West Ham Online

I'll stick up all the usual match content a bit later, but thought I'd get the thread up:

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This weekend brings what has been in recent times arguably the most daunting match of the season 

Away at the ever fluent, ball-dominating Manchester City...a club that in previous times we had much in common with and a certain kindred spirit, but that in more modern times merely emphasise the difference that getting owners of means with a true desire for sporting success versus barrow merchants with no interest in the Club beyond buying it cheap, taking advantage of circumstance, and like house prices....doing just enough to keep it viable while watching the market trend see it's value appreciate.

We go into this game notably affected by the departure of two largely ever presents to AFCON.

AWB and Diouf are off in search of glory at the International stage. Füllkrug is unlikely to be risked with a move to AC Milan (!) seemingly on the agenda, and with January feeling as far away as ever our lightweight squad and it's meagre offerings take in one of the juggernauts of the North.

Predicted Line-up:

All eyes will be on the full-back slots, as well as if Nuno reverts to a 3 at the back.  Scarles is fit again. Subs: Hermansen, Igor, Myers, Rodriguez, Soucek, Potts, Wilson, Earthy, Irving

Predicted Result:

Man City: 4 - 0 :West Ham

Can't see anything but a heavy defeat in this one after too much PTSD with the Sky Blues. Expect Haaland to run amok as usual.

Hope for the best. Expect the worst. But a 1-0 defeat would feel like a win.

COYI.

After today it will be 6 games without a win and 3 points from 18, the improvement is immense, apparently. I hope I have to eat humble pie after this match but I probably have more chance of shagging Michelle Keegan than having to do that.

Andriy65 wrote: ↑20 Dec 2025, 13:55 You can watch the city match here 

https://Betisports.com

I voted for a Win Alf, I suppose its just wishful thinking. Every team can have a bad day. 1-2 to the Hammers.
Summerville and Bowen to score on his birthday. 

Sir Alf" wrote: ↑20 Dec 2025, 10:56 The 5 people who have voted for a win or draw, what mind altering substances are you on? Meth, crack or Special Brew? I want to get started soon so its in full effect before the 3pm kick off.  

You can watch the city match here 

https://Betisports.com

Come On You Irons" wrote: ↑20 Dec 2025, 13:50 About as strong a team as he could have picked to be fair to him. I don't mind him putting Paqueta up front and resting Wilson for the Fulham and Brighton games.

About as strong a team as he could have picked to be fair to him. I don't mind him putting Paqueta up front and resting Wilson for the Fulham and Brighton games.

Not gone 5 at the back Kilman for Dinos and the full back changes KWP and Scarles 

Under Potter this would have been a 5-0 but I agree with some that we'll make it a bit harder for them... some of the time, keep them down to 3 and maybe get one ourselves.

3-1

Sir Alf" wrote: ↑20 Dec 2025, 10:56 The 5 people who have voted for a win or draw, what mind altering substances are you on? Meth, crack or Special Brew? I want to get started soon so its in full effect before the 3pm kick off.  

The 5 people who have voted for a win or draw, what mind altering substances are you on? Meth, crack or Special Brew? I want to get started soon so its in full effect before the 3pm kick off.  

4-0

It's the hope that pulls you back...

I'm possibly being a bit harsh, we have looked more organised with Nuno, and when we have chosen to be more attacking we've been a breath of fresh air...possibly because we're so used to the fetid stuff we've had before.

It's more that we can see, all of us, that when we fall back we're exposing our weakness and playing to the oppos strengths and expectations...but Nuno does not (want?) to see it.

Damn, this is far to reasonable and balanced...
Everyone's a caaaaant!
That's better

Keep dreaming" wrote: ↑20 Dec 2025, 09:32

Electric Retro-pants" wrote: ↑20 Dec 2025, 09:19 We'll play with no striker and youth on the bench.
10 man defence.
And concede 3 in 15 mins if we do.
Why not just try and play with some attack Nuno?...

I hope Fraser is right, but om afraid you are correct 

Electric Retro-pants" wrote: ↑20 Dec 2025, 09:19 We'll play with no striker and youth on the bench.
10 man defence.
And concede 3 in 15 mins if we do.
Why not just try and play with some attack Nuno?...

We'll play with no striker and youth on the bench.
10 man defence.
And concede 3 in 15 mins if we do.
Why not just try and play with some attack Nuno?...

Keep dreaming" wrote: ↑20 Dec 2025, 08:51 With our squad?

With our squad?

Keep dreaming" wrote: ↑20 Dec 2025, 08:49

Lato wrote: ↑20 Dec 2025, 08:22 Can't  see anything else other than a stroll in the park for the Mancs...3-0 with out of getting out of 2nd gear!


 

How many gears do they have?

Lato wrote: ↑20 Dec 2025, 08:22 Can't  see anything else other than a stroll in the park for the Mancs...3-0 with out of getting out of 2nd gear!

 

Think we may score there but can't see us being able to defend against their attacking threats.

Can't  see anything else other than a stroll in the park for the Mancs...3-0 with out of getting out of 2nd gear!
 

Man City aren’t the team of a couple of seasons ago but are starting to put a run together to scare the shit out of Arsenal
Expect they will be far too good for us unfortunately 
3-0 maybe

Any of the teams below with AWB & Diouff may be surprised when we run out with 9 men
Expect Nuno to go with a back 5, no striker & Rodriguez 

2-0 defeat.

I don’t think even you can take credit for getting that prediction right.