West Ham United v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I'm on a roll at the moment having predicted correctly the last three Villa results but this game really confuses me. I'd imagine we'll go again playing an open game which will suit West Ham, especially their midfield who are not only tough but can play a bit. The have a pretty solid defence so if Gabby doesn't play, they'll manage to double up on Benteke and keep him frustrated, not that our own players can't do that without any help.

Saying that, despite all the moaning about the Everton game, we certainly matched them and created far more chances for the first hour. Admittedly, we fell apart after the second goal but it's worth reminding ourselves that the first Everton goal was completely against the run of play. There are signs that we're slowly moulding ourselves into a very decent side but without any true leadership on the pitch, when confidence goes, it drops like a stone.

I'm hoping Sylla will be included as we'll need a real battler to get in the faces of the West Ham midfield but despite doing a decent job on the right, I'm still not convinced with Tonev. He reminds me of Tony Morley when we first signed him from Burnley. Great with the ball at his feet and bringing it forward but absolutely no end product. The less said about his shooting the better. Hopefully with time, like Morley, he can develop his game but we really can't afford the luxury of carrying passengers.

I'm going for a 2-1 defeat with goals from a corner and a late penalty. I really hope I'm wrong but just feel we'll get bullied again.

[richard moore]

Nice to hear from Sendo after so long, hope you are well mate. I agree with you, reluctantly, in that I think West Ham may just sneak a 1-0 win

[dekko]

I heard that Lowton isn't playing because he and Lambert had a falling out, I think he's girlfriend had a baby and they have moved back to Sheffield which has caused a rift as Lambert likes players to live in a 30 mile radius, anyone else heard anything similar?

I heard that Lowton has been really poor whenever he played at right-back this season, and Bacuna has been good enough to be nigh-on undroppable.  Crazy far fetched stuff, I know.

[Legion]

I heard that Lowton has got a tattoo stating 'Bacuna sucks' across his backside and is in a platonic relationship with Joe Bennett which Paul is not happy about as he thinks Vlaar would make him much happier.

[olaftab]

Afternoon all.
I'm going to 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' for a 1-0 win. I'm not really sure who to, so I'll stick my neck out and say the home side. In any case, we need a win in this one. You have to beat the teams around you, as Allardyce likes to say, so West Ham need to be beating Villa at home.

Good luck Sendo as you will need it. Let me know where you sit I will wave at you when Benteke scores!

[eamonn]

Sendo's return to these shores is very welcome.

[SoccerHQ]

Sendo is great.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Speaking of Sendo, I've just been on his KUMB forum and I pray this Hammer is right:

Stewart Downing will win it for us if anyone can.

I'm feeling a lot more confident now than I was earlier today.

[levico]

We're on a roll. Another defeat I'm afraid although hopefully not too severe.

[pooligan]

Probably 1-0 to Wet Spam but i will stick my neck out and say 1-1

[olaftab]

I feel terrible now  mainly due to paying thru the nose for everything down in Smoke tonight however I will feel much better after the win tomorrow.

[olaftab]

We're on a roll. Another defeat I'm afraid although hopefully not too severe.

Arse....

[preston28]

2-0 defeat. Nothing going our way at the moment and I can't see it changing in East London.

[olaftab]

2-0 defeat. Nothing going our way at the moment and I can't see it changing in East London.

Bollox!

[ACVilla]

Change by PL tomorrow. Weimann and Benteke playing as a front two.

Those who have seen my posts before will know I'm an ITK fucker.