Well here we go again. This game really does feel like a barometer for where we've got to. After Potter threw the pre-season plans out up North by bringing in Guido and the reacting with panic following a three nil shellacking that didn't truly tell the story of the game, where we had the better of the first half, Nuno has the chance to show that the team has improved since then.
Sunderland's away form is nothing to get excited about, and with a couple of wins on the bounce the high point of our season this game presents as good a chance as any to keep some momentum building.
Team wise, Paqueta is not part of the squad, and despite plenty of speculation and a new "gift" from Sullivan, there aren't expected to be any new options for the manager, with a team likely to pick itself at this point, and a bench that remains largely devoid of match-affecting options (Callum Wilson aside). The only likely change is Diouf returning from AFCON but with Scarles having performed fabulously in recent week, I fancy he'll have to be content with a spot on the bench.
Predicted Line UpAreola
Wan Bissaka. Mavropanos. Todibo. Scarles.
Soucek. Fernandes
Bowen. Pablo. Summerville
Taty
Subs:
Hermansen, Kilman, KWP, Diouf, Guido, Kante, Wilson, Potts, Magassa
Predicted Result
I don't think Sunderland are all that. They've done fantastically at home with a passionate support behind them but on the road is a different matter. West Ham will be buoyed by the confidence of recent relative success, and should go into this game firing on all cylinders....all be it a lawn mower level of engine power.
West Ham 2 - Sunderland 1 (Bowen, Taty)
COYI
