At this stage of the season clubs like West Ham have little to play for except the finishing position bonus that they receive depending on how high up they finish, but this season could have ended differently but for a ridiculous injury list that at some points beggared belief and some lamentable performances epitomised by the loss to Wimbledon in the most open of FA Cups for 20 years!
This evening's televised match against Manchester United is definitely more significant for the home side as they seek to redress their own loss of fortune over the last few games, bereft of most of their back line they should be there for the taking, and if the West Ham players who take to the field of play have brought in to Manuel Pellegrini's 'big club' mentality they could well come away with three points.
Which West Ham is going to turn up? The team has exhibited a truly Jekyl and Hyde level of playing this season, playing 'top' opposition suits Hammers style of play, if the correct players start the match then they can get the crowd on the home side's backs. Antonio has to start, his pace will scare the hell out of the United defenders, also Diop must start along side the General Fabian Balbuena, the pair of them dominated the Manchester United forwards in the game at the London Stadium earlier in the season which saw Hammers run out comfortable 3-1 victors.
If, and it is a big if, the players go out and express themselves they have nothing to fear except fear itself! - Ed
