Today sees the Hammers welcome Simon Grayson’s Leeds outfit, in a game which is arguably one of the highlights of the Championship weekend, if not season. The Hammers are yet to record a home win after their disappointing opening day loss in the dying minutes against Cardiff City.
An interesting and perhaps surprising point, I’ve heard in the week is that despite the form of the Irons in in their last two games, is that there could be an element of nerves in the claret and blue changing room before today’s kick off. I have to say, I doubt this very much, Big Sam is professional enough to instil a sense of calm and measure into a team and West Ham shouldn’t be fazed by the need to kick start their home form with a first win. In the last two games, West Ham look to have fallen into a nice rhythm with their play and players seem to be fitting into their roles nicely. The weight of instant premier promotion expectation that looked prevalent within the team against Cardiff, appears now to be a distant thing.
Leeds always have the potential to cause problems for teams and I’m certain it will be a fiery affair with Leeds having three players already sent off this season and players such as Parker, Nolan and Taylor mixing it up for the Hammers. Suspensions then for Leeds in the form of Max Gradel and John Haulsen, two key players for Simon Grayson and this might hold favour for the Hammers, but still Big Sam will ensure his team go into the game with no complacency. Apparently no John Carew yet, his appearance would give the Hammers a slight physical edge over Leeds but we may be treated to a cameo appearance.
I’ll go for a 2-0 win for the Hammers, but it won’t be a pretty affair mind you.
