small number of fans will be able to attend games but like the managers and players have pointed out it is a step in a positive direction. With proper monitoring and precautionary measures, if all is well with this little experiment, more fans could be allowed to attend football matches by the turn of the year. After so many games without the supporters in the grounds backing their teams, there is finally a small light at the end of the Tunnel. 

    From When Can Fans Return?

    From December 2nd when the Lockdown ends in the UK, the Government announced.

    There are some caveats to Fans returning, the Number of Fans that will be allowed back is based on a Tier System. Clubs will only be allowed to have Fans based on the Tier that their Location is in. 

    Here is a Full Run-Down of the Tier System 

    Tier 1

    Attendance at games limited to 50% of capacity or 4,000 (whichever is lower).

    Adult sport can take place outdoors, but must follow the ‘rule of six’ indoors. Surprisingly none of the Premier League Clubs fall under Tier 1, meaning no Club can have 4000 fans in their Stands. 

    Tier 2

    Attendance at games limited to 50% of capacity or 2,000 (whichever is lower).

    Adult sport can take place outdoors, but cannot take place indoors if there is interaction between different households. Exactly 10 Premier League Clubs fall into the Tier 2 Category and will be allowed to have a Maximum of 2000 fans back for games. 

    Tier 3

    Games to be played behind closed doors.

    Adult sport can take place outdoors, but people must avoid higher risk contact activity. Indoor sport should not take place unless with your household or bubble. The other 10 Clubs in the Premier League are part of Tier 3 meaning they are situated in high risk regions where Covid-19 is acute, these Clubs cannot welcome back any Fans until further notice. 

    Who Can and Can’t Have Fans Back: 

    Arsenal, Brighton, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Southampton, Tottenham and West Ham, all fall under Tier 2 and will all be allowed to have 2000 Fans for home games, while the rest of the pack have to carry on without the supporters cheering them on.

    Aston Villa, Burnley, Leeds United, Leicester City, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Wolverhampton and West Brom are the Clubs in Tier 3 Regions & won’t be able to Welcome Back supporters just yet. Their wait to see their teams play will go on for a bit longer. 

    The impact of not having fans in the Stadiums has led to some astonishing results already in the Premier League this season, so what impact will their return have. Clubs at the bottom of the League will be desperate to get their fans back in the stands, they will need the voices of the fans to get them going this season and to pose any kind of trouble when going up against tougher oppositions. 

    Sadly, only two of the current bottom 6 will be able to get the fans back, with Sheffield, West Brom, and Burnley not allowed to have fans in the Stadiums. The wait for these teams goes on as they try to find some sort of form going up against some of the Bigger clubs in the League, with a tough December fixture list ahead of them.

  • Jarrod Bowen; the Hammers’ secret weapon! | Premier League 2020/21

    Jarrod Bowen; the Hammers’ secret weapon! | Premier League 2020/21

    West Ham United winger Jarrod Bowen have grown and suddenly emerged as a great addition to David Moyes’ team so far. The 23-year-old England International player is showing his potential on a consistent basis, with four goals and an assist in ten Premier League appearances for the Hammers this season. Bowen now leads West Ham’s scoring charts in the Premier League this term.

    The young winger has been so impressive, which is reflecting in his goal and assist contributions and also in his all-round performances thus far. The former Hull City winger who had 131 appearances, scoring 54 goals and providing 14 assists with the Championship side before signing for the Hammers, looks like a player capable of easing the goal burden from Antonio’s shoulder.

    Though Antonio still remains a great player and a reliable goal scorer for West Ham but Bowen’s emergence and new found form can’t be overlooked or faulted to be overemphasized.

    After another decent display against Aston Villa, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher praised for Jarrod Bowen and his consistency for the Hammers.

    “Bowen, he’s been a brilliant signing,” he told Monday Night Football. “He’s just one of those players, he always nicks a goal. Every three or four games, you see him on the scoresheet.

    “And again, he’s got a vital goal for them. He does really well on that right side, coming inside. He’s been a great signing for them.”

    Felipe Anderson’s absence looks like a blessing in disguise for David Moyes and Bowen, as the £80k per week earner is now cementing his place in the team and into consideration of opponent’s managers as a big threat in the final third.

    Bowen definitely has what it takes to single handedly uplift the Hammers from their perennial average position on the log, into a formidable side, fighting for European competition position.

    His goal and an assist in Hammers’ last match against Aston Villa, which lifted the side into fifth position on the Premier league table after just ten matches, looks like an actual indication of the impact where he would influence the team’s fight for glory in the league cup and a better league standing this term.

    Bowen could now be considered as a secret weapon for David Moyes, and if his form could last till the remainder of the season, the Hammers should see themselves celebrating to one of their best league position in years.