All eyes will fall on Declan Rice. His return to the London Stadium in Arsenal colours adds an uncomfortable subplot, our former captain now the heartbeat of a rival chasing the double. We all know what Rice is capable of and no doubt he will dictate tempo, break lines, and hoover up any loose balls. West Ham can’t stop him entirely, but they must stop him running the game.
The supposed ‘replacements’ for Declan Rice at West Ham are currently banished, out on loan at Burnley, and Fenerbahce respectively.
Ward-Prowse-Wizardry
£30 million of the Rice money was thrown away on James Ward Prose, who has spent half a season loaned out at relegated Burnley
That, in itself tells, its own story and illustrates totally how t hat £105 million was chucked away instead of building the club.
Nuno Espírito Santo should still be smarting from the bruising defeat at Brentford, a result that sadly tightened the noose and handed Tottenham the chance to leapfrog us. Yet despite the gloom, there’s a flicker of hope. Remaining positive, West Ham have shown they can raise their game against the league’s top clubs, and us the fans know, even with the infamous “fire drill” history against Arsenal the stakes are too high for early exits this time!
Arsenal, chasing a league title and a Champions League trophy will dominate the ball, but West Ham’s task is simple, compete for every duel, stay compact, and take the rare chances that come their way. This is a BIG London derby for both teams!
Survival fights are built on belief. Nuno said in his recent press conference “We’ve always been able to react, this is what we expect on Sunday.”
“It’s a big game but I think we are as hungry as they are, obviously for different things, but it’s a game that we have to go for it”
Never a truer word. COYI!