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Forward The Six (Five) Hundred!

nevillenixon's picture
Submitted by nevillenixon on Fri, 17/07/2020 - 11:20

Tonight's game against Watford has taken on almost biblical importance for many west ham fans who were born to be claret and blue, results were mixed for the other teams down in the mire and a clearer picture of what is required to survive is emerging. Three points from the remaining three games would guarantee safety irrespective of any other team's results, Watford at home, away to Manchester United for the penultimate game and finally the home game against Aston Villa.

Watford are never easy to play against, they are fast and furious and very physical if they feel the need, they do have the ability to 'bully' light weight teams and are led by Troy Deaney when they go in to 'battle'. So with that in mind David Moyes will have to make at least one crucial selection for the match, despite not having much in the tank captain Mark Noble must start against the Hornets.

We have been very critical of Noble, but tonight if he starts he will be playing in his 500th game for West Ham, that doesn't mean he should be starting the match for sentimental reasons, far from it. There are some fans and pundits who fear Noble's lack of pace will be exposed by what can be a very fluid Watford attack, however his leadership qualities will most likely be required, particularly in the opening exchanges.

“It’s harder to be at a club for that length of time nowadays,” Moyes told a news conference on Thursday. “He’s showed a great level of commitment to this club. He’s captain, a really important player for us, and I think West Ham should consider themselves lucky to have a really good player and a really good man at the club. To get 500 games for any club, you have to give him great credit. He’s been a one-club man and served the club incredibly well, still leading the group and playing very well. We’ve had some great players here like that — Billy Bonds and Bobby Moore, Trevor Brooking.”

Essentially the manager knows the importance of tonight's game, and knows that Noble's leadership skills will obviate his shortcomings on the pitch, at least for a while, he can always be substituted when his 'legs have gone' thanks to the five subs ruling and extended drinks breaks. A draw or a defeat, whilst being unwelcome, would not be the end of things, there would still be six points to play for. Admittedly the game against on fire Manchester United has been written off by most as a no brainer loss, but at this stage in the season anything is possible, as has been revealed by some of the results other fellow strugglers have achieved against 'top' opposition.

Three games, three points needed, forward the Six Hundred for the 500th game. - Ed

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Comments

mcbikeman's picture

Never playing for England...last season at the Boleyn he was clearly one of the best midfielders in the Prem but constantly overlooked for so called bigger name players who were playing shite.....Mark you deserve all the adulation you get mate its just a shame that the fans are not there to give you a rousing round of applause so tonight if you start dig into the lads and make them play at the level we know they can and present you and we the fans with the win that will make us safe..COYI

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19 users have voted.

I wish we could go,this is going to be a proper battle tonight,i would of been in Stratford now lubricating my vocal chords.

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23 users have voted.
nevillenixon's picture

you are right, despite not being fit for purpose, the stadium of sighs would have been rocking to it's dodgy foundations that were built on top of a toxic dump!

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27 users have voted.
Dartford Bhoy's picture

Watford are the only club not to have scored a Premier League goal from outside the penalty area this season. So.... keep them out the box and DONT concede corners!

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23 users have voted.

I'm a big critic of scaffold towers but if it wasnt rocking tonight then I think we would all give up!! Yes nobles is a club legend pure & simple,I think we can get at least a draw tonight,a win better cos I cant stand deeney!!Our goal difference is vastly superior to Bournemouth's & villas, so a draw will nearly see us home..COYI

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19 users have voted.
moore 6 legend's picture

Nobes has been a great servant and great role model for our club, fought for us every game, compare him to so called stars and he’s miles above.⚒

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14 users have voted.

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