westhamfans.org

Manuel Pellegrini is spoiled for choice with his team selection ahead of Monday night's Barclays Premier League match against newly promoted Aston Villa at Villa Park, a match that could see West Ham move in to the top three ahead of arch London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal.

Fortunately the Barclays Premier League bandwagon cranks up the volume again this weekend, although the Hammers faithful have to wait until Monday for their team's match away to newly promoted Aston Villa. During the domestic break the media have, as normal, never let the truth get in the way of a good story, consequently there has been a proliferation of 'Declan Rice' stories.

The International break is always difficult for journalists who cover the domestic game, tittle tattle and rumours are all there is to go on, slim pickings indeed. The fact that England are in the opposite to the ‘group of death’ makes the situation of even less interest to the cognoscenti.