Despite having been sacked as Bayern Munich manager, Niko Kovac is a man in demand, and as such has been 'linked' with the vacant managerial job at Hammers Monday night opponents Arsenal. Some wishful thinkers are hoping that his previously announced attendance at the London Stadium could possibly be a portent of him replacing Manuel Pellegrini instead!
However, it is Panto season, and probably the only people to be 'looking behind them' will be Hammers defenders, as the beleaguered Arsenal players put in a shift to impress their potential new manager. It seems the Irons are destined to face 'newly invigorated' teams and provide them with the opportunity of experiencing the 'new manager bounce', and that Manuel Pellegrini is firmly rooted in his spot due to the fiscal perniciousness of terminating his contract.
There are far fetched rumours that Pellegrini might start with two up front, featuring a 'risk fit' Michail Antonio which would enable Sebastian Haller to play the role that he is accustomed to, a role that bought him and Eintrecht Franfurt a lot of success, which was one of the reasons he was signed by West Ham for £45 Million.
Please remember though, it is Panto season, and we are talking about the tactics and line up stipulated by one of the most stubborn managers in the Barclays Premier League! Manuel Pellegrini's 'my way or the high way' stance has already cost the club dearly as a result of him backing Roberto in goal, he finally succumbed to fan, and no doubt board pressure, by replacing the hapless Spaniard.
It is to be dearly hoped by the vast majority of those in attendance this evening, and the millions watching on TV around the Globe that Pellegrini 'adapts' to the situation, after all, if he fails after satisfying people's wishes, he will be on a far better footing when facing their criticism.
All the ingredients are there for a classic encounter at the London Stadium, but you can guarantee neither sets of supporters would ever have envisaged this match being a 'relegation six pointer ' as little as three months ago! As they say, "look behind you!" We will be there to cover the match at the London Stadium, and as has already been mentioned on KUMB as well as other media outlets, there will be 'enhanced' security checks this evening. Whether it is to prevent 'down with the board' banners, or a more serious security issue is a matter of conjecture, but the already time consuming and invasive procedures on entry look as though they are going to get a whole load worse!
Where ever you watch it, enjoy the match and be safe. - Ed (from a very, very blustery Stratford)
