West Ham v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[OCD]

Whatever happens we shouldn't feel the need to hang ourselves after games this season. It will be nice to just to see us trying to win, playing some football and average more than a goal a game over the course of the season.

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

So much pessimism when playing a team who spent their way to scraping through the play-offs. Where's your confidence?!?!?!?

A draw.

[JJ-AV]

Narrow defeat. A few new players, we're very shaky at the back. It'll take time.

I reckon the team will be:

Given
Lowton - Vlaar - Clark - Lichaj
El Ahmadi - Bannan
Ireland - Holman
Bent - N'Zogbia

[The Left Side]

1-1 with Bent scoring

[cdbearsfan]

I'll be a sad panda if Bannan doesn't start.

[Karlos96]

I think we'll lose 2-1 - Away to a newly promoted team on the opening day never a good thing.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

1-1 Clark ......

[luke25]

Fuck sake I've just remember that ****** Nolan plays for them, he always scores against us.

[JUAN PABLO]

2-1 Villa

[peter w]

A win would be a big start for us. Our defence is a little rocky and that's our worry. we will concede. but, in saying that I also think we'll score. but if west ham get their noses in front in the second-half i think their new season optimism will see them through. 3-1 or 3-2.

[Matt Collins]

Narrow defeat. A few new players, we're very shaky at the back. It'll take time.

I reckon the team will be:

Given
Lowton - Vlaar - Clark - Lichaj
El Ahmadi - Bannan
Ireland - Holman
Bent - N'Zogbia

Absent any new signings I agree, with the possible replacement of bannan with delph to add a bit more steel.

I'm backing lambert and like everything he's tried to do thus far. But I think this'll be a tricky tie. A fat Sam side is tailor made to exploit our weaknesses. In particular I think Clark looked horrible in the air at the weekend. And our defensive midfield really wasn't giving much protection from midfield runners. I can see Nolan causing us a fair few problems again.

I reckon there's a decent chance we'll lose this 2 or even 3 -1. Hopefully however we'll be a lot more disciplined; work hard to track their players; show fight in the air; and play some of the excellent pre season passing football we've seen in spurts

[VancouverLion]

3-2 Villa, Bent 2, Ireland

[brontebilly]

1-0 to the Hammers, Nolan with a header from a corner.

Cant see how we are going to create that many chances. West Ham's kick and rush will cause problems for us defensively and can see us getting bullied by the likes of Diarra and Nolan in midfield.

What we wouldnt give for an Ian Taylor in the middle. Or even an Andy Townsend. We didnt lose many physical battles with those 2 in there.

Looking forward to the game but without further signings I worry for us this season.

[luke25]

My hammers supporting work mate is shitting himself over N'zogbia, apparantly in the last game he played against them he pretty much condemed them to relegation.

[robbo1874]

I think we'll win 2-1. Not sure why, I just do.

You can't really read much into the first few matches though.

West Ham have made a few signings this summer and it could take them a while to gel. I think they'll be safe this season though - they seem to have a bit of money to spend and may strengthen further in Jan if necessary.

it's a nice buzz coming away from Upton Park with a win. Hope everybody going on Saturday has a top day. I'll be watching on telly hopefully if its on.