West Ham Online

". ........... V London Stadium Sat 16 Sept 15:00 GMT VAR Darren Bond Andy Madley: (3) - 20 1 Areola, Coufal, Zouma ¬©, Aguerd, Emerson, ?Ålvarez, Ward-Prowse, Souƒçek, Paquet?°, Bowen, Antonio Subs: Fabia?Ñski (GK), Cresswell, Ogbonna, Mavropanos, Kehrer, Fornals, Kudus, Benrahma, Ings Ederson, Walker ¬©, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Rodri, Silva, Foden, Doku, ?Ålvarez, Haaland Subs: Ortega (GK), Carson (GK), Lewis, Ak?©, G??mez, Phillips, Nunes, Bobb West Ham 9/2 : Draw 7/2: Man City 19/40 ."

"Paqueta is significantly better defensively than Benrhama and can actually slot a final ball. Saw a stat the other day, Paqueta is top of the tackles made standings, for the Premier League."

"I expect another possesion rate in the 20s but If we are half as clinical in our moments in their final third like Chelsea and Brighton I'd take that. A lot will depend on the first goal. If we can nick one, it will play into our hands somewhat, but It's not like they will be shy coming forward from the start. So I expect nothing really. Hopefully a lot of hard team work again, and if it gets a point I'd be delighted."

"I expect another possesion rate in the 20s but If we are half as clinical in our moments in their final third like Chelsea and Brighton I'd take that. A lot will depend on the first goal. If we can nick one, it will play into our hands somewhat, but It's not like they will be shy coming forward from the start. So I expect nothing really. Hopefully a lot of hard team work again, and if it gets a point I'd be delighted."

Blady geeky ini

"Yes, pretty much agree it will probably be same again, but drop Benrahma and bring back Soucek. I would be amazed and delighted if we don't bring Soucek back and start with Benrahma, Fornals or even Kudus, that would be showing some intention to win. Of course we will win! I will be in Vienna for this one, anyone know a pub that will definitely put West Ham on?"

"The winner at the top of the table is Arsenal, who don’t play until Sunday, when they are away to Everton. An extra day for their players to recover from international duties. Better still, Forest and Burnley don’t play until Monday…..but we are in a different league to them. Ha ha!"

"I think with JWP on set pieces, Soucek becomes a bit more defensible as a selection. I wouldn't opt for him, but I don't think it is the worst choice. Man City have only conceded 2 goals in 4, so set pieces might be our best chance. I thought we looked alright with Paqueta on the left before Socuek came off with the concussion. Paqueta is significantly better defensively than Benrhama and can actually slot a final ball. I'll be excited to see Kudus but have a feeling it will be late for Antonio and Bowen will move up top."

"“Stavros” ag, ag :-) It’s what me and a few mates immediately named him. So predictable but the Harry Enfield character ( stereotype ) has to be the one. Imagine after match interviews with Sky as he describes his MOTM performance “Allo Peeps I done a great goal wiv me noggin innit”"

Areola Coufal/Stavros Zouma Ageurd Emerson Soucek Alvarez Bowen. JWP. Paquetta Antonio Not sure if Coufals fit . Kudus to play a part from the bench then get his first start on Thursday.

"Willtell yes he runs the yards without doubt and that is great commitment and discipline. I actually was referring to speed and athleticism so used the wrong word. It’s the speed of closing down and ability to get around the pitch that limits him in the Premiership because it’s become so fast. I think, like you say, we need to outgrow him now is all. That means him no longer being a starting 11 man for the league games which is where he mostly has struggled. Great squad option and sub to bring on in certain games or starting in some too. Tge one “horses for courses” really applies to him. He won’t last in the Prem much beyond 31/32 years of age Imo too. Just not the physical build needed for the position he plays ( again imho ) :-)"

Not saying Soucek should be in our first choice XI but if you haven’t seen it Google his assist for the Czechs the other night v Hungary… if Paqueta had done that everyone would be raving!

"""...his technical and mobility limitations will persist... "" ------------------------------------------ Sorry to pick on this point Sir Alf but I have read that Soucek often runs further than anyone else in the team. If that is true then you wrongly state that he has ""mobility limitations"". Technically he's not as good as a 60 cap international should be but we will outgrow him hopefully. Let's see if Moyes picks him before crucifying him eh?"

"Benrahma and Coufal are the positions that would be in question I guess? Coufal picked up a knock on international duty so presumably Kehrer comes in for him? Benrahma makes way but like others say does Kudus operate on the left ? I’ve read reports he has played there and can play across the front so it’s an option. But based on Moyes ultra conservative, defence first approach ( more understandable against arguably the best team in the world ) he may leave Benny there or play the hard working Fornals there even though, as we’ve seen for the last 3 seasons, he’s not really suited to it or effective ( lacks any pace ). The argument for Soucek is non existent based on the fact we won the last game and previous one where Soucek was not available for most of it. Soucek has improved this season but his technical and mobility limitations will persist and imo always be a hindrance to the team. However, Moyes sees something in him that no one has yet been able to articulate. Even Moyes himself doesn’t describe it other than a reference to aerial prowess. Does that aerial ability really compensate for his limitations ? That’s what it seems to come down to? Most fans don’t think so but Moyes does. Are we missing something ?"

"If Moyes' was a strategy genius perhaps do the opposite against Man City that everyone is expecting i.e. Just go at them and press. The good thing about our squad now is we have a midfield that can actually dribble and pass now. Alvarez, Kudus, Paqueta, JWP and Bowen could actually push a Man City side who aren't expecting it. At least to get the first goal. I'm hoping this team can be like Jose's Chelsea or Atletico in that if we need to play, we play. The 20% possession should be a choice not because we can't do anything else."

"We all know Moyes is as bad as Southgate when it comes to picking his favourites. So Soucek will start and Kudus will be on the bench (aye, the wee boy needs to get used to the Premier League, hoots) So Benny on the bench and as you were for the rest. If it was me BOTH Kudus and The Greek would start. City are susceptible to dead balls so why not have the 6 foot 5 inch Greek all over the keeper."

"the exile 9:47 Tue Sep 12 ''For me, Kudus should start - one of our most exciting signings of recent years and I can't wait to see him in the shirt. I know he has rarely played on the left but this is a top player and he has proved himself adaptable and versatile at Ajax'' Agreed. It was the right thing to have him as a sub against Luton, but we are West Ham and we can't have top players sitting on the bench. If he is as good as fans, pundits, journo's, people inside the game etc say he is then he walks into our side, simple as that. No fucking about, he needs to start and Moyes needs to work it out."

Antonio Bowen Kudus

"Man City at home. My best mates a city fan we watched a lot of football through the 90s when they were also mostly shit. Lanacashiiiire. Cooooookbooooook and Caaaaarrrrr Paaaaark. Can't believe both his and my teams are Euro CHAMPIONS JUST 30 years later. That said I hope we stuff them. Typical guess is no points next to no shots and about 24% possession. They'll keep the ball, work it round patiently and try to break us down. We're good defensively but City are so good. But we're a different team to last year and we can give them a tough game. They'll be pushing up and susceptible on the break, we have the quality if we do what we did to Brighton but just a bit better. Tight at the back buy play bravely in possession. Areola will be busy but we'll do them. 3 1 to the mighty mighty IRONS!!! 'Ave it you cunts."

"For me, Kudus should start - one of our most exciting signings of recent years and I can't wait to see him in the shirt. I know he has rarely played on the left but this is a top player and he has proved himself adaptable and versatile at Ajax. Soucek is a tricky one - he has been looking better this season so far, but Moyes would be insane to drop any of JWP, Paqueta or Alvarez. So the only way he can fit Soucek in is to change formation, but I wouldn't put it past him given that he's likely to go defensive against City. Coufal having Grealish in his pocket seems a distant memory and If ludo is right about Vlad picking up a knock then maybe Kehrer should play. He may not offer so much going forward but his pace at the back could be useful. Areola Kehrer Zouma Aguerd Emerson JWP Alvarez Paqueta Bowen Antonio Kudus"

"Agreed twoleftfeet. He's our captain as well, one of first names on the team sheet for me."

Don't worry The Greek will have Blonde Chicks in his pocket.

Why are some people picking the Greek ahead of the Frenchman? He has been outstanding so far this season.

"Everyone has Kudus playing on the left but I don't believe he plays in that position, certainly didn't for Ajax. He is left footed (or both) so obviously could but presumably there is a reason why he hasn't to date. I would like to see us try a front three of: Antonio Bowen Kudus Paqueta JWP Alvarez Emerson Aguerd Dinos Coufal Areola Can't see this happening on Saturday but hopefully we might develop into this as the season progresses."

"Everyone has Kudus playing on the left but I don't believe he plays in that position, certainly didn't for Ajax. He is left footed (or both) so obviously could but presumably there is a reason why he hasn't to date. I would like to see us try a front three of: Antonio Bowen Kudus Paqueta JWP Alvarez Emerson Aguerd Dinos Coufal Areola Can't see this happening on Saturday but hopefully we might develop into this as the season progresses."

Think every sane West Ham fan knows that our strongest front 6 is Kudus* - Antonio - Bowen Paqueta - Alvarez - JWP *I believe Benrahma is ahead of him in the managers' eyes for now at least. And I also think everyone knows full well that Moyes will go back to 5 in the MF to incorporate Soucek moving Paqueta out wide. He started with this against Brighton and I fully expect this to be our underdog starting line up this season. Not my cup of tea at all but if it works he looks like a genius.