Andy Carroll will be hoping to be fit for the Villa game
Throughout the Christmas period, there is always fixture congestion and many managers have
campaigned for a break during this period. West Ham go into the game against Aston Villa
on Boxing Day without a win since October and several injuries to some of the most important
players. However, the squad we have now in comparison to the squad we had last season is far better with
regards to quality of players and squad depth.
In the last 4 games West Ham have played, we have drawn all 4 and kept clean sheets in the past 3
games. In some of those games, we deserved to win or at the very least score, but unfortunately we
didn’t, and it is clear to see without the likes of Lanzini and Payet in these last 4 games we have not
looked as convincing or dangerous. Since Winston Reid suffered an injury, Ogbonna and Collins have
played well and looked solid which is encouraging. Furthermore, the team face a trip to the midlands
for Boxing Day and will face a team who will do well not to be relegated. Hopefully, from West
Ham’s point of view, Aston Villa don’t make it third time lucky having drawn their last two games
against Southampton and Newcastle. Aston Villa are not a good team at the moment and are lacking
quality all over the park, the team West ham will play has very few experienced players. Despite the
fact that we have injuries to crucial players, I still believe we have more quality player for player than
they do and I will be extremely disappointed if we don’t leave Villa Park with all three points.
In terms of the teams we face during the immediate Christmas schedule, Aston Villa are in very poor
form, whilst Southampton who the Hammers will play at Upton Park on the 28th of December have
been struggling for form and consistent results. Looking beyond this, West Ham go up against
Liverpool who were comprehensively beaten by Watford 3-0 on Sunday. It is difficult to say for
definite that we have enough to cope over the winter break but with the likes of Lanzini and Payet’s
imminent returns to the team. I feel we can maintain a mid-table position and once we have all the
injured players fit again, we can challenge for the Europa league spots.
I would be lying if I said I definitely think we have enough with regards to the winter fixtures but with
some very influential players soon to be returning as a fan I am hopeful that we can continue to at
the least draw games like we have been doing recently however hopefully beat teams out of form
such as Aston Villa and Southampton. Overall, due to the encouraging defensive performances from
West Ham, I feel that the team should considering the injured players who are yet to return, be able
to sustain a similar level of performance to the past 4 games.
