Saying it like it is, Slaven Billic has been forthright in his appraisal of how things have panned out for West Ham thus far this season, although he did raise the 'new stadium move' factor he was also quick to point out that it was not the only reason for his team's dreadful start. The team much publicised, in the wrong way, bonding 'drink up' may yet prove to have been an inspired decision, but it may also provide further ammunition for his critics should things go wrong against Middlesborough on Saturday, of course in the past team drink up sessions were de riguer, particularly during the Tony Adams era at Arsenal!
Having been shorn of left backs and defenders at an alarming rate, the Hammers manager faces a selection headache for the impending crucial match against the Midlanders and will be forced to play several of his squad out of position. The attacking flair of Michail Antonio could be under threat if he has to fill in at right back, however as he is the club's top scorer that is unlikely, Arbeloa has performed relatively well at left back so maybe Sam Byram might start. Even more pressing than the defence is the mid field formation that the manager chooses, in the last few games the midfield has been bullied and over run by the opposition, perhaps a return to the hit them on the break approach that served so well last season, pack the middle have Feghouli on one wing and Lanzini on the other with Payet playing a more central role behind whichever striker is selected. It's not rocket science and Slaven Billic intimated changes were afoot, playing with less possession at home might upset the crowd but so does losing, so a bit of discontent would be a small price to pay if there was a positive result by the end of the match.
Stewart Downing will feature for the visitors and will no doubt seek to prove that he was and still is a class player, and to that end it would be churlish for fans to boo him rather than politely applaud him, especially as booing might inspire him to score against his former team.
Whatever the result tomorrow, Acca Tips has the odds as even, there follows a two week gap before the difficult tie away to Palace, time in order for the 'ship to be stabilised', which should see Aaron Cresswell, Diafra Sakho and Andre Ayew return to the first team squad, they are all scheduled to be ready or there abouts. They cannot arrive soon enough! - Ed
