Rice Will NOT Be Suspended

Contrary to some information being negatively spread on the Internet, Declan Rice will NOT be suspended for the Europa League Cup semi-final should Hammers beat Lyon on Thursday evening's quarter-final. Decs had to play a disciplinary tight rope during the first leg in Stratford last week, fearing another booking would see him miss this Thursday's fixture, but according to UEFA rules, yellow cards that are outstanding are written off after the quarter final.

However before fans get cock a hoop with happiness, the prospect of taking on a 'canny' Lyon team who are masters at the dark arts, has been made that more difficult with confirmation from the club that Kurt Zouma will NOT travel with the squad due to the injury he sustained against Brentford at the weekend, yet another player crocked by an opposition defender who escaped without sanction!

The situation is exasperated by Aaron Cresswell's absence for Thursdays team due to the senselEss but also totally unfair RED CARD HE PICKED UP following yet another dubious decision by the on pitch fraudster. There is a suggestion that Auther Masuaku will be drafted in at left back, it that is the case fans can kiss the tie goodbye UNLESS he plays ahead of Ben Johnson as a wing back, with Vladimir Coufal continuing his return from injury at right back.

Hammers have obvious selection issues, but then again so do Lyon, at least the referee for this coming fixture isn't going to be a wanker! - Ed