This Saturday the long wait is over. The Premier League is back and West Ham welcome Cardiff City to the Boleyn Ground. Below will be the team I would pick for this opening game.
In goal I would have to go for Jussi Jaaskelainen still as I wouldn’t fancy risking and changing this position after Jussi’s fantastic season. Adrian will start as back up but could possibly push his way into the #1 spot this season or certainly in the coming seasons if willing to stick around.
At right back, Guy Demel. The Ivorian is the best out and out right back and should start although the position could have perhaps done with stregthening, he should and probably will start with the squad as it is.
The centre backs pick themselves. Hammer of the Year Winston Reid and Wales international James Collins. These two were both outstanding last year and are perhaps the first names of the teamsheet for the opening game.
A newbie at left back in the shape of a Rat. Razvan will get his debut and will hopefully show a strong defensive display. I for one am very excited to see Razvan in Premier League action.
The three centre midfield starters should hopefully be as the squad was last year with Mohamed Diame and Mark Noble further back and Kevin Nolan sitting further forward hunting for goals. Many will want Ravel Morrison to start and they may be right but I feel he has to earn his Premier League position and will be a threat of the bench with fresh legs.
Matthew Jarvis to attack down the left fueling the deliveries as per usual. A fantastic player who just needs somebody to put away the gifts that he gives from his crosses.
At right wing will be another debutant in Stewart Downing who signed Tuesday. This will be his first appearance in a West Ham kit as he has taken part in pre season for Liverpool. Vaz Te will now be confirmed as a back up for Downing.
The lone striker is pretty much the only option in Modibo Maiga. He will have to impress here but even if he scores a hattrick he won’t push Andy Carroll out the position permanently. There is still time before the game to bring in a loan striker who could perhaps be given the start.
Where’s Joe Cole…
Demba ba, go and get him big Sam, he’s the man, he will be good with Carroll, if not get the juventus player, and also deeny, Macca , westham. We will have a very good team, then, top 5 finished at least.
joe cole will start, excellent preseason, downing will come on from the bench
You are right Richard… where does Joe Cole fit into our team now? Is he destined to warm the bench. Am waiting to really see Ravel’s potential but wonder how we will utilise all these midfielders. I’m also a fan of Diarra. Wouldn’t mind him taking over the holding role from noble. I appreciate all Noble’s hard work but his set pieces are woeful half the time. I think we have acquired better and I would plant him on the bench.
You cant drop a player because his set pieces are bad. Statistically hes out best midfielder. While I think Diame is better at parts then him Noble is better than him all round. Have you watched Diarra play? Hes crap, cant run, very clumsy and just bundles in to people and cant pass for shit.
As good a starting eleven as ever however Collins injured recently and maybe it’s time For Tomkins. Morrison is an ideal replacement for diame if he has one of those games where he goes missing. Cole can come on for noble or Nolan Taylor or collision for Jarvis or downing. I think we have good completion cover for every position now. And strength in depth in midfield. Bodes well for what is a long season.
If everybody is fit then here you go
Jaaskelainen
Demel Reid Collins Rat
Downing Diame Morrisson Jarvis
Nolan
Carroll
Subs:
Adrian
O’Brien
Tomkins
Diarra
Noble
Cole
Maiga
jaaskelainen
demel reid Tomkins rat
downing morrrison Nolan Jarvis
ba carroll
come on you irons gonna be a good season got a good feeling 6th or 7th I think
Jaaskelainen
Demel. Reid. Tomkins. Rat
Jarvis. Noble. Diame. Downing
Nolan
Maiga
I will be very interested to see how Rat goes. SA signed him early and I think it’s generally regarded that other clubs missed an opportunity to grab him. Good work by the manager I say.
i predict we’ll win the league
Why did someone put Carroll in the side ???? Have you been away for the last couple of months ??? Stupid post !!!!!!!