West Ham squad update for Leicester Clash
West Ham are set to make a few changes in the match day lineup, both forced and voluntary.
Most weeks it seems that West Ham have to account for a key player being injured, although luck has benefited the Hammers in recent weeks. But many fans have been hoping for changes to the team that aren’t injury based.
Both Mark Noble and Sofiane Feghouli have come under a lot of criticism recently. At the other end of the spectrum, Sam Byram and Andre Ayew have been seen as vastly underappreciated by the fans and the hope is they will soon be starting more.
So here are the main updates:
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Mark Noble is out
For most clubs the skipper not being available would be a very bad thing. However most fans believe this could be the chance the club needs. Maybe it will show Bilic that the club has moved beyond the Canning Town lad?
The central midfielder picked up an injury in the Bournemouth clash and is unlikely to make the match day squad. This is likely to free up Kouyate to move into central midfield, which could improve the side.
This will then in turn allow Sam Byram to return to the starting XI, and the team a more conventional shape. If he impresses hopefully this will be a common sight, although Bilic’s stubborn nature does take convincing.
Antonio Receives Callup
Once again Michail Antonio has been called up for the England squad. It is a deserved reward for his form and hard work and hopefully he will get a game this time out! Hopefully we will see him playing happy and grabbing a couple of goals to mark the occasion.
However Big Andy Carroll did not, and maybe we will see him spark to life this weekend. He will have the opportunity to prove himself against two of the biggest and most imposing centre backs in the league and will relish the clash.
On balance I can understand why he wasn’t called up due to fitness, but he does deserve his chance. There won’t be many defenders in world football who would be happy to deal with the big centre forward when the ball is in the air.
Next: Noble: I can take criticism
I would also expect Ayew to get a start this weekend, with Feghouli the man tolose out. The Ghanaian has been in top form and has contributed far more than the Algerian in the short time he has been given.