Green Street Hammers
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3 key West Ham players return to training after injury

By Scott Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 28: Javier Hernandez of West Ham United celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and West Ham United at Selhurst Park on October 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 28: Javier Hernandez of West Ham United celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and West Ham United at Selhurst Park on October 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /
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West Ham are a club that have never had a great time with injuries. But three key players are set to return.

In these times it’s important that West Ham fans should look to all positives. So we look at the fight we showed against league leaders Manchester City. We look at the improvements on a game by game basis. And we also look at the players that are set to return who could well improve the side.

There are still players out, Andy Carroll and Jose Fonte, that some would say would improve the side further. But those can’t be helped. There are three reasons to be positive, and because of that let’s try our best to be.

More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham

Winston Reid

When he’s on form, the New Zealand international is our best centreback. He’s strong on the ball and good in the air. Yes makes the occasional mistake but that’s to be expected at our level unfortunately. He’s more error free than Ogbonna and he’s stronger in the tackle than Rice. He’s also more mobile than Collins.

His return is likely to aid Moyes in staying with three centreback against the big sides. It was a good formation against City and I expect it to hold strength against Chelsea and Arsenal. Going toe to toe with these sides would be tough, but we could look to stifle them.

James Collins

Collins is a fan favourite and Moyes will love having him as a defender to rely on. Whilst he isn’t overly mobile he is almost mistake free and strong in the challenge and the air. If Collins can come back and play regularly, the Hammers will be a tougher unit to beat.

Chicharito

One of the big things missing in recent games is any goal threat. We look OK when the whole team starts working, but there doesn’t seem to be anyone capable of that extra spark at the moment. All the players are looking for someone else to come up with the goods. Chicharito, our fox in the box, could be that man.

Next: Criticism of Rice is too much

I know he’s never going to dribble from halfway to score, but he is a goalscorer. If we get him in the box and around the keeper he will get goals. West Ham will need to get goals at a faster rate than they currently are if they are to stand any chance of survival. The Mexican could well be the answer.