Monday, February 15

Oggy out and Antonio back?

Losing Angelo Ogbonna for an unspecified period is undoubtedly a blow as he's been magnificent this season. But our new defensive leader appears to be Craig Dawson who had a great game after Oggy went off at Old Trafford. Judging by Moyes' substitutions Issa Diop will come in now he's recovered from a bump on the head. 

Diop's big problem has been concentration but he's undoubtedly good in the air when he's on his game and a threat at set-pieces. Got to feel a bit sorry for Fabian Balbuena though, who was playing really well and a big part of the side's revival until Dawson came in away to Southampton. According to The Athletic Stuart Pearce has done a lot of work with Oggy and the defence, so he deserves some credit for West Ham's new solidity.

Meanwhile it's looking hopeful that Michail Antonio will be fit for Sheffield United tonight. Moyes says Antonio's been training "on the grass", which sounds a bit unusual, but we'll try anything to preserve his hamstrings. Michail's certainly feeling quite chipper to judge by the almost Shakespearean romantic banter of his Valentine's Day tweet (best not repeated on a family blog). Let's hope he saves some of his energy for blunting the Blades tonight.

Meanwhile David Moyes is talking about having a go at qualifying for Europe now West Ham are only playing once a week. What could possibly go wrong?

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