Looking positively at West Hams’ season to date, there is a noticeable lack of injury amongst the squad which is as refreshing as it is surprising – only Niclas Fullkrug has spent time sidelined this season and he is reportedly good to go for the trip to the south coast on Monday night. With the obvious, sadly unavoidable exception of long-term absence of Michail Antonio, West Ham have managed to keep injuries well under control this season.
I hope that isn’t tempting fate for Mondays game.
In contrast, Bournemouth face considerable challenges: In his pre-match press conference Manager Iraola detailed a sorry list of absentees in the pre-Christmas clash which is crucial for Julen Lopetegui’s long term job security every bit as for the three points on offer.
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As detailed in Sports Mole “The Cherries will be without defender Marcos Senesi who requires thigh surgery, while Marcus Tavernier is out with a hamstring problem.”
“Alex Scott (knee), Luis Sinisterra (hamstring) and Julian Araujo (hamstring) will play no part in this one either”
West Ham’s left back Emerson Palmieri will miss the game with a one – match suspension following his receipt of a fifth yellow card against Wolves. Whilst Bournemouth are the favourites, I wouldn’t rule out West Ham’s recovery continuing with a bit more backbone being shown. The five absentees which their opponents have to deal with can only be to West Ham’s advantage.
IF Lopetegui gets his starting eleven right then there might just be something in it – I am a little wary of seeing the dreaded five at the back line up again which has failed so dramatically in performances against Chelsea and Liverpool in the Carabao cup.
Please, Julen. 4-2-3-1 : you know it is the only way to be. COYI!