Daily WHUFC News - 28th December 2015

Preview - Southampton
WHUFC.com

The background

It's a quick turnaround and return to action for West Ham United as they
host Southampton on Monday, just 48 hours after picking up a Boxing Day
point at Aston Villa. The Saints arrive in E13 for the 5.30pm kick-off on
the back of a superb 4-0 win over Arsenal, which denied the Gunners the
chance to overtake Leicester City at the head of the Barclays Premier League
table. West Ham, meanwhile, have not won in their last eight now, but have
only lost two of those encounters, drawing their last five. That latest draw
came at Villa Park, when Aaron Cresswell ended a three-game wait for a goal,
only for Jordan Ayew's second half penalty to ensure the spoils would be
shared.
The Hammers go into their final game of 2015 tenth in the table with 26
points from 18 starts – two points and two places better off than the
Saints.

The history

West Ham and Southampton were promoted back to the top flight together in
2012 and have established themselves in the Premier League once more since.
The two clubs have met 164 times in all competitions, including the early
Southern League days, with West Ham winning 72 times to Southampton's 46.
However, it was the Saints who had the upper hand last term, winning 3-1 at
the Boleyn Ground in August, before the Hammers held on with ten men to draw
0-0 at St Mary's in February. Jussi Jaaskelainen made his only Premier
League appearance of last term in that match, coming off the bench after
Adrian's red card and making a series of fine stops.

The match

Team news

West Ham United

Slaven Bilic will check on James Tomkins' and Aaron Cresswell's fitness
after the pair were forced off during Saturday's draw at Aston Villa.
Tomkins suffered a facial injury, while Cresswell felt tightness in his
hamstring and both will need to be assessed. However, Andy Carroll (groin)
and Manuel Lanzini (hamstring) could return after spells on the sidelines.

Southampton

For the Saints, they will again be without Graziano Pelle and Cedric Soares.
Pelle will be absent for a few weeks with a knee problem, while Soares has a
groin injury.

Match info

- Monday's referee is Michael Oliver. He will be assisted by Harry Lennard
and Daniel Cook. The fourth official is Andre Marriner.
- The last three Premier League games between these sides at Upton Park have
produced a total of 13 goals.
- None of the last 12 Premier League games between these two played at West
Ham's ground have ended in a draw (nine wins for West Ham).
- The Hammers lost their opening two league games at home this season but
are unbeaten in the subsequent six.
- West Ham have recorded five successive top-flight draws for the first time
since October 1968 - they've never drawn six in a row before in the
division.
- Saints were unbeaten in their first six Premier League away games this
season but have lost their last two on the road.
- They have won just two of their last 15 Premier League away games (W2, D5,
L8), scoring 11 goals.
Ticketing, travel, coverage and other info
- As part of our Farewell Boleyn season, we will be looking back at the
greatest goals scored at the famous ground at this fixture. Look out for
plenty of special features.
- Tickets for this game have SOLD OUT. However, tickets may become available
online as Season Ticket Holders relist.
- There will be no service on the Hammersmith & City line on Monday, but the
District line will be serving Upton Park as usual. Click here for the latest
on TfL services and here for National Rail.
- Sunny spells are predicted for Monday, with temperature at kick-off of 10C
(50F).
- If you're not heading to the game, make sure you keep up to date on the
action on our digital channels. The whufc.com match centre has live audio
commentary and text updates, in-running stats, photos and more, while you
can get involved with the conversation on social using the hashtag #WHUSOU.

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Song - We should have won the game
WHUFC.com

Alex Song felt West Ham United were hard done by in both penalty areas
during Saturday's 1-1 Barclays Premier League stalemate at Villa Park. The
No4, who replaced goalscorer Aaron Cresswell with quarter of an hour to
play, was aggrieved to see Mike Dean penalise Angelo Ogbonna for a coming
together with Rudi Gestede and then saw penalty appeals of his own dismissed
when Ashley Westwood appeared to handle late on. Mark Noble had earlier had
similar claims for a spot-kick waved away and, all in all, Song was left
with the impression that on another day, the Hammers might well have
departed Villa Park with all three points.

"Am I satisfied with a point? I would say no," he confirmed. "With the
penalty decision, I think there was a foul before Angelo [Ogbonna] committed
the foul. But the referee made the decision and we have to accept it. "I
controlled the ball, I moved forward and I saw the players in front of me.
So I decided to shift it and it touched his arm. Unfortunately for me the
referee's not seen it. Afterwards you have to carry on working. I don't want
to make excuses but I think we should have won the game."

The point keeps Remi Garde's Villa rooted to the foot of the Premier League
table, but Song, who was sporting protective goggles for the first time,
said he saw plenty on Boxing Day to suggest the Villans are far better than
their lowly position suggests. He continued: "Of course we expected a tough
match like that. It's Boxing Day, that's what happens! They showed today
that frankly they don't deserve to be in this position. "They pushed, they
tried to get the three points, but we held them off and, in the end, I think
it's a shame that we've not won the match."

As Song knows only too well, there is little time to stew on Saturday's
happenings, with Southampton set to visit the Boleyn Ground on Monday. The
former Arsenal man is well versed with England's atypical festive football
traditions and has set his sights on three points against the Saints. "It's
non-stop, we're used to it. That's England, you don't get time!" We've got
to rest up and be ready for Monday because it's an important home match for
us. "We have to win, we have to get back to winning ways and, particularly
after Saturday's result, we have to give everything to win the game against
Southampton."

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Tactically speaking - Southampton
WHUFC.com

An in-depth analysis of how Southampton could approach Monday's Barclays
Premier League visit to the Boleyn Ground, with WhoScored.com...
Under manager Ronald Koeman, Southampton have developed a reputation for
playing with high-intensity and energy, never giving their opponents a
moment's peace. With attacking full-backs, athletic, technically-gifted
central midfield players and speedy, powerful wingers capable of firing
accurate crosses into the opposition penalty area, Southampton's attack is
balanced. So far this season, the Saints have gone forward 34% of the time
down both flanks, and 32% through the middle – and you can't get much more
balanced than that!

As you might expect for a side coached by a Dutchman, Southampton also
prefer to open teams up using possession-based football, with 80% of their
passes considered to be 'short' by statistical analysis website
WhoScored.com.

WhoScored also show Southampton have scored eleven of their 21 Barclays
Premier League goals from open play, and just one from a counter-attacking
situation.

Possession-wise, Southampton average 447 passes per game, complete 79.9% of
their passes and enjoy 51.3% of the ball – all three good for tenth-best in
the top flight.

While those stats might not be too impressive, the Saints have turned that
possession into 14.7 shots per game, and 4.8 shots on target per game – both
fifth-highest in the league.

So why, you might ask, are Koeman's men sitting in mid-table, rather than
challenging for the top four, as they did for much of last season?

Well, put simply, before their Boxing Day thrashing of Arsenal, Southampton
had not finished enough of the chances they have created. Koeman's men have
unleased 250 shots on goal this season – 155 of them from inside the penalty
area – but just 20 of them had ended up in the back of the net.

Those ratios naturally improved on Boxing Day, when they had 14 shots, five
on target and scored four goals.

Tactically, Southampton are almost certain to revert to the 4-2-3-1
formation that Koeman has favoured in 15 of his side's 18 league matches.

A flat back four will be anchored by two big, strong, ball-playing
centre-halves in captain Jose Fonte and Virgil van Dijk.

Out wide, Portuguese Cedric and England international Ryan Bertrand are both
archetypal modern full-backs, who love nothing better than to fly up their
wings in support of the attack, but also possess the pace, athleticism and
desire to recover into defensive positions when required.

On Boxing Day, Cedric was replaced by Curacao-born youngster Cuco Martina,
who marked his first start in England's top-flight with a clean sheet and a
sensational long-range strike that drew comparisons to Roberto Carlos's
free-kick for Brazil against France in 1997.

Ahead of the back four, Oriel Romeu and Victor Wanyama are the deep-lying
defensive shields. Romeu is a more traditional defensive midfielder, but it
is Wanyama who leads the team in interceptions (41) and tackles (49).

Both will drop deep to receive the ball from the centre-halves or
goalkeeper, but are more likely to seek out their more attack-minded
colleagues than to bring the ball forward themselves.

Ahead of them, Sadio Mane and Dusan Tadic are Southampton's versatile and
dangerous wingers. Senegalese Mane has pace, power and good technical
ability, meaning he can drop deep to receive the ball, spin and run in
behind or cut inside with the ball at his feet to shoot.

Tadic is a more traditional wide-man, who prefers to beat his man and get
crosses into the box. Both wingers will drift inside to allow their
respective full-backs room to run into out wide.

In the middle of the attacking midfield three, Steven Davis loves to get
forward and support or run beyond the centre forward.

Up front, Pelle is a target man in every sense of the word and loves nothing
better than receiving the ball to his chest or feet and bringing others into
play. Once he has done that, the Italian will get himself into the box to
attack the huge number of crosses Southampton deliver – their 351 was second
only to Manchester United's 395 before Boxing Day.

However, it remains to be seen if Pelle will regain his place after Shane
Long bagged two goals against the Gunners on Saturday evening.

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Collins - We're still picking up points
WHUFc.com

James Collins believes the Hammers have shown good resilience to dig in and
claim points amid their injury problems in recent weeks.
Shorn of several attacking players, goals have dried up for the Hammers as
winter has set in, not helping their cause as they aim to end an eight-game
wait for victory against Southampton on Monday. Whilst victories have not
been forthcoming, the Hammers have been hard to beat with six of those eight
ending all-square and Collins says that the steady accumulation of points
has been important. "I'm not making excuses, but if you take Vardy and
Mahrez out of Leicester's team, they won't be top of the league," he
explained. "That's pretty much what's happened to us with our attacking
players. "[The good thing is] We're not losing games, we're picking up
points. We'd have liked to get three on Saturday but we'll take a point away
from home."

West Ham were in a winning position at Villa on Boxing Day, having taken the
lead through Aaron Cresswell's 45th minute strike, so Collins was
disappointed to end up with a draw on that occasion. "It's disappointing
really, after going 1-0 up and playing well in the first half," he admitted.
"Second half we should have been better and they got on top a little bit.
"We were expecting a tough second half, with their position they're in and
in front of their own fans, but we have to be better than that. We got the
goal we've been looking for the last couple of weeks, so to draw is
disappointing."

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West Ham v Southampton
KO 17:30
27 December 2015
Last updated at 13:26

Barclays Premier League
Venue: Upton Park Date: Monday, 28 December

TEAM NEWS

West Ham pair Aaron Cresswell and James Tomkins were both substituted
because of injuries against Aston Villa and now face fitness tests.
Andy Carroll could return, but Manuel Lanzini, Victor Moses, Dimitri Payet,
Winston Reid and Diafra Sakho are likely to miss out again.
Southampton will again be without Graziano Pelle and Cedric Soares. Pelle
will be absent for a few weeks with a knee problem, while Soares has a groin
injury.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

Simon Brotherton: "Even in this most unpredictable of seasons I don't think
many would have predicted that Southampton would give Arsenal a 4-0 thumping
on Boxing Day, certainly not me anyway. "And what about that goal! Cuco
Martina's wonder strike makes him the first player from Curaçao to score in
the Premier League, meaning players from 93 different nationalities have now
scored in the competition. " West Ham's game at Aston Villa didn't hit those
sort of heights, but was decent enough and Slaven Bilic wasn't unhappy with
a point despite feeling a couple of big decisions hadn't gone their way.
"It's five draws in a row for the Hammers as they continue to tread water
while several key players recover from injury."
Twitter: @SimonBrotherton

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Southampton looked like they had had the hurry-up from Ronald Koeman when
they thrashed Arsenal on Boxing Day night. They have been a bit too nice and
very inconsistent but the Arsenal game was a significant win. West Ham will
be fine this season but I can see the Saints rolling them over.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
The last three Premier League games between these sides at Upton Park have
produced a total of 13 goals.
None of the last 12 Premier League games between these two played at West
Ham's ground have ended in a draw (nine wins for West Ham).
Southampton are aiming to win successive league away games at West Ham for
the first time since 1992.
West Ham United
The Hammers lost their opening two league games at home this season but are
unbeaten in the subsequent six.
West Ham have recorded five successive top-flight draws for the first time
since October 1968 - they've never drawn six in a row before in the
division.
They have conceded just two goals in their last five matches.
The last time the Hammers won their final league game of a calendar year was
in December 2008 (2-1 v Stoke City).
Southampton
Saints were unbeaten in their first six Premier League away games this
season but have lost their last two on the road.
They have won just two of their last 15 Premier League away games (W2, D5,
L8), scoring 11 goals.
Sadio Mane has six assists in 18 league appearances this season - twice as
many as he had in 30 Premier League appearances last season.
Shane Long has scored five and assisted two goals in his last seven Premier
League starts for Southampton.
They last won their final league game in a calendar year in December 2010,
beating Huddersfield 4-1.

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Sales before signings, warns Sullivan
KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 27th December 2015
By: Staff Writer

David Sullivan says West ham will not be making any signings during the
January transfer window unless the club are able to move on some fringe
players first.

The club's co-owner told Sky Sports that the club overspent in the summer
and have consequently exhausted the available wage budget, as dictated by
the FFP rules regarding maximum wages.

"Unless some leaves the club, we don't have a penny to spend on wages," he
said. "But we'll only let fringe players go or if somebody made an offer
that we couldn't refuse. We're not going to be selling players for £10,
£20million as we're a non-selling club."

And Sullivan added that he doesn't expect to lose Andy Carroll during the
window, despite several reports linking him with a return to the North East
- and specifically Sunderland, where former Hammers boos Sam Allardyce is
now manager.

"Andy is doing a great job; he's part of the club, part of the team and i
think it's very unlikely he'd want to go anyway," added Sullivan.

"He's got a baby and a fiancee in this area and I wouldn't think there's any
club he'd go to apart from Newcastle. Even if Sunderland or another club
offered him more money, I don't think he'd go there. He'd have no interest."

And Sullivan also revealed that he was keeping faith with manager Slaven
Bilic, despite West ham having failed to win a game since the end of
October.

"We've only lost four game in the league all season, which is pretty good,"
he surmised. "The goals have dried up because we've got five strikers out.
The goals would dry up for any team if they lost their five main strikers
and first choice players."

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Defensive duo doubtful for Southampton clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 26th December 2015
By: Staff Writer

Aaron Cresswell and James Tomkins are both doubful for Monday 's game
against Southampton after both were substituted during this afternoon's 1-1
draw at Aston Villa. Full back Cresswell was substituted midway through the
second half after feeling a hamstring whilst Tomkins, playing out of
position at rigth back was replaced at half time after his eye closed up
following a first half challenge.
Slaven Bilic, speaking after the game about the two key players told
reporters: "It's very frustrating to have both full-backs out of the game.
"With Tomkins it's a situation that long-term is nothing serious, but his
eye is shut and the problem is the game is in a couple of days time.
Cresswell felt some tightness and it was a precaution. We have to wait until
tomorrow." On the positive side, Bilic expects to have both Andy Carroll and
Manuel Lanzini - neither of whom were risked at Villa Park today - available
for selection once again following recent injuries.

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West Ham v Southampton preview: Aaron Cresswell and James Tomkins expected
to feature for Hammers
By Charlotte Marsh
Last Updated: 27/12/15 8:50pm
SSN

Aaron Cresswell and James Tomkins are expected to feature for West Ham as
they host Southampton in the Premier League on Monday evening.
The Hammers have drawn their last five top flight games - including a 1-1
draw with Aston Villa on Boxing Day - and haven't taken all three points
since their 2-1 win against Chelsea on October 24. They now sit 10th in the
Premier League table on 26 points - two ahead of Southampton who currently
occupy 12th place. After a run of five winless league games, the Saints got
back to winning ways in emphatic fashion against Arsenal on Saturday,
beating them 4-0 at St Mary's.

Team news

West Ham's injury worries grew on Saturday after Cresswell (hamstring) and
Tomkins (head) were both forced off against Aston Villa but boss Slaven
Bilic is hopeful they will be fit for the game, but is waiting on Nikica
Jelavic after he missed the 1-1 draw. Dimitri Payet (ankle), Winston Reid,
Victor Moses (both hamstring), Diafra Sakho and Manuel Lanzini (both thigh)
are likely to sit out again, but Andy Carroll (thigh) may return. Djair
Parfitt-Williams could feature in the squad again after the young striker
was an unused substitute against Villa.

Graziano Pelle and Cedric Soares missed Southampton's win over Arsenal and
manager Ronald Koeman confirmed the pair will remain absent at Upton Park.
Italy striker Pelle is facing a few weeks on the sidelines with a knee
complaint, while right-back Cedric has a groin injury.

Opta stats

None of the last 12 Premier League games between these two at the Boleyn
Ground have ended in a draw (nine wins for West Ham).

Southampton will be looking to win successive league away games at West Ham
for the first time since April 1992.

Mark Noble has scored three goals in his last three Premier League
appearances against Southampton at the Boleyn Ground.

The last time West Ham won their final league game of a calendar year was in
December 2008 (2-1 v Stoke City).

Southampton last won their final league game in a calendar year in December
2010 (4-1 v Huddersfield), losing two and drawing two of their year-ending
league games since.

Southampton have lost just one of their last five Premier League trips to
London (W3 D1 L1).

West Ham are unbeaten in their last six Premier League home games, but four
of these have been draws (W2 D4 L0).

Southampton have won just two of their last 15 Premier League away games (W2
D5 L8), netting just 11 goals in this run.

Merson's prediction

West Ham are slowly starting to get a few of their injured players back and
that will be a big boost for them. On the other hand Southampton were on a
terrible run of form until that Arsenal result. I have to go for a home win
with West Ham winning 2-1, though.
It should be an entertaining game between two decent sides, but I think the
Hammers will just have too much for the Saints.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (10/1 with Sky Bet)

Betting

Southampton are Sky Bet's 23/20 favourites for the victory with West Ham 5/2
and the draw priced at 9/4. The Saints muted any suggestions they could be
in for a relegation battle with their 4-0 thumping of Arsenal on Boxing Day,
reflected in their odds on facing the drop drifting to 100/1. Andy Carroll
heads a wide-open first goalscorer market at 11/2.

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West Ham captain Mark Noble concerned by injury crisis
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 27/12/15 2:44pm
SSN

West Ham skipper Mark Noble believes their injury crisis would affect any
team in the Premier League. The Hammers host Southampton on Monday after
Boxing Day's 1-1 draw at Aston Villa and Noble believes their missing men
would have made the difference. James Tomkins (head) and Aaron Cresswell
(hamstring) were forced off at Villa Park, but the club hope they will be
fit to face the Saints with Dimitri Payet, Victor Moses, Manuel Lanzini,
Andy Carroll and Nikica Jelavic already struggling with injury. "I'm the
first one to say we have a good squad but we miss the players we've got."
Noble said. "We miss the players who create stuff and score goals. Take away
Jelavic, Carroll, Dimitri, Lanzini and Moses, it's going to hurt any squad.
"We have managed to cope with it and I'm proud of the players for digging in
and picking up the points. "These teams are playing their full squads and
we're asking six or seven players to play when they are not fit. We lost
Tomks at half-time and Cress with 20 minutes to go. "It's only 48 hours
(between games) and we'll do a warm down (on Sunday) and start looking
forward to Southampton. We need to get three points. "We have come through a
tough spell with a lot of games with a squad which is depleted but the boys
have dug in well and I'm proud of them." Saturday's point means Slaven
Bilic's side have drawn their last five games and have not won in eight
matches to sit 10th in the table. Cresswell's strike against Villa - West
Ham's first goal for 388 minutes - was cancelled out by Jordan Ayew's second
half penalty after Rudy Gestede went down under Angelo Ogbonna's challenge
but Noble felt the Villa forward fouled Ogbonna in the build-up. "I thought
it was a foul leading up to the penalty. It's just the way it's going for
us," Noble told the club's official website. "We scored a good goal with
Cress and you hope you can hang on. We knew they were going to be tough. We
wanted to come and get the three points and we were heading that way until a
bad decision."

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West Ham winger Michail Antonio vows to come good despite slow start to
Upton Park career
22:30, 27 DEC 2015
BY JAMES NURSEY
Antonio has by his own admission been "rusty" since a £7million deadline-day
switch from Nottingham Forest, but he is now finally getting a run in the
side
The Mirror

Michail Antonio has reassured West Ham co-owner David Gold he will come good
in the Premier League. Gold infamously retweeted a message from a prankster
last month asking him to raise awareness of a person who had gone "missing"
in Manchester. The tweet was subsequently deleted when Gold realised it was
a picture of Antonio, whose Hammers debut was as substitute in a 2-1 win at
Manchester City in September. Antonio has by his own admission been "rusty"
since a £7million deadline-day switch from Nottingham Forest. But the winger
is now finally getting a run in the side due to injuries after making his
third consecutive start in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.
His cross-field pass led to Aaron Cresswell's stunning opener and the
wideman is anxious to prove himself. Asked about being determined to show
his qualities to Gold, Antonio replied: "Definitely, but I take it as all
banter. I didn't take it anything seriously. He has put it up as banter and
I have taken it as banter. "One thing I have faith in is my ability. Right
now I do feel a bit rusty, I need to get sharper, but I feel I will get to
that point and once I do I believe I can terrorise the Premier League as
well as the Championship.
"I am a player where I try and excite the fans and run at players. I always
give 100 per cent. Right now I feel I am doing all right, but I need to do
more back in the team as an attacker to get more assists and more goals. I
had quite a bit of a break but as the games are coming on I feel myself
getting better and getting sharper. "Hopefully Monday things will start
building on until I start playing my game."

West Ham host Southampton today with Slaven Bilic's side still set to be
without key man Dimitri Payet and fellow attacking wideman Victor Moses. And
Antonio is anxious the Hammers end a run of five successive draws to
re-ignite their push for Europe. He added: "Right now we are going through a
bit of a draw rut but it could be worse, we could be getting no points. "We
can't complain with our form but it is about getting more goals now."

Bottom club Villa dominated, but found old boy James Collins in fine form at
the back and keeper Adrian nearly invincible. The visitors took the lead
against the run of play from Cresswell's left-foot screamer before Villa
levelled from Jordan Ayew's penalty after Rudy Gestede was fouled. Villa
boss Remi Garde, still searching for his first win, reflected: "It's a bit
frustrating. I am sad for the players because they deserved three points."

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CandH: Today's Hard News round-up
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 27, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Here's the hard news you may have missed that was brought to readers earlier
in the day:

This morning

David Gold claims James Tomkins will be available for the clash against
Southampton at the Boleyn tomorrow. JT of course received a nasty gash under
the right eye in the early stages of the match at Villa yesterday and came
off at half time for Carl Jenkinson. Speaking on Twitter Gold said: "I think
Tomkins will be available for selection. dg."

Manu Lanzini was this morning descibed as having a "small chance" of making
it into the squad for tomorrow's clash against Southampton at the Boleyn.
ClaretandHugh was told: "Things don't look too bad for us. Andy looks ready
and Tomkins is likely to get the nod. We will wait until before kick off to
make the decision on Aaron Cresswell."

This afternoon:

ClaretandHugh has been told this afternoon Aaron Cresswell has suffered a
minor hamstring injury which gives him only the slightest chance of making
the game against the south coast side. Andy Carroll has a real chance of
being included and, as reported earlier, Manu Lanzini is described as having
a "small chance" of making the squad.
Southampton will again be without Graziano Pelle and Cedric Soares for
tomorrow's visit to to Upton park. Both players were absent for the Boxing
Day win against Arsenal and manager Ronald Koeman confirmed they will again
be missing at Upton Park. Italy striker Pelle is facing a few weeks on the
sidelines with a knee complaint, while right-back Cedric has a groin injury.
The Saints were mightily impressive against the Gunners and are unlikely to
make major changes.

Provisional squad: Stekelenburg, Gazzaniga, K Davis, Martina, Caulker, Van
Dijk, Fonte, Yoshida, Bertrand, Targett, Clasie, Wanyama, Ward-Prowse,
Romeu, S Davis, Tadic, Ramirez, Mane, Long, Juanmi.

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Sullivan puts it on the record
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 27, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

This will not come as news to regular readers of ClaretandHugh but it's
worth reporting just to ensure it's firmly on the record.

We were – many weeks ago – the first site to report that there will be
absolutely no action in the transfer market this January given that there is
no cash to spend and we are up to the limit on FFP.

Matt Jarvis has left for Norwich City but chairman David Sullivan has today
repeated the position reported by ourselves – there's no dough to spend.

Speaking to Sky Sports News: "Unless somebody leaves the club who is on our
wage bill at this moment in time we don't have a penny to spend on wages.

"We would only let fringe players go, or if somebody made an offer we
couldn't refuse. We're not going to be selling players for £10 million, £20
million. We're a non selling club."

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Carroll: The conspiracy theory
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 27, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

If I was as s cynical as I've sometimes liked to pretend I would have a very
big Andy Carroll conspiracy theory.

As it is I will settle for wondering why the manager wasn't a lot more
definite in his reply when asked if the big centre forward was for sale four
days ago.

On December 23rd when asked if AC was on the market next month, Bilic said:
"I don't think so, I don't think so. We need players, we need him fit, we
need him back. He fits into my plans. I said this from the start and that
didn't change."

"Think so…need him fit – he's in my plans" Hmmm. It's the manager's
decision on whether players will be allowed to go. Ok he can be over-ruled
but "I don't think so" isn't the most emphatic declaration of intent.

In the meantime the lad's been missing from action again and if we are
entirely honest about it there's no question the board may well feel that
they were had right over when the former manager decided to stake his entire
reputation on bringing him to the club.

All of this came to mind yesterday when in conversation with some senior
people I was told that to all intents and purposes Carroll was fit but may
not be risked at Villa "just in case."

The 'just in case' was left hanging in the air but it begged a question for
me and it was this: 'Just in case he breaks down again and we can't sell him
in January?!"

Of course I may have this 100 per cent wrong and he could easily be back in
action tomorrow but ya know what? I really do believe that if an offer of
around £7m – £8m were to come in it may well be accepted.

I share the view that when all are fit Andy Carroll is towards the back of
the queue for a starting place regardless of the "he fits my plans"
statement from the boss.

Ok, it's only a conspiracy theory but I invite your views!

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Hammers report on Cresswell fitness
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 27, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Aaron Cresswell is set to miss tomorrow's match against Saints with a
hamstring injury.

The left back – an ever present since arriving from Ipswich – left the
action after feeling a 'tightening' during the game against Aston Villa.

And ClaretandHugh has been told this afternoon that the defender has
suffered a minor hamstring injury which gives him only the slightest chance
of making the game against the south coast side.

And it means that Stephen Hendrie could be set to make his debut since his
arrival from Scotland after being included in recent squads.

Andy Carroll has a real chance of being included and, as reported earlier,
Manu Lanzini is described as having a "small chance" of making the squad.

David Gold reported on Twitter earlier in the day that James Tomkins is
expected to make the match despite a nasty gash under his right eye which
closed up during the latter stages of yesterday's game.

However, that will depend on whether the bruising relents and the player can
see from BOTH eyes!

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Hammers on Lanzini chances for Saints
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 27, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Manu Lanzini was this morning descibed as having a "small chance" of making
it into the squad for tomorrow's clash against Southampton at the Boleyn.

With the Hammers desperate for some real flair the Argentinian is the most
strongly eyed player among the fans right now.

He and Andy Carroll were expected to be involved in the 1-1 draw against
Villa yesterday but neither made it amid reports that although fit, the
manager had decided to take absolutely no risks with either of them.

And this morning when ClaretandHugh approached our senior source on Lanzini
we were told: "There's a small chance of him making the bench."

The Hammers will be hoping that after the trouncing of Arsenal yesterday
evening the Saints will arrive at Upton Park over confident of their
chances.

We were told: "Things don't look too bad for us. Andy looks ready and
Tomkins is likely to get the nod. We will wait until before kick off to make
the decision on Aaron Cresswell."

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