Andy Carroll’s first match for West Ham lasted until the 68th minute when after a clash with Brede Hangeland and our new new talisman exited stage left with what was considered a minor hamstring injury competing an eventful debut. The injury was then deemed serious enough to keep him out of the upcoming England internationals and over the last few days newspaper speculation has been rife that the injury is worse that originally thought with the Daily Mail stating that “he has been ruled out for between five and six weeks”. David Gold has now confirmed that six weeks would be ‘the worst case scenario’.
The fastest growing Hammers website is now on Facebook, click the link to be entered into our up and coming competitions http://www.facebook.com/pages/ForeverWestHamcom/200938616608282
Undoubtedly this is big blow for us. The performance from the team on Saturday was impressive and much has been said of the ‘buzz’ around the club since the transfer. However with it looking likely that Carroll will miss at least 4 Premier League games and the upcoming Capital One Cup clash against Wigan Atheltic, what is Sam Allardyce’s contingency plan?
Do we maintain our current style and make the simple swap of Carroll for Cole? He possesses similar characteristics to the Geordie striker but with less of the potency but it has to be considered that the team tactics would remain the same in this case. Another option to consider would be the introduction of Modibo ‘Van’ Maiga. The Malian international striker recently scored on his cup debut and looked a handful in his league debut cameo against Aston Villa. Other options to consider would be for a shift in formation from the 4- 2-3-1 back to a more conservative 4-4-2 formation with Ricardo Vaz Te and Maiga playing as pair upfront.
Looking for experience? Just want to be heard outside of the Boleyn? We are currently looking for writers, drop us an email at foreverwestham@snack-media.com for more details
It looks as though there are a few selection options for Big Sam to consider over the international break but the main priority is to maintain West Ham’s great start to the season.
But do you think? Should it be a straight swap Carroll for Cole? Or should do we look too dimensional with that formation? And more to the point will Vaz Te get rid of his Mr T haircut? Let us know.
Follow Tim @timsyouruncle
Ever dreamt about getting paid for reading about West Ham? Well now you can make dreams a reality http://bit.ly/ffc-foreverwestham-lp
I think we should test a new formation, with yossi back we have some creativity to play the ball on the deck!
Cole needs to get game time, he is a class player who offers so much to the team both offensive and defensive, he has never been a lone striker, he has been crying out for a strike partner and he should get the chance to show what he can do!
The only problem i see with 4-4-2 is who to drop from the middle? noble, diame or nolan?
Not sure we can drop any of Diame, Nolan & Noble but not sure Cole can play on his own up front! Decisions, decisions.
Good article.
Had we not signed Carroll, it would still have been a great :transfer window”. for us; let’s imagine for a moment that this was the case, and play to our strengths – something which may be dictated by that all too singular strength of BFS – and stick to an adaptable 4-3-3/ 4-5-1 with Vaz Te and Jarvis the wide men, and Cole or Maiga up front.
The last thing we need to do at the moment is confuse our manager further, given he has fewer dimensional ideas than a radio station’s commentary might provide a viewer.
We’re going up the league…
#COYI
DONT play Cole !!! I love his loyalty to us but sometimes think its because he is comfortable at West Ham and is scared to move on . When he replaced Carroll it made me wonder if I could sit through watching him for a whole season again !!! Maiga must start now , give him at least four games on the trot and see what happens also Benayoun has got to start , we need his creativity .
I think we need to play either Maiga or Cole – but keep the line up as it is. No need to change it too much.