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So we play West Ham tomorrow night in a game I believe will show us a lot more than the Arsenal or United matches could. For these games our players are always going to be up for it now but what about the likes of West Ham?

Our performance against them (and Villa next week) will show us whether we are a team capable of top4 or just a pretender.

West Ham are now in the bottom three, not having won since the opening day against a poor Wolves, they are in a bit of a mini crisis after been dumped out of the carling cup by Bolton. They have a paper thin squad and have been found lacking in the final third of the field this season.

Now, typically, this is a game City would lose or draw, we often like to give teams struggling a helping hand. But that didn't happen against Pompey so maybe we do have that "winning mentality" in the dressing room now?

Tomorrow's match will be very interesting to see if, to coin a worn out footy expression, the players react to the defeat last week.

I'm thinking with two ex West Ham strikers up front for us there can be only one result. Bellamy 2, Tevez 1 - West Ham nil.

These are the games that will decide our fate, not the games against the Sky 4.

Think West Ham will start well at the back but as soon as we score they wil self-combust.

3-0 City

Should be a good game, Hammers do like to play good football and with that left winger(can't remember his name) firing them forward we should get an open game.

The sort of game were we would have tripped up in previous years. I think we are well beyond that state now.

I hope we are well ahead in the second half so we can give RSC a run out.


3-1 City.

Blue in the face wrote:The sort of game were we would have tripped up in previous years. I think we are well beyond that state now.

I hope we are well ahead in the second half so we can give RSC a run out.


3-1 City.

Good point about RSC.
If he's fit enough to make the bench and we are a few goals to the good it would make sense to give him as much game time as possible.
You can train and get fit but its only in a competative match where he'll re-gain his sharpness.
Hope he a gets a chance.

I think it was Slim who said it a few days ago but that Heinz bloke up against Richards is going to worry me. I can see us conceding a penalty.

I think we'll win though, 3 - 1.

LookMumI'mOnMCF.net wrote:I think it was Slim who said it a few days ago but that Heinz bloke up against Richards is going to worry me. I can see us conceding a penalty.

I think we'll win though, 3 - 1.

That's him, I think it's spelt Hines...or Hynes. He is a real livewire, very entertaining to watch except when he is playing us of course.

Slim wrote:

LookMumI'mOnMCF.net wrote:I think it was Slim who said it a few days ago but that Heinz bloke up against Richards is going to worry me. I can see us conceding a penalty.

I think we'll win though, 3 - 1.

That's him, I think it's spelt Hines...or Hynes. He is a real livewire, very entertaining to watch except when he is playing us of course.

Maybe were better off playing Zabaleta tomorrow then lads because for me, he seems more inteligent when playing against tricky, speedy left wingers.

Do you think he'll opt for Micah or Zabba at RB?
If this WH fella has pace then Zabbs could struggle if exposed! If Zabbs pushes up and doesn't give him an inch with Shaun in close attendance that might be the key?

If Micah plays he really need to concentrate on his positioning and communicate with Shaun!

Can't call this one!

If Zabba plays, the risk is he will cut the lad in half and get sent off.

If Micah plays, the risk is he will drop his shoulder and leave him behind.


I would personally opt for Micah as physically he is better able to match up with Hines, but he really has to watch himself getting turned.

Can't make me mind up on this one but don't know so much about their left winger so if you think Micah's the right choice i'd go with that.
Just to change tack slightly, on the left side I'd like to see Silvinho get some match time if the situation suits.
He looks in good shape for a bloke in his mid 30's and I can imagine he'll be itching to get on the field.
Good player when I've seen him in the past and might give Bridge something to think about if he has a blinder!

Really looking forward to this one. Should be an entertaining game as West Ham will come and play football which may be their un-doing as our pace on the break will be a constant threat and against teams who are outside of the Sky 4 and are not as adept at keeping possession we should do well this season. I reckon that if everyone barring Rob, Kompany is available then we'll go with same team as the derby with RSC & Johnson on the bench. That also depends on Stevie, if he's rested, then the Mad Argentine assasin comes into midfield and Micah remains at RB. I'd rater have Pablo further up the pitch cutting people in half on the half-way line then in our box.

We are still missing a few players, so this match is not the total litmus test. I should point out we have negotiated the banana skins of Blackburn, Wolves, Pompey, Palace and Fulham so far, not to mention Arsenal. Although RSC may be on the bench I cant see him starting, and since Ade's spontaneous combustion we are temporarily without a main frontman of any size, which is pretty fundamental to our gameplan.

However a combination of Tevez, Bellers and RSC from the bench should see off this lot, although Zola has signed some nice skillful foreigners.

Personally I find myself hoping that Zabaleta keeps his place!

Hmm wheres that spammers fan that lurks about on here? Surprised he not said anything yet..

john@staustell wrote:We are still missing a few players, so this match is not the total litmus test. I should point out we have negotiated the banana skins of Blackburn, Wolves, Pompey, Palace and Fulham so far, not to mention Arsenal. Although RSC may be on the bench I cant see him starting, and since Ade's spontaneous combustion we are temporarily without a main frontman of any size, which is pretty fundamental to our gameplan.

However a combination of Tevez, Bellers and RSC from the bench should see off this lot, although Zola has signed some nice skillful foreigners.

Personally I find myself hoping that Zabaleta keeps his place!

Most the same players were out for the rags match mate so your point is moot.

Stevie Lomas on Talksport talking about the match now

no ireland tonight, rsc to make debut according to talksport.

RSC should play a part in the game but I doubt he will start. Stevie is still suffering with a bug and didn't train yesterday so almost certain not to play. ( you never know with Superman , he might make an amaxing recovery) The reorganised team selected will be very interesting to see.

Stevie Ireland illness and loss of form highlights the fact we need another attacking midfielder.