Rest Cress To Avoid The Mess!

Aaron Cresswell is due to face a late fitness test ahead of the 'must win' game at home to Brighton on early Wednesday evening, the unusual 7:30 PM kick off being part of Amazon, the game's broadcaster's deal that was struck with the Premier league. Cress of course did his best to dismantle one of the goal posts at the Etihad, with his BACK!

With a massive raft of games approaching in quick succession, David Moyes will be forced to make difficult decisions, some of which may seem baffling to those not involved at first hand. Cresswell's injury, on top of losing Angelo Ogbonna for the rest of the season, has threatened to derail Hammers unlikely Champions League charge.

If there is ANY doubt as to Cresswell's fitness for the game then Moyes HAS to make a change, he could bring in Vladimir Coufal to play at his accustomed right back position and play the versatile Ben Johnson at left back. Not ideal, but it could be worse given the circumstances.

If Johnson plays on the left, Moyes may well bring young Harrison Ashby in to the squad to be one of the Matchday substitutes, he could join Authur Masuaku in reserve. 'King Authur' cannot be depended upon as a 'proper' left back, but he does offer something different with his outrageous ball control when transitioning out of defence.

Chelsea are up next, with the match being an early kick off to satisfy that game's broadcaster BT Sport, there is only a two day and a few hours period between each fixture, so risking a vital player like Aaron Cresswell might be a gamble too far, the club might be able to cope with losing him for a game or two, but any more than that could have serious repercussions in more ways than one! - ED