Watford v West Ham. A two week break might benefit the teams as both are not in this weekend´s F.A. Cup action. Why there is not game this weekend seems strange. However, it might help Behrami get back to fitness after missing the Manchester United defeat and give Mazzarri time to work on a recent improved defence. The Hammers come to the Vic looking to avenge the 2-4 defeat earlier in the season at their then relatively new home: That win gave Watford their first victory in the league this season and even Ighalo scored. A lot has changed since then though. Deeney must want to write the right headlines next week too after being in the papers for the wrong reason after the Manchester United defeat. The Hammers are sitting 2 points and 3 places above The Hornets in the table. A win would mean Mazzarri´s men are almost sure of Prem football for a third consecutive season and take Watford above the visitors. With the 3 January siginings adding more bite, pace and skill to the set up coupled with players returning from injury - recent criticism of the team has eased and form has somewhat improved. West Ham will be pleased Biic can make the dugout after only being charged for bad conduct after their last game when West Brom scored a late equlaiser. More team news to follow: ENJOY THE GAME - COYH COYH COYH.
Tx Mexican Hornet. Presumably Amrabat will be back for selection?? I think you've summed it up pretty well. Both teams will be desperate to get those 3 points and move very very close to safety. And thus we should be in for a cracking game. The hammers will create noise in the Vic so we need as much noise as possible from the Rookery and all sides. Of course a Deeno goal in the first 5 mins would help but perhaps more important a clean sheet. Bring it on. C'mon u'orns
what is the betting that he plays and also find the back of the net (i will have to look at the odds LOL)
Tend to think we play better against someone like him over a more pacey striker, who gets in behind the defence. When we're not in the lead and defending deep, the defenders hold quite a high line and leaves a lot of space for a striker to run in to - even Millwall was doing it to us!
We lost three out of three with him in charge last year. But at least this year he has shown he can recognise a diving Bournemouth player...
WH want revenge: Defender Arthur Masuaku told the West Ham website: “We want to get revenge on Saturday. I remember the game and we played so well in the first 40 minutes and should have killed the game off. I don't know how we lost but we want to make amends for that defeat and hopefully we can win on Saturday."
The last time I watched a Watford v West Ham game, I was stood on the old Vic terrace. Just along from me was a Hammer who had a loud voice, started 15 minutes before the game started, and had everyone roaring with laughter throughout the game. One of the funniest men I have ever heard.
Head coach Walter Mazzarri said: “I have written a list. Christian Kabasele and Nordin Amrabat are injured while Prodl, Cathcart and Behram are doubts. They had some problems during training but we still have to evaluate them. “I’m not sure [how it will affect his side] because three of them are not badly injured so I hope to have them ready for the game. Now we have a mostly complete squad so it’s not a problem.” I guess Prodl might be the biggest loss. What is going on in "training?" We have had some injuries this season...
Be handy if Carroll isn't fit - even more so if we have injury issues in defence (again!) Just as well we've got some decent threat in attack now.
One of the games I have to miss this season because I'm in away in Sydney at the moment. Kick-off will be 4.30am Sunday morning here. Don't think it's on TV so may wake up for the 3CR commentary and try not to wake up my hosts if we score. COYH!