Sunderland’s first home game back in the Premier League will mean the Stadium of Light is bouncing and West Ham will need to be prepared for the army of red and white supporters attempting to blow them away: Indeed, The Hammers’ reputation for slow starts does create a certain uneasiness for Irons fans in this season opener today.
More than likely then that Potter will stick to what he knows and what has been on show through most of the pre -season: Three central defenders, two wing backs, (in reality a back five in defence) three midfielders and Fullkrug plus skipper Jarrod Bowen in attack. Nobody is anticipating an action packed Hammers first ’45 minutes but just going in without conceding at half-time would be a brave enough prediction on its own!
The team which we’d guess Potter will put out does include a little wishful thinking: We’re just hoping NOT to see the Ward-Prowse-Rodriguez-Soucek trio of torpor announced on the team sheet, and double-double wishful thinking hoping that Potter throws caution to the wind and actually plays new signing Mads Hermansen.
Most Read on West Ham News
In reality of course, “Captain Cautious” Potter will play safe and duly stick Areola between the sticks. Won’t he?
Our best guess / hope for Potter’s team this afternoon:
West Ham United – predicted
Hermansen | Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd, Diouf | Potts, Ward-Prowse, Paquetá | Fullkrug, Bowen (c)
Score predictions
Matt Sunderland win 1-0
Martin West Ham win 2-1 coming from behind, going goal-down early on.
Gonzo 2-1 West Ham win
Sean 1-0 West Ham win
We will be back with the published line up as soon as it is announced at 1.45 pm and Gonzo’s player ratings plus match analysis and reports after the game – so, come back and tell us what you think!
C.O.Y.I!