Daily WHUFC News - II 12th January 2016

LEEDS HIJACK HAMMERS DEAL FOR SCOTTISH DUO
ROSS WILLIAMS
readwestham.com

The Yorkshire Evening Post report that a deal struck with Doncaster to bring
promising twins Jack and Paul McKay to the Boleyn Ground has been hijacked
by Rovers' local rivals, Leeds United.
The 19-year-old Glaswegians have been tipped for a successful future, and
this sparked interest from the Irons. West Ham reportedly formed an
agreement with Doncaster to bring the youngsters to London, so the double
move seemed inevitable, but Phil Hay of the YEP reported on Monday evening
that the pair had each signed two-and-a-half year deals at Elland Road. The
sons of agent Willie McKay, the twins play at either end of the field and
each have senior appearances to their name. Paul, who plays predominantly at
centre back, faced Burton Albion in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy this
season, whilst striker Jack has started for the Doncaster first team, taking
on Notts County in League One action during the last campaign. Although the
McKay twins are raw prospects and only regarded as potential players for the
future by Leeds, losing out to Championship opposition, despite an agreement
apparently being in place, is a bitter pill to swallow for the Hammers. If
West Ham are going to be amongst the top names in English football year on
year, their ability to pull in the best young talent is vital.

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Exclusive: Sullivan's FA Cup draw reaction
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 11, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham chairman David Sullivan wants Exeter in the fourth round of the FA
Cup but fears the Hammers will again be pitched in to action against
Liverpool on the weekend of January 29.
The Irons were drawn against one or the other of the two teams in the Fourth
Round draw earlier this evening and speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh,
the chairman immediately made his preferences clear. He said: "Liverpool
away is not ideal but it's certainly not impossible. I'd love Exeter but the
odds have to be stacked very much in the Premier League team's favour."
However the chairman made a very important point which could work in the
Hammers' favour if a second trip to Anfield is required. He said: "Liverpool
have a very tough Capital One Cup semi-final on January 26 which isn't great
from their point of view and there may be a chance they will play an
under-strength team!"

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Lawro "nothing against us" but tips another loss
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

BBC Pundit Mark Lawrenson says he has nothing against West Ham before
tipping us to lose against Bournemouth tonight. He agrees he has been wrong
with many of his predictions where he reckoned on 14 occasions we'd lose
before going for a 15th against Bournemouth tonight. He said: "I have been
getting some stick from some of my West Ham predictions, because Slaven
Bilic's side would be in the bottom three if they had actually happened" "I
certainly don't have anything against West Ham, though. In fact I almost
joined them as a teenager – they offered me an apprenticeship before I
joined my home town team Preston." "I have been wrong about them a lot this
season so I am sure their fans will not mind that I am tipping them to lose
again this week." "The Hammers have had some great results away from home
under Bilic, but most of them have been against bigger clubs and I have a
feeling Bournemouth will edge this one, just like they did at Upton Park
last August"

Lawro's prediction: 2-1
SAM's Computer prediction: 1-1

Lawrenson had some problems pronouncing Pienaar on BBC Match of the day at
the weekend much to the amusement of former Hammer and co-presenter Trevor
Sinclair who tried to keep a straight face.

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Hammers interest in Chelsea right back
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham have been linked to a move for young Chelsea right back Ola Aina in
the Summer. The Hammers are thought to be tracking the promising England
Under-21 defender and considering trying to exploit his contract expiring
with the Blues this summer. The 19 year old has refused to sign a new deal
so far and has been demoted from Chelsea's first-team set-up to their U21s,
edging him closer to an exit. Arsenal, Everton,Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund,
Bayer Leverkusen and Napoli have all been linked with the young man. There
remains a possibility the player could sign a pre-contract this winter. Aina
has been at Chelsea since he was 11, progressing through the club's youth
sides while working his way up the ranks with England, too. He was born in
Southwark, south London and has captained his country at Under 19 level as
well as playing in two successive FA Youth Cup winning sides. He is
described as a pacey right back who can also play in the centre of defence,
on the left, or in a more advanced position on the right wing.

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Leroy: "I really do fancy us tonight"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
Leroy Rosenior

I don't see the Irons getting beaten at Bournemouth tonight. Some people are
making a big deal out of the Cherries run of form which has seen them only
beaten once in nine games and taking some decent scalps along the way. But
come on, we have won our last three games and are unbeaten in eight so that
argument does not work at all especially given we have dragged ourselves
through some terrible injury issues. Bournemouth are okay and Eddie Howe is
doing a good job but with Dimi Payet likely to start according to Slav we
have a player who is at a totally different level and a team whose
confidence is growing with every match. I don't think Bournemouth are that
great at the back and Simon Francis can make mistakes. With Andy Carroll
hitting top form he could cause a lot of problems. Winston Reid incredibly
has to fight for his place, and in general we are looking really really
good. I don't see the Cherries stopping us.
I really do fancy us tonight and believe we can stride on towards that 38
points. This season has been remarkable and I, like you, am looking forward
to another top game.

COYI

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Irons update Zaza interest
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham are no closer to bring in Juventus striker Simone Zaza. The player
was named as a possible loan target on the official site last week by the
club's amusingly dubbed 'Boleyn Insider.' And given that if the club itself
doesn't know whois on the radar it can be taken as read that this particular
ITK had it right when putting him up as a target. At the time he wrote: "My
understanding is that Zaza is a player the club greatly admire and they
tried to sign him last summer. He scored again on Wednesday night and the
Club might try something again this month." However, this morning our top
source inside the club made it clear the club are still some distance from
making the deal happen. He said: "We are no closer. The position is as it
has been all year – somebody has to go in order to release wages for the
player." There had been some crazy rumours doing the rounds that Juve were
ready to pay the player's wages in order for him to get game time. But
ClaretandHugh was told: "In our dreams. That simply isn't going to happen –
a player will need to leave for the deal to happen."

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Bournemouth's £12m striker Benik Afobe can be Premier League success says
Slaven Bilic
22:30, 11 JAN 2016 UPDATED 23:18, 11 JAN 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
However the West Ham boss is confident his side can stop the former Wolves
star on Tuesday, having done plenty of homework on him for the FA Cup
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic reckons Benik Afobe can follow in the footsteps of the likes of
Leicester star Jamie Vardy and make the step up from the Championship. But
he is confident his West Ham side can stop Bournemouth's new £12million
striker, having done plenty of homework on the former Arsenal youngster.
West Ham were preparing to face Afobe on Saturday when they met Wolves in
the FA Cup before he was pulled out of the game ahead of his Cherries
switch. He is now in line to make his Bournemouth debut against West Ham on
Tuesday night. Boss Bilic said: "My philosophy is, if a player can cope with
pace and physical strength, then there's no difference. "If he plays well in
Turkey, he'll play well in the Premier League too. It works the same with
players such as Vardy, or now Afobe. "Of course you have the players who are
not coping physically and still scoring goals in the lower leagues, but the
pace and the physicality of the Premier League are the problem. "But that
wasn't the case with Jamie Vardy or Afobe. There's no reason not to take
these players. "Look at Michail Antonio (bought from Nottingham Forest) in
our team. Okay, sometimes they need time to adjust, to click, but if they
are good they are good. "Afobe is a good striker. I watched him in three
Wolves games. He has enough pace, is very strong and good on the ball."

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Manchester City to rival Liverpool for West Ham's Aaron Cresswell this
summer - Tuesday's top transfer stories
SAM LONG 2 hours ago0 comments
Evening Standard

The January transfer window has entered its third week but the majority of
the Premier League's elite are yet to conduct any business. West Ham may
have only scraped into the fourth round of the FA Cup courtesy of a slender
victory over Wolves but Slaven Bilic's side are still in an enviable
position in England's top tier. The east Londoners occupy sixth place ahead
of tonight's trip to Bournemouth and could even leapfrog Manchester United
by the end of the day - if Louis van Gaal's strugglers fail to beat
Newcastle. Yet while things may look rosy in the Hammers' garden at present,
the form of their key players has not gone unnoticed elsewhere.

Aaron Cresswell has started all but one of West Ham's top-flight fixtures
this term and his individual performances have attracted interest from both
Manchester City and Liverpool, according to new reports. Manuel Pellegrini's
side are in the market for Englishman in order to boost their home-grown
quote while the Merseysiders are believed to have monitored the full-back's
situation too. City are considering a summer move for the defender despite
the fact the 26-year-old signed a new five-year deal in June after his debut
season at Upton Park earned him the Hammers' player of the year award.
Cresswell's contract is set to expire in 2020 but has the option of a
further two-year extension and would certainly not leave Bilic's side on the
cheap.

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Rio Ferdinand: I've 'turned down coaching roles' since retiring
JAMES BENGE 1 hour ago0 comments
Evening STandard

Rio Ferdinand has revealed he has rejected several opportunities to move
into coaching since his retirement in May of last year. The 37-year-old has
split his time since departing Queens Park Rangers between charity work,
including that of his Rio Ferdinand Foundation, and his role as a pundit on
BT Sport. His visit to Cumberland School in Newham, as part of an event
organised by the NBA and London charity Greenhouse Sports to support young
people from disadvantaged areas is typical of the post-football Ferdinand.
But it is as a pundit that he is making his name. A path from pitch to
television studio has become an increasingly well-worn one for England's
'golden generation', with Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard regularly joining
the former Manchester United and West Ham defender in the BT Sport studios.
Gary Neville was the trailblazer for the newly-retired for the ex-pros,
earning huge plaudits for his work Sky Sports. His success on the box may
have convinced Valencia he was the man to take on the notoriously fraught
job at the Mestalla.

Ferdinand, though, is not keen to follow his former team-mate to the dugout.
"I've had some calls, not for first team jobs," he told Standard Sport.
"I've had quite a few calls from different areas in football. "There was
nothing that I was ready for now. I'm committed to BT and my charity work."
He did, though, praise the work of Neville, and suggested that there could
be more former players who follow his journey to management. "Gary's done it
the right way, remaining involved with coaching here and there and doing the
punditry, keeping your eyes open in European and English football,"
Ferdinand added. "It's a great way to stay involved and learn, without being
under the microscope or pressure [of management]. If you come across like
you're quite educated, and you've got an idea about the game there's going
to be chairman that watch BT and think 'he seems to have an understanding of
it, like he could take my club on'. "I'd like to think this could be a
platform for me if and when I choose to get involved."

For the graduate of the West Ham youth academy there is far too much to be
thinking of before he returns to the game on a full-time basis. He has
proven himself to be an eloquent, insightful pundit, particularly when it
comes to the woes of Louis van Gaal's Manchester United side. And with the
thrill of the big match no longer an option for the 37-year-old his
television work is the closest he can get. "It's what I'd be doing anyway,
in the pub, in my front room or my mate's. I'd be sitting talking about
football. "It's something I enjoy; I needed something else to supplement
that buzz at 3pm on a Saturday or a Wednesday night. It's not going to be
anywhere near what it was but it's something similar. It's being involved in
something I love doing."

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Bournemouth vs West Ham: Mark Noble promises club won't throw season away
like last year
KEN DYER 43 minutes ago0 comments
Evening Standard

Just over halfway through the season, sixth in the table and unbeaten in
eight matches, it all looks good for West Ham as they go to Bournemouth
tonight. Rewind 12 months and there was a similar air of optimism at Upton
Park, with Sam Allardyce's West Ham on 33 points, one more than this term.
But it was at this point last season that the wheels fell off. In the
remaining 18 matches, Allardyce's team managed just three more wins to
finish 12th. So, the question to West Ham captain Mark Noble is why
shouldn't the same thing happen this time?

"One of the main factors last year was that the manager and his staff's
contracts were up at the end of last season, as was also the case with some
of the players," said Noble. "There were a lot of rumours that Sam wasn't
going to be given another contract. "We obviously knew we were safe as well
and if I'm honest, we took our foot off the gas. Also, with the games we had
played and the effort we had put in to reach that position last season, I
don't think our squad was strong enough to maintain that momentum. "It was
an accumulation of all those things which resulted in us having a poor
second half of the season. The main aim had been to have a solid Premier
League season and we knew by Christmas we had virtually done that. "This
season is different. First of all we have a bigger and better squad. There
is also a different feeling around the club and especially with the fans. I
was the first one to say, when I knew Sam wasn't staying, that what he did
for this club was phenomenal. "We had been relegated when Sam arrived and we
know from previous experience that if you don't get back into the Premier
League straight away, it becomes a massive ask. "Now, with the impending
move to the new stadium and the players we're signing, I think that worry
has receded."

Can Slaven Bilic, the man who replaced Allardyce, maintain that feel-good
atmosphere at West Ham? "I'm pretty sure, if you said to our chairmen, that
we would be sixth with 32 points, they would have been on their hands and
knees celebrating," says Noble, the club's longest-serving player, who has a
testimonial on March 28. "I said to the gaffer the hardest games will be
against teams from the bottom half of the table. Bournemouth, for example,
came to our place earlier in August and surprised us. We gave away some
silly goals and lost 4-3. "We're eight unbeaten now though and we've played
some top teams during that run so we go into the game with a lot of
confidence." Dimitri Payet, fit again following his ankle injury, is
expected to start tonight, as is Michail Antonio.

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THERE'S EXCITING TIMES AHEAD, ISN'T THERE?
By Benjamin Cronin 12 Jan 2016 at 08:00
WTID

I was unable to make it to the FA Cup fixture against Wolves this weekend
but having read numerous match reports and watched what has been scraped
together and labelled 'highlights', this is one of the rare occasions that I
wasn't too disappointed to miss a game. Having to rely on the perspective of
others means I can't comment on the game in too much depth but it would
appear the general consensus is that it wasn't the greatest spectacle. If
truth be told, to a point, I'm not too fussed. The moment I heard of our
late winner, I was a happy man and the fact that we will now face either
Liverpool or Exeter City in the 4th round is really all that matters.

We all love a thriller, winning an end-to-end goal fest and witnessing some
of the fabled 'magic of the FA Cup', of course we do. Sometimes, in order to
enjoy those sweet moments, you need to be in the competition long enough for
them to come around. I'd like to view Saturday as a case of getting the job
done. It may not have been pretty, it certainly wasn't the greatest 90
minutes of football, but we won. The majority of reports suggest we
dominated the game and although Wolves didn't offer much in attack, neither
did we. Ultimately, the quality of our squad shone through, with the
introduction of Payet and Carroll paying dividends.

There were several positives to take away from the game, even if the style
in which we went about gaining the victory isn't one. Jelavic getting his
first goal for the club is perhaps the most obvious one. There appears to be
a mix of opinion on his overall performance, with several outlets reporting
of a solid work-rate that deserved a goal, while a lot of fans claim his
decisive strike merely salvaged what was a below par effort in terms of his
contribution to proceedings. Having read the articles posted by Blind Hammer
and HamburgHammer, I have to agree that Jelavic is a useful asset. He is by
no means our main asset, but a useful one nonetheless. I always remember him
as a one touch finish kind of striker. He's there when you need him to be
and more often than not, will do what you need him to, if you give him the
chance. I'm glad he's off the mark and am sure it will boost his confidence
and hush the doubters (for a few days at least).

Secondly, the success in game management that allowed the likes of Payet and
Carroll to play only 20 minutes (and come out of it unscathed) is a major
plus. You'd like to think both will be fully rested and in the starting XI
against Bournemouth this evening which is obviously good news. Of course,
another clean sheet is a big positive to take from the game against Wolves.
As the weeks pass, our reputation of being a team that is incredibly hard to
beat is growing. Thanks to our solid defensive foundation, we are now one
game away from equalling our Premier League record of 8 matches unbeaten.

While Saturday's fixture was an important one in terms of the result, it has
now passed and tonight's game against Bournemouth is our sole focus. Aside
from equalling our best ever Premier League unbeaten run, tonight offers a
great opportunity to build on our promising start to the new year. Depending
on how Manchester United get on with an away trip to Newcastle, we could end
the night in fifth position in the league and just one point off fourth.
Payet looks likely to join two of our in-form (albeit not everyone's first
choice) attacking players, Carroll and Antonio, in the starting XI, with a
midfield and back four that will be full of confidence behind them.

The reverse fixture at Upton Park is one I was determined to erase from my
memory. Unfortunately, as hard as I try to forget about it, it still stands
out as one of our worst performances this season. A dismal defensive display
meant we managed to ship four goals against one of the league's newly
promoted sides and lose the game (despite the best efforts of fan favourite,
Modibo Maiga). While I was confident going into that game, I firmly believe
that if we are to cement ourselves as a real top six contender, these are
the kind of games we have to win.

Bournemouth, like ourselves, have been incredibly unlucky with injuries this
season. I'd even go as far to say, they've been worse off than ourselves,
with not just key players being out injured, but missing the majority of the
season as well. Their previous club record signing (he was until a few days
ago), Tyrone Mings has barely had a game. Another summer singing, Max Gradel
has had a good few months on the treatment table and Callum Wilson (the man
who scored a hat-trick against us back in August) is still out until April.
However, one thing to take from the early, and normally quiet, part of the
January transfer window is that Bournemouth mean business. Juan Iturbe is
perhaps a shock move but one that will no doubt improve their team and
chances of survival. They've taken a risk (and a big one at that) on paying
just shy of a £20 million combined fee for former Arsenal (then Wolves) man
Benik Afobe and Lewis Grabban, a player who has apparently tripled in value
with limited game time at Norwich.

While Grabban is unlikely to feature, there is a chance Iturbe's paperwork
will be completed in time and Afobe will at least have a spot on the bench.
Although unproven at this level, Afobe will no doubt be champing at the bit
and eager to prove his worth, he'll certainly test our defenders given the
chance. Bournemouth haven't had a terrible season and will probably still
view their position of 16th as a success so far. They have, on the other
hand, been very inconsistent. They've beaten teams like Manchester United
and Chelsea, with deserved draws against Everton, Palace and Leicester in
recent months. They have also been on the receiving end of a few heavy
losses. The confidence I took into the corresponding fixture at the start of
the season is bubbling away again but this time I've learned, anything can
happen. I don't want to say I expect a win, but if we play to the level we
are capable of and maintain our recent defensive stability, there's no
reason why we shouldn't get all three points.

COYI!

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Mark Lawrenson sends message to West Ham, makes shock revelation and less
shocking prediction
HITC
Damien Lucas

Much maligned pundit Mark Lawrenson has sent a message to West Ham United
amid the controversy surrounding his predictions and made a shock
revelation. Hammers chief David Gold recently launched a scathing attack on
BBC pundit and Liverpool legend Lawrenson on Twitter. It comes after
Lawrenson predicted an FA Cup defeat for Slaven Bilic's side at home to
Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend. That proved to be the straw which
broke the camel's back for many West Ham fans and their co-owner Gold.
Writing in his column for BBC Sport, Lawro has predicted 14 losses and just
two wins for West Ham this season and after their 3-0 win over his former
club Liverpool at Anfield earlier this season he wrote in his Mirror column:
"West Ham are not a very good team."
It culminated in Gold lashing out on Twitter saying: "I'm not a fan of Mark
Lawrenson and I'm pleased that Alan Hansen has retired (dinosaurs)." The
pundit has been ridiculed on social media by legions of West Ham fans after
their side beat Wolves 1-0. 'I have been getting some stick' But now
Lawrenson has moved to try and appease the East Londoners with a message in
his latest set of predictions on BBC Sport and makes a shocking revelation
in the process. "I have been getting some stick for some of my West Ham
predictions, because Slaven Bilic's side would be in the bottom three if
they had actually happened," Lawrenson wrote on BBC Sport. "I certainly
don't have anything against West Ham, though. "In fact I almost joined them
as a teenager - they offered me an apprenticeship before I joined my
hometown team Preston." So there you have it Lawrenson could well have
played for the Hammers.

A less shocking prediction

The pundit made an altogether less shocking revelation when he offered his
latest prediction for Bilic's side as they travel to Bournemouth tonight,
though. Yes, you guessed it, he has predicted yet another defeat for the
Irons, the 15th time he has tipped them to lose this season and even he is
starting to see the funny side. "I have been wrong about them a lot this
season so I am sure their fans will not mind that I am tipping them to lose
again this week," he added. "The Hammers have had some great results away
from home under Bilic, but most of them have been against bigger clubs and I
have a feeling Bournemouth will edge this one, just like they did at Upton
Park in August."

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Bournemouth vs West Ham: Slaven Bilic does homework on Benik Afobe as Eddie
Howe strengthens his strike force
Benik Afobe may need 'time to settle' into Bournemouth's style, according to
Eddie Howe
Andy Sims
The Independent

Slaven Bilic does not need to swot up on Bournemouth new boy Benik Afobe, as
he was expecting to face him three days earlier. Striker Afobe was due to be
in the Wolves squad which travelled to Upton Park in the FA Cup on Saturday,
only to be withdrawn as transfer talks with Bournemouth progressed. The
former Arsenal youngster tied up the big-money switch on Sunday and is now
poised to make his Bournemouth debut on Monday night – against Bilic's
Hammers. "We were expecting him to play on Saturday, so I have already
watched him in a few games," said the West Ham manager. "He's a very good
player. They have also signed Juan Iturbe from Roma, who is a great winger.
Bournemouth had a lot of injuries and have done well to maintain good
results without those players, but they have probably been waiting for this
transfer window."

Bournemouth's manager, Eddie Howe, is excited by the potential of Afobe, but
is determined not to place any pressure on the young striker. Afobe, 22, has
been a regular goalscorer in the lower leagues, including a prolific stint
with MK Dons last season, and Howe believes he has ability to do well in the
top flight as well. "You just look at him and know he is going to be a
handful, but he may need a little bit of time to settle, so we are not
placing huge expectation on his shoulders." Bournemouth have re-signed
striker Lewis Grabban from Norwich for around £7m on a three-and-a-half-year
deal.

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Bournemouth vs West Ham: Team news, kick-off time, probable line-ups, odds
and stats for the Premier League clash
Daily Mail
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 01:33, 12 January 2016 | UPDATED: 01:33, 12 January 2016

Ahead of this week's Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you
with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional
squads, betting odds and Opta stats. Here is all the information you need
for Bournemouth vs West Ham.

Team news
Bournemouth
Bournemouth's new signing Benik Afobe is expected to be part of Eddie Howe's
side which faces West Ham in the Premier League on Tuesday. Afobe signed
from Wolves for an undisclosed fee and is the second signing of the January
transfer window for the Cherries after signing Juan Iturbe from Roma earlier
in the month. Howe will be hoping Iturbe will be able to feature for the
home game as he awaits confirmation from the Premier League before he is
eligible but Tokelo Rantie (knock), Josh King (muscle injury), Callum
Wilson, Tommy Elphick and Max Gradel (all knee injuries) all remain out of
contention.

Provisional squad: Boruc, Federici, Francis, Distin, Cook, Smith, Daniels,
Surman, Gosling, Arter, Pugh, Ritchie, Stanislas, Tomlin, King, Iturbe,
Murray, Afobe.
Benik Afobe, who joined Bournemouth from Wolves last week, could make his
debut on Tuesday

West Ham
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic will check on Enner Valencia and Cheikhou Kouyate
ahead of the trip to Bournemouth. Winger Valencia and midfielder Kouyate
missed Saturday's FA Cup win over Wolves to rest minor knocks and will be
assessed ahead of kick-off. Victor Moses is back in training after a
hamstring injury but will not be involved while Manuel Lanzini and Diafra
Sakho (both thigh) are still out.

Provisional squad: Adrian, Randolph, Jenkinson, Hendrie, Tomkins, Collins,
Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Noble, Kouyate, Song, Obiang, Zarate, Payet,
Valencia, Carroll, Antonio, Cullen, Oxford, Jelavic, Parfitt-Williams.

BOURNEMOUTH VS WEST HAM
Kick-off: 19.45
Odds (subject to change):
Bournemouth - 11/10
Draw - 11/5
West Ham - 11/4

Head-to-head league record: 1 Bournemouth wins, 0 draws, 0 West Ham wins
Recent league form (latest result first):
Bournemouth - DLDWW
West Ham - WWDDD

Key match stats supplied by Opta
Bournemouth's 4-3 win over West Ham in August is their only competitive
victory in six attempts versus the Hammers (D2 L3).
West Ham have conceded just two goals in their last six Premier League
matches, keeping four clean sheets in the process.
Injured Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson scored three goals in their win
over West Ham in August – no other player has surpassed three goals for the
club in the season overall to date.
The Hammers are winless in their last five Premier League away games (L2 D3)
and have netted just twice in this run.
Dimitri Payet has created 49 goalscoring chances in the Premier League this
season and despite missing seven games through injury this is still 23 more
than any other West Ham player in 2015-16.
Andy Carroll has scored in his last two Premier League appearances for West
Ham – he's never scored in three successive apps in the competition.
51 per cent of Andy Carroll's Premier League goals have been headers – only
two strikers to have scored 20+ goals in the competition have scored a
higher proportion with their heads (Kenwyne Jones, 55 per cent and Duncan
Ferguson, 53 per cent).
Cherries' midfielder Andrew Surman has completed the most passes in the
Premier League this season (1107).
Four of the five furthest distances run in a Premier League game this season
have been by Bournemouth's Dan Gosling – one of which came in their last
match versus Leicester (13.8km).
West Ham United have blocked more opposition shots than any other Premier
League team this season (102).

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
How West Ham could line up at Bournemouth with returning duo handed starts
London 24
06:25 12 January 2016
Pete Evans

Dimitri Payet and Winston Reid could both return to West Ham's starting
line-up as they look to extend their unbeaten run to nine games. 0 The
Hammers edged past Wolves 1-0 on Saturday in the FA Cup to build on the 2-0
victory over Liverpool the previous week and Slaven Bilic will be forced
into at least one change from his last Premier League XI. Manuel Lanzini
went off injured in the first half of that match and his place is likely to
be taken by French international Payet, his first start since returning from
an ankle injury. Payet has stepped off the bench against Wolves and
Liverpool and is now ready for a start. He could be joined in the line up by
another returning injury victim in centre-back Reid who could replace James
Collins at Bournemouth. The likes of Carl Jenkinson, Darren Randolph and
Alex Song are likely to be back on the bench after their FA Cup run out.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dean Ashton says West Ham striker Andy Carroll is the 'world's best' in this
department
HITC
Damien Lucas

Former West Ham United hero Dean Ashton has given his emphatic backing to
striker Andy Carroll. Carroll was once again crucial for the Hammers as he
came of the bench to set up the crucial goal in a 1-0 FA Cup third round win
over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend. That came off the back of two
goals in back-to-back wins over Southampton and Carroll's former club
Liverpool. Slaven Bilic's side are unbeaten in eight games in all
competitions and Carroll has played a big part in it now he is match fit.
The big Geordie forward had struggled to make an impact on his return from
an eight-month lay-off this season and speculation has been rife West Ham
would be willing to sell their record signing, as reported by the likes of
The Mirror.
But another striker who knows all about suffering with injuries during his
time at West Ham is Dean Ashton. Ashton was forced to retire aged 26 just as
he was forging a reputation as one of the most feared strikers in the
Premier League with the Hammers.

'I felt sorry for Andy'

And Ashton sympathises with Carroll, telling West Ham's official webiste
they would be losing a world's best talent if they sold him. "Andy Carroll
has scored and played well in recent matches," Ashton told whufc.com. "Going
through injury problems myself, I felt sorry for Andy when people were
writing him off and saying he was injury-prone and seemed to never come
back.
"When he got fit, he had to be patient and wait for his chance, which was
difficult, but now he is in the side and match-fit, I don't think there is
anybody better at heading the ball in world football." Ashton makes a
salient point and that has been evidenced in the wins over Southampton and
Liverpool with two fantastic headers helping seal consecutive home wins.
Carroll has been seen as something of an expensive plan B for the Hammers,
but with star striker Diafra Sakho injured he is starting to prove he can
fit into Bilic's plans. Against Wolves, though, it was Carroll's ability
with the ball at his feet which took many by surprise. The ex Newcastle
United striker embarked on a number of swashbuckling runs and showed great
feet to lay a perfect ball into the path of striker partner Jelavic for the
winner.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Michael Owen predicts Andy Carroll to score for West Ham against Bournemouth
HITC
Subhankar Mondal

Bournemouth will face West Ham United in the Premier League on Tuesday
evening. Former Manchester United and Liverpool striker Michael Owen has
predicted on Betvictor.com that Andy Carroll will score for West Ham United
against Bournemouth. West Ham will take on Bournemouth away from home at the
Vitality Stadium in the Premier League on Tuesday evening. "The Hammers have
conceded just twice in their last six PL games, but are without a win in
their last five on the road in the PL," Owen has written on Betvictor.com.
"Andy Carroll has scored in his last two PL games but has never found the
back of the net in three successive PL games; he might be the difference
between the sides in what should be a fascinating clash."

A footnote added: "Michael's recommendation: Andy Carroll to score anytime
at 5/2."

Carroll has scored three goals and created five chances in 12 Premier League
appearances for West Ham so far this season. The England international
striker has a pass accuracy of 63% and a shot accuracy of 61%, and has won
42 headers, two dribbles and one tackle. West Ham are sixth in the Premier
League table at the moment with 32 points from 20 matches. Slaven Bilic's
side are four points behind Tottenham Hotspur, who are currently fourth in
the standings and occupy the final Champions League spot. Meanwhile,
Bournemouth fans find themselves 16th in the Premier League table at the
moment with 21 points from 20 matches, four points above the relegation
zone. The Cherries are doing better than many expected them to and are
playing good football as well. While West Ham will be favourites to win on
Tuesday evening, an early goal for Eddie Howe's side could make a huge
difference.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 12th January 2016

Preview - AFC Bournemouth
WHUFC.com

The background

There's no time for rest for West Ham United as they make a swift return to
action on Tuesday evening with a trip to the South Coast to face AFC
Bournemouth.

The Barclays Premier League debutants secured their first-ever top flight
win when they triumphed 4-3 at the Boleyn Ground in August and have
continued to make a good fist at life at the highest level.

The Cherries have lost only once in their last seven Premier League outings
– and that was to league leaders Arsenal – to sit four points above the
relegation zone.

With five wins and six draws from their 20 games, they currently have 21
points and are within sight of mid-table.

Eddie Howe's side have also made progress in the Emirates FA Cup, coming
from behind to win 2-1 at Championship side Birmingham City on Saturday.

West Ham are also in fine form, protecting a run of eight games without
defeat. They have won their last three – against Southampton and Liverpool
in the league and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup.
The history

Historic meetings between the Hammers and Bournemouth are few and far
between. In fact, this is just the second season that the two clubs have
been together in the same league.

Prior to this season, the only other league meetings came in the 1989/90
season, when a 1-1 draw at Dean Court was followed by a 4-1 win for the
Hammers in east London.

August's game was Bournemouth's only-ever win against the Hammers, with
three West Ham triumphs in six meetings over all competitions.
The match

Team news

West Ham United

Having made seven changes to his team for Saturday's FA Cup tie, the likes
of Adrian, James Tomkins and Andy Carroll should all return to the starting
XI on Tuesday.

Dimitri Payet continued his comeback from injury with an appearance from the
bench against Wolves, but Manuel Lanzini faces a spell out after suffering a
repeat of the injury to his thigh.

Cheikhou Kouyate and Enner Valencia both missed Saturday's game, but the
manager expects at least one of them to be ready for Tuesday.

Victor Moses and Diafra Sakho remain sidelined, although a return to
training for the former is imminent.
Bournemouth

The Cherries could hand a debut to club record signing Benik Afobe, who
signed for a reported £10m from Wolverhampton Wanderers over the weekend.

Fellow new arrival Juan Iturbe could also be involved, if his paperwork is
completed in time.
Match info

Tuesday's match referee is Martin Atkinson. The Yorkshire official has taken
charge of 26 matches this season, dishing out 99 yellow cards but no reds.
He has refereed two Hammers games in 2015/16, the season opening 2-0 win
over Arsenal and the 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion. The assistant
referees are Peter Kirkup and Stephen Child, while the fourth official is
Kevin Friend.
West Ham are unbeaten in their last seven league matches (W2, D5), one shy
of equalling their Premier League club record.
The Hammers have conceded just two goals in their last six Premier League
matches, keeping four clean sheets.
Andy Carroll has scored in his last two league games - he's never scored in
three successive Premier League matches.
Bournemouth have only lost one of their last eight league games (W3, D4).
They have not scored in their last three league games.
Midfielder Andrew Surman has completed a Premier League-high 1107 passes
this season.
Ticketing, travel, coverage and other info

Tickets for Tuesday's game have SOLD OUT.
The final train back to London following the final whistle departs
Bournemouth at 2212, but does not get back to London Waterloo until 0112.
Click here for the latest news on National Rail services.
Supporters travelling by road should note that their journey is likely to be
delayed by roadworks on the A338 on the approach to Bournemouth. A 40mph
contraflow will be in operation and more details can be found here.
A chilly, clear evening is expected on the South Coast on Tuesday, with a
temperature of 5C (41F) at kick-off.
If you're not heading to the Vitality Stadium, make sure you are following
the game on our digital channels. We have live audio commentary, text
updates, in-running stats and pictures on the whufc.com Match Centre, and
you can also get involved in the conversation on social using the hashtag
#BOUWHU

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

I am relieved that we are in the hat for the FA Cup Fourth Round and it was
a tough game against Wolves on Saturday. We were very much on top, but we
could not create enough goalscoring opportunities. A replay was something we
did not want and it looked like one of those 0-0 games. Wolves had not
conceded for three games and they got ten men behind the ball and worked
very hard. It wasn't a great game to watch. However, the plan was always to
send on Payet and Carroll if we needed a goal. Thankfully the plan worked
and Nikica Jelavic scored the all important winner with just six minutes
left on the clock. I'm please for Jelavic as he deserved a goal and both the
pass from Andy Carroll and his finish were top draw. I would like to thank
the fans for filling the stadium and selling it out a few weeks early. Other
than a few hospitality places we were at capacity and that shows the great
support we have at this football club. We are now eagerly anticipating the
draw for the next round and I would love to get Peterborough, Oxford,
Colchester, Yeovil/Carlisle or something similar at the Boleyn Ground in the
next round as we really want to go as far as we can in the FA Cup this year.
The games are coming thick and fast and we now quickly turn our attentions
back to the Premier League when we face Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
Bournemouth rested their entire team in preparation for the game, so its
going to be a tough game, but hopefully we can keep out undefeated eight
game run going. It was very pleasing to see the team keep another clean
sheet on Saturday – that is now five in our last seven games and the whole
defence should be given credit for the impressive job they have done in
recent weeks. With Winston Reid making a return to first-team action on
Saturday, we now have even more competition for places which can only be a
good thing for Slaven as we prepare for a busy week heading to both
Bournemouth and Newcastle. Any away points are good so two would be an
achievement but I don't see any reason why we couldn't get four from those
two games. If we're going to keep looking up the table that's what we must
aim for. These are very exciting times.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool or Exeter away in Round Four
WHUFC.com

West Ham United have been drawn to face Exeter City or Liverpool in the
Emirates FA Cup fourth round.

Slaven Bilic's men will travel to Merseyside or Devon over the weekend of
29-31 January as they aim to take a step closer to Wembley.

The Hammers booked their place in round four by defeating Wolverhampton
Wanderers 1-0 on Saturday thanks to a late goal from Nikica Jelavic, his
first for the Club.

Exeter and Liverpool, meanwhile, drew 2-2 in the first running of their tie
on Friday night. They will replay on Wednesday 20 January for the right to
face the Hammers.

The Hammers have faced Liverpool in five FA Cup ties in the past, but have
never taken on Exeter in this competition before.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ginge praises Bilic impact
WHUFc.com

Ginge is clearly enjoying his football

Ahead of the Hammers trip to the south coast to face Bournemouth on Tuesday
12 January, in-form centre-back James Collins praised manager Slaven Bilic
for getting the best out of him. The Welsh international admitted it was
Bilic, a former centre-back himself during his playing career, who used a
combination of tough love and honesty to extract the best from the
experienced defender. Praising the manager, Collins said: "I feel great,
during pre-season, turning 32 was playing on mind a little bit. But now, I
think I'm fitter now then I've ever been. "The gaffer has been brilliant
with me. If ever I need a day off from training he's very understanding, so
overall, I'm feeling brilliant. "Credit to the gaffer, because at the start
of the season he was deadly honest with me. It looked like I may have had to
leave to find regular football. He pulled me in and said, 'Yes you are
fourth choice, this is the situation, but it can change, it's up to you'.
"Since then I've worked hard in training every day, I come in with a smile
on my face and when the chances have come, thankfully, I've taken them."

Proof of Collins' fitness and form, if it were needed, is the fact that
'Ginge' has started all of the last six games over a gruelling Christmas
schedule. Not only that, but he has excelled in each and every game; in
that time the Hammers are unbeaten as well as keeping four clean sheets.
Looking ahead to Tuesday's encounter with the Cherries, Collins continued:
"It's another tough game. They came here early in the season and beat us
4-3, they struggled a little bit after that but they're back on track now.
They're quite a force at home so it's going to be difficult. "But saying
that, the quality of this squad is the best I've been involved with. We've
got games coming up that, no disrespect to anyone, but with the squad we've
got we know we can win. The injured players are coming back so it's an
exciting time. "We're approaching a very important part of the season, we've
come through the Christmas period well but it's important we maintain our
focus, it's a chance to pick up a lot of points in a short space of time."

Further good news for Collins, who has the European Championships to look
forward to in France this summer, was the two-year contract extension he
signed recently, extending his time in east London. The 32-year-old
beamed: "It's unbelievable to be able to sign another contract. This club
has been very good to me and very good for me. I met my wife, I've now got
three young kids, we're very happy here. Both our families are very settled.
I've trained hard, and will continue to do that. "I want to thank the
chairman and the manager, they've both been great with me and, of course the
fans, who have always been behind me and make this club what it is really."


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bournemouth v West Ham
KO 19:45
11 January 2016
Last updated at 12:29

Barclays Premier League
Venue: Vitality Stadium Date: Tuesday, 12 January

TEAM NEWS

Bournemouth are attempting to rush through new signing Juan Iturbe's
paperwork in time to face West Ham. Fellow new signing Benik Afobe could be
involved against the Hammers.
West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini faces up to six weeks on the sidelines
after suffering a recurrence of a thigh injury. Nikica Jelavic scored the
winner in West Ham's win over Wolves on Saturday and could lead the Hammers
line again.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

Alistair Bruce-Ball: "Bournemouth have boldly spent big on Benik Afobe,
hoping his goals will keep them in the league, in turn earning them far more
than they've splashed out. Speculate to accumulate... "Afobe couldn't be
arriving at a better time with the team having failed to score in their last
three league games.
"West Ham have coped brilliantly with a long injury list recently, keeping
it rock solid at the back while Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio have taken
their chance to show what they can do. Five of their next six games are
against teams in the bottom half so there is a good chance to push on from
here."
Twitter: @alibruceball

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Bournemouth have only won one of their six all-time meetings (D2, L3).
That victory came in the corresponding fixture - a 4-3 Premier League win at
West Ham in August.
Both of the previous meetings at Bournemouth have ended 1-1.

Bournemouth
Bournemouth have only lost one of their last eight league games (W3, D4).
They have not scored in their last three league games.
Midfielder Andrew Surman has completed a Premier League-high 1107 passes
this season.

West Ham
West Ham are unbeaten in their last seven league matches (W2, D5), one shy
of equalling their Premier League club record.
They are without a win in their last five league away games (D3, L2),
scoring just two goals in that run.
Their last away victory came at Crystal Palace on 17 October.
The Hammers have conceded just two goals in their last six Premier League
matches, keeping four clean sheets.
Andy Carroll has scored in his last two league games - he's never scored in
three successive Premier League matches.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Monday musings: Up for the Cup
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 11th January 2016
By: Graeme Howlett

It may not have been the most memorable game ever to feature at the Boleyn
Ground, but West Ham are in the hat for the fourth round of the FA Cup after
successfully navigating a potential banana skin against Championship side
Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Nikica Jelavic's first goal since moving to east London back in September
was good enough to send Slaven Bilic's team through to the next stage of the
competition, although a packed Boleyn Ground had to wait until five minutes
from the end of normal time to celebrate the game's only goal.

Until that point the 30-year-old striker, signed by West Ham on transfer
deadline day last September had been largely anonymous - although that could
equally apply to most, if not all of his teammates too. However he was in
the right place at the right time to convert Andy Carroll's delivery and
send Wolves tumbling out of the Cup.

Although he made a number of changes to his starting XI, Slaven Bilic
insisted prior to the game that the competition remains a priority. "Win a
Cup and I could hold it up!", he told the media when asked if he'd prefer to
win a trophy or qualify for the Champions League. And that was music to the
ears of Hammers fans who have been starved of success having witnessed West
Ham fail to lift a proper trophy for 35 years (1999's Intertoto Cup success
notwithstanding).

For a team with a notable FA Cup pedigree, West Ham's form in recent seasons
has been atrocious. The Hammers have progressed beyond the fifth round of
the competition just once since appearing in the 2005/06 Final a decade ago
- whilst having failed to get past the initial (third round) stage three
times in the last four years under Sam Allardyce, whose utter contempt for
the Cups was no secret.

Of course Lady Luck has a major role to play in any successful Cup run. Draw
the likes of Colchester or Peterborough at home in the next round and you
stand a good chance of progressing further; get a trip to The Emirates or
the City of Manchester Stadium and your chances are greatly reduced, even if
West Ham have won at both already this season!

Following Monday's evening's Cup draw (which takes place live on BBC1), it's
off to Bournemouth where West Ham will be attempting to make a better fist
of things than the last occasion upon which the two teams met. Back in
August, the Cherries secured a surprise 4-3 win at the Boleyn Ground in what
was only Bilic's third Premier League game.

Since that disappointment, West Ham have only been beaten twice in the
league (by Watford and Tottenham) - a run of 17 games and a very impressive
statistic to take into the second half of the campaign.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ch-ch-changes
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 11th January 2016
By: Staff Writer

Bournemouth go into tomorrow night's Premier League clash with West Ham
fully refreshed and raring to go - having played a 'B'-team against
Birmingham City in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Making no secret of where his immediate priorities lie, manager Eddie Howe
featured no less than TEN players who featured for Bournemouth's Under 21s
five days previously in the Cherries' 2-1 third round win at St Andrews.

Yet he insisted that his selection process did not "devalue" the
competition. "We're desperate to progress and we're desperate to win," he
said. "We have rotated squads in previous years and our record has been
good.

"The philosophy won't change and we'll look at giving some game time to
others, as we have to manage the squad well at this period of the year."

In addition to having rested his entire first XI at Birmingham, Howe also
welcomes new £10million signing Benik Afobe to his squad. The former Arsenal
youngster, signed from Wolves at the weekend would have featured against
West Ham on Saturday had his impending move to Dean Court not been on the
cards.

West Ham's 1-0 win over the Championship club was a game in which Slaven
Bilic was forced to utilise the likes of Andy Carroll and Dimitri Payet who,
like tomorrow night's opponents, would have been rested had the Hammers not
required a late goal to see off the challenge of the Wanderers.

However the manager praised those who came into the team and grabbed their
opportunity - such as match-winner Jelavic. "All the coaches and players are
extremely happy for Jela," he said.

"He is really respected and adored at the club because his work rate during
every training session and his professionalism on and off the pitch is
outstanding. His relationship with all the players is great."


Looking Ahead: Match Facts

* West Ham have lost just twice in the Premier League since losing 4-3 at
home to Bournemouth last August.

* Bournemouth's hat-trick hero from the previous meeting, Callum Wilson, is
unavailable due to injury.

* The last win on the road for West Ham came in the 3-1 win at Crystal
Palace in mid-October - since when Bilic's side have drawn three (at Man
Utd, Swansea and Aston Villa) and lost two (Watford, Tottenham).

* The hosts go into the game unbeaten at home since the beginning of
November, having beaten Man Utd and drawn with Everton and Crystal Palace
since.

* West Ham currently boast one of the meanest defensive records in the
league, having conceded just three goals in their last eight Premeir League
matches.

* Former Hammer Junior Stanislas is enjoying his most productive season yet,
having scored five times in 12 starts for the Cherries so far this season.

* West Ham have produced more defensive blocks than any other Premier League
side so far this season - 102 altogether.

* New signing Benik Afobe - who was born in Leyton, just a few miles from
Upton Park - has averaged a goal every two games this year, having scored 22
goals for Wolves since moving to Molineux in January 2015.

* Dimitri Payet is rated as the Premier League's seventh best player this
season so far by whoscored.com (average match rating of 7.59).

* Bournemouth go into the game fourth in the current form table (based on
the last six Premier League fixtures); West Ham are close behind in seventh.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vic hoping to kick
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 11th January 2016
By: Staff Writer

Victor Moses could be involved in Tuesday night's trip to Bournemouth after
returning to full training with the first team squad. The on-loan winger
enjoyed a reasonably productive opening half of the campaign but has been
out of action since the goalless draw at Old Trafford against Manchester
United on 8th December, during which he picked up a hamstring injury.
However Slaven Bilic confirmed this afternoon that Moses was back in
contention for a spot in the 18-man match day squad. "Victor is training
today with us," he said. "He has been out since Man Utd, and we'll see how
he's progressing."
And with regard to the squad's general injury status, Bilic confirmed that
there were no fresh concerns following Saturday's win over Wolves. "All the
guys who played on Saturday are fit," he confirmed. "We have a couple of
doubts for tomorrow's game but we will know more after training today.
[Enner] Valencia could be back. [Dimitri] Payet has come back and is fit. He
is looking good and sharp when he's come on. I think 99 per cent he will
start tomorrow." We'll have more for you from Bilic's pre-match press
conference shortly.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ExWHUEmployee Column: Jelavic set to leave! Zarate could follow. Zaza in?
January 10, 2016
westhamway.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee

So the Wolves game wasn't the greatest spectacle but we got the job done.
It was a solid performance and they didn't really bother us at all but again
this could be the strength of our defence. I thought Collins and this time
Reid were extremely good and dealt with any threat that they offered.
Another player who stood out for me was Obiang especially in the second
half. He really controlled the play and does his job quietly but
effectively.

Ok on to transfers as I know this is what you are most interested in. You
will read these stories in the papers and other sites within the next day so
please remember where they originated from as this is often forgotten. We
have to sell to buy. This is the theme that I have maintained throughout my
columns particularly because our wages are so high and at the limit. This
however is much more likely to happen now.

The person most likely to leave in January, and this will shock a few, is
Jelavic. He has received a big money offer from abroad and they have
offered him huge wages compared to what he is on now. This is obviously a
massive temptation for him and we do not want to stand in his way we just
want a bit more cash for his signature as we paid money to Hull. Jelavic
has played for two clubs this season (us and Hull) so it cannot be a team
whose season is running in line with ours. I cannot say the club and
league but it is one that offers big contracts. If this is the case it frees
up a lot of cash and a forward position. This is where we go for another
forward on loan with Zaza likely to be the number one option. There are
other targets on the list as well including a couple of forwards who we went
for last summer (these are not hard to work out).

The £20m forward that the insider also spoke of in his column plays abroad
too so he is unproven in England however he is a top talent and has scored
regularly in his current league which is of a good standard, he is highly
rated and has a great goalscoring record. We also have strong links to his
agent and the deal could happen despite the competition. I cannot reveal
who it is because it is far from being concluded yet despite him being
watched many times. We have some brilliant players on the target list and
it is so exciting. I have covered Byram and Tore in previous columns and
they are just two of many potential signings.

Another player who could leave is Zarate. We have had some distant interest
in him and the club would entertain a decent offer. His most likely
destination is Spain and if a club was to pay around £3-£5m we would accept
but we are not desperately looking to sell.

Yet another player who we had considered moving on and again this may shock
you is Alex Song. He hasn't been himself since he has returned and for me
this was shown in the Wolves game. He is now behind Lanzini, Kouyaye, Noble
and Obiang in the order and with Oxford coming through too his importance is
not seen as great as it once was. It is now unlikely he will be signed in
the summer but this could all change, the interest in him seems to have died
down though so he probably will not move in the January window.

We have also been watching a Derby County youngster who is extremely highly
rated and would be part of the academy for a few years first! It is great to
see Slaven valuing youth so much and seeing Samuelsen doing so well at
Peterborough. We are open to any youth player moving on loan and we expect
that there will be a few that go in January for vital experience.

The forum is the next project and we have two brilliant admins on board to
get that up and running. If you think you can bring something to the site
then please get in touch. If I don't reply it really isn't personal it is
just there is quite a large volume at the moment. Thanks for the support so
far and all feedback is appreciated.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bournemouth v West Ham preview: Benik Afobe set for Cherries debut
By Oliver Yew
Last Updated: 11/01/16 5:23pm
SSN

Bournemouth's record signing Benik Afobe could make his debut against West
Ham in the Premier League on Tuesday night. Afobe signed from Wolves for an
undisclosed fee and is the second signing of the January transfer window for
the Cherries after Juan Iturbe joined on loan from Roma. With or without
Afobe, Eddie Howe's side will be confident entering the match after just one
defeat in their last eight league games. But West Ham are unbeaten in their
last eight in all competitions and are currently just four points off a
Champions League spot.
Andy Carroll has scored in each of West Ham's last two Premier League
matches and will be looking to add to his tally despite rumours surrounding
his long-term future at the club.

Team news

Howe will be hoping Iturbe will be able to feature as he awaits confirmation
from the Premier League before he is eligible, but Tokelo Rantie (knock),
Josh King (muscle injury), Callum Wilson, Tommy Elphick and Max Gradel (all
knee injuries) all remain out of contention.

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic will check on Enner Valencia and Cheikhou Kouyate
ahead of the trip to Bournemouth. Winger Valencia and midfielder Kouyate
missed Saturday's FA Cup win over Wolves to rest minor knocks and will be
assessed ahead of kick-off. Victor Moses is back in training after a
hamstring injury but will not be involved while Manuel Lanzini and Diafra
Sakho (both thigh) are still out.

Opta stats

Bournemouth's 4-3 win over West Ham in August is their only competitive
victory in six attempts versus the Hammers (D2 L3).

Injured Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson scored three goals in their win
over West Ham in August - no other player has surpassed three goals for the
club in the season overall to date.

Dimitri Payet has created 49 goalscoring chances in the Premier League this
season and despite missing seven games through injury that is still 23 more
than any other West Ham player in 2015-16.

Andy Carroll has scored in his last two Premier League appearances for West
Ham - he's never scored in three successive appearances in the competition.

51 per cent of Andy Carroll's Premier League goals have been headers - only
two strikers to have scored 20+ goals in the competition have scored a
higher proportion with their heads (Kenwyne Jones, 55 per cent and Duncan
Ferguson, 53 per cent).

Cherries' midfielder Andrew Surman has completed the most passes in the
Premier League this season (1107).

Betting

Sky Bet make Bournemouth the 21/20 favourites with West Ham 13/5 and the
draw 12/5. The Cherries won a seven-goal thriller when the sides met at
Upton Park and can be backed at 100/30 to win with both teams scoring.

Bournemouth's new signing Benik Afobe could make his debut and the former
Wolves striker is the pick of Charlie Nicholas and Matt Le Tissier to net
the opening goal at 5/1.

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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic aware of threat posed by Benik Afobe
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 11/01/16 4:51pm
SSN

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic feels he does not need to do any research on
Bournemouth new boy Benik Afobe as he was expecting to face him in the FA
Cup on Saturday. Striker Afobe was due to be in the Wolves squad which
travelled to Upton Park at the weekend, only to be withdrawn ahead of his
move to Bournemouth for a fee in the region of £10m. Afobe began his career
at Arsenal before enjoying a prolific spell at Molineux and he could now
make his debut for the Cherries against Bilic's side in the Premier League
clash on Tuesday night.
"We were expecting him to play on Saturday so I have already watched him in
a few games, He's a very good player," Bilic said ahead of the game at the
Vitality Stadium. "They have also signed Juan Iturbe from Roma who is a
great winger. Bournemouth are thinking big, so well done to them. "They had
a lot of injuries and have done well to maintain good results without those
players, but they have probably been waiting for this transfer window."

Bournemouth ran out 4-3 winners at Upton Park in August, so Bilic knows what
to expect from Eddie Howe's men in the reverse fixture on the south coast.
They are a good side, they have been together a long time with the same
manager, and now they have added a couple of players who they needed," added
Bilic. "They are playing good football and the biggest thing is they don't
have negative pressure. They got promoted, and although it's important to
stay up, they are enjoying it. "You can see in the games every player is
positive, they are not afraid of the ball. They enjoy playing football.
"They are well organised, they are hard to beat, they run a lot and they did
it here when they beat us 4-3, so we are very aware of what to expect when
we play them."

As for players who might come to West Ham during the January transfer
window, Bilic was quick to refute the suggestion they are in the running to
sign QPR striker Charlie Austin. "Charlie Austin? That hasn't come from the
club," he said. "He's a good player, of course, but he was linked with most
of the clubs when they [QPR] got relegated. "We were among those clubs in
the summer but we chose other options, and now we are not looking for that
sort of player."

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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic confirms Hammers are NOT interested in signing
QPR striker Charlie Austin
20:40, 11 JAN 2016 UPDATED 21:01, 11 JAN 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The Hammers were among the clubs keeping tabs on the QPR striker, who scored
18 Premier League goals last season, in the summer
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic has confirmed West Ham are no longer interested in Charlie
Austin. The Hammers were among the clubs keeping tabs on the QPR striker,
who scored 18 Premier League goals last season, in the summer. QPR slapped a
£15m price tag on Austin, 26, which scared off a number of clubs. He is
available for half of that fee now with just six months to go on his Rangers
contract, which is set to run out at the end of the current campaign. But
with the likes of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, Michail Antonio, Nikica
Jelavic and Victor Moses arriving to bolster the Hammers' attack in the
summer Bilic is satisfied with his options. He said: "He (Austin) is linked
with most of the clubs when QPR got relegated. "We were among those clubs in
the summer but we have chosen other options. We're not looking at that
option."

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Ferdinand brothers to be reunited at Boleyn
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 11, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

The Ferdinand brothers will be reunited on the Boleyn Ground football pitch
one last time on 28th March. Anton Ferdinand has been the latest former
Hammer to confirm he has accepted an invitation from Mark Noble to be part
of his testimonial. He will join his brother Rio who was one of the first to
accept a place in the West Ham All Stars XI.

Anton tweeted out "Honoured that I've been asked to play in @Noble16Mark
testimonial what a player and a guy #MN16 can't wait to step out at Upton
Park again!!"

Danny Gabbidon has also confirmed his attendance on the 28th March posting
out "Honoured to have been asked to play in @Noble16Mark testimonial on
March 28th Worthy recognition for one of the best I've played with #MN16?

Anton and Danny join Joe Cole joins Jack Collison, Dean Ashton, Gary O'Neil,
Jimmy Walker, Ravel Morrison, Carlton Cole, Rio Ferdinand and Trevor
Sinclair who have all announced they will be taking part in Nobes' special
Easter day match. Paolo Di Canio is also thought to have been approached by
Noble and has accepted while Carlos Tevez and Gianfranco Zola have been
approached but have yet to confirm their availability.

On Friday a new twitter account called MN16 Testimonial ?@16MNOBLE on
twitter "We are hoping to get tickets on sale next week, we will keep you up
to date"

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Leroy answers the big question
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 11, 2016 in News, Whispers
Leroy Rosenior
C and H

It may not have been a great spectacle against Wolves but the Hammers showed
they are finding news ways to win and that's great. I knew the midlanders
would come and park the bus – that's what Kenny Jackett is about but in the
end we showed our quality and it was great just to get the job done. I've
said consistently that Jelavic isn't my kind of player and apart from the
goal he had little to offer but let's just be grateful for that winner. We
are now on a great undefeated run with another big game tomorrow evening.
I'll be bringing my preview of the match on the site tomorrow but in the
meantime let me answer the ongoing question. Wherever I go people are asking
me where I genuinely believe we will finish and for me it's simple. With
teams like Liverpool and Chelsea still struggling I reckon there is a
fantastic top six opportunity. I don't think we can look for more than that
but if it happens it would be entirely incredible although top six under a
new manager would be quite magnificent. I actually did something today which
I have never done in y life before – compared West Ham's squad with
Liverpool's – and there is no question that ours is better. To be perfectly
frank I can't believe how far we have come in the last year. We have a great
board, a very very good manager who is perfect for us, a great squad and
amazing fans. The feelgood factor is something else. We look good in all
areas.

COYI

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Irons talk on striker rumours
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 11, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Mauro Zarate still reportedly interests Spanish outfit Malaga although as
yet West Ham have had no contact from the club. The striker has apparently
been on the La Liga club's radar for some weeks but sources inside Upton
Park have told ClaretandHugh that whilst they are aware of the rumours there
has been no developments at all at this stage. Our top source told us:
"There is nothing from anywhere at the moment although we are of course
aware of the rumours." There has also been a suggestion from ClaretandHugh
columnist @ExWHUemployee at his site www.westhamway.co.uk that Nikica
Jelavic may be on his way to an unnamed foreign club. Our source told us
this morning that the possibility existed but that the chance of it
happening stood at about 25 per cent. The Hammers would be ready to allow
the player to move on should he receive a realistic offer but at this stage
there is no outcome.

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Sullivan enjoys "exciting times"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 11, 2016 in News
C and H

Chairman David Sullivan knows tomorrow night against Bounemouth will be very
tough pointing out the Cherries rested their entire team on Saturday in
preparation for the game. DS declared to www.whufc.com: The games are coming
thick and fast and we now quickly turn our attentions back to the Premier
League . Bournemouth rested their entire team in preparation for the game,
so its going to be a tough game, but hopefully we can keep out undefeated
eight game run going." And he added: "It was very pleasing to see the team
keep another clean sheet on Saturday – that is now five in our last seven
games and the whole defence should be given credit for the impressive job
they have done in recent weeks. With Winston Reid making a return to
first-team action on Saturday, we now have even more competition for places
which can only be a good thing for Slaven as we prepare for a busy week
heading to both Bournemouth and Newcastle. Any away points are good so two
would be an achievement but I don't see any reason why we couldn't get four
from those two games. If we're going to keep looking up the table that's
what we must aim for. These are very exciting times."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Doubts growing over Irons midfielder
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 11, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Alex Song's chances of joining the Irons on a permanent deal are receding.
With the Hammers so strong in the midfield area, Song's lack of form and
apparent fitness is counting strongly against him with each successive
match. The Hammers were very keen to give the player every chance of
claiming a long term deal at the end of the season by signing him to a loan
deal whilst still injured but he has so far been unable to find any real
form. It's come as a massive disappointment to club insiders one of who told
ClaretandHugh exclusively: "It's not happening at the moment for him but
he's a class player at his best "There is time for him to show us that he
can get back to the form of which we know he is capable. There are 18 games
left plus FA Cup ties. There's time but it needs to start happening soon."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING PATIENT AND TRUSTING - JELAVIC THE NEW MAIGA ?
By HamburgHammer 11 Jan 2016 at 08:00
WTID

Just to get this out early: I was one of the many overseas armchair fans who
was denied any glimpses of our cup game against Wolves. I couldn't have
watched the game anyway as I was out bowling (don't ask how I got on!) by
way of a birthday do organised by and staged on behalf om my sister in law.

I was hoping to catch some highlights later on, but for one reason or
another it wasn't to be. So I mainly have to rely on comments from fans who
were at the game, posted on WHTID or other blogs. By all accounts the game
was pretty dire and headed for a replay, but our Croatian backup striker
Jelavic apparently had other ideas, finishing off the tie with a clinical
strike after good service from striker mate Carroll.

Blind Hammer has already jumped to the defence of Jelavic in his marvellous
article yesterday. I'd like to revisit the issue with a specific conclusion
in mind. Jelavic is a prime example where people seem to make up their minds
incredibly swiftly. Maybe they've seen him play badly in a game or two.
Maybe they have an inherent dislike from incidents with the player, probably
when he was scoring against the Hammers for a previous club.

Whatever the reason, once a player ends up in the drawer marked "minging",
"pony" or "useless" it's awfully hard for that player to defy the label of
his drawer and win the critical fans over.

Something similar happened with Antonio with people expressing their doubts
over the money spent on the player and if he would ever be able to
contribute and make the step up to Premier League level eventually. A few
MOTM performances later Antonio is very much an accepted option for the
starting eleven and someone fans can get genuinely excited about. Anyone
remember Modibo Maiga (not to be confused with Mr.Miyagi from the Karate
Kid) ?

I had made it a habit to defend the player whenever possible when other fans
started mocking him. I was always of the opinion (and still am to this day)
that Maiga rarely was being played in his prefered position, that it was
difficult for him to develop any sort of team chemistry with his teammates
or build up a minimum degree of confidence.
Him leaving in the end was probably the best for both player and club, but
the point is: Sometimes circumstances make it hard for players to flourish.

Some need more time to adjust than others. Some hit the ground running,
others require a bit of patience, a vital goal, a decent assist, one stellar
performance to kickstart his career at a club. I'm not saying it'll always
happen for every single player in every situation. But I'd like to plead for
a bit of patience before discarding a player as a useless waste of a
player's registration. Let's make no mistake: Jelavic was brought to West
Ham after paying a very modest transfer fee and as nothing more than a
stop-gap and an insurance policy for the expected injury breakdown of Andy
Carroll (funnily enough Carroll looks pretty fit these days, with Sakho
taking over as our current striker who is the injury-troubled player for us
this season.

Jelavic is a back up, but what he offers is something different than what
our other strikers can provide. Jelavic will never be a thread with his
heading ability or be a physical presence like Carroll. He will not chase
and hunt down defenders like Valencia or Sakho. He will not direct a
freekick in the top corner with pinpoint precision like Zarate.

But when you watch the kind of goals Jelavic scored for Everton the none of
them was goal of the month material. He never ran past four or five players,
throwing dummies left, right and center, before nutmegging the goalie. But
he was a presence in the box, in the right space at the right time,
converting the chances provided by his teammates.

Most of Jelavic's goals looked inevitable, finishing off attacking moves by
his team. His goals were not spectacular, but he was there to put the ball
over the line, they all count as they say in football. I'd like to think
that Jelavic could do the same with our midfielders putting the ball near
Jelavic into the opposition's box.

All this may of course be academic as soon as Sakho returns into the mix. At
that point Jelavic may again be nothing more than a back up, maybe get some
minutes in cup games.

Is Jelavic the kind of striker good enough for the beginning of our era in
the Olympic Stadium ? Probably not. But I've seen a multitude of pretty
average or downright awful strikers at West Ham. Some were very underskilled
(Iain Dowie), others were highly skilled, but had a questionable attitude
(Florin Raducioiu anyone ?). In that respect I am glad that our fourth or
fifth striker is a player of Jelavic's quality. As it means that our other
strikers are much better.

As a final reminder of how premature and impatient we all can be let's think
of Darren Randolph for a bit. After one (!!!) below par performance in the
Europa League qualification stages people were hitting the panic button,
there was even a rumour of bringing back Robert Green to the club as
Randolph apparently would never cut it as a back up in the Premier League.

Fast forward a few months and Randolph has impressed whenever he has been
called into our team for league games and he's also firmly established
himself as Irelands Number Two. Let's not give up on players too early. What
may look like a minging excuse of a professional athlete may just be a
player needing slightly longer to find his feet or his perfect position on
the pitch. COYI!

PS. Latest rumours from the usually reliable ExWHUemployee seem to suggest
that Jelavic may leave in January due to having received a lucrative offer
from a wealthy club in a league the playing schedule of which doesn't
correspond with the Premier League. Could be a club in China, Qatar or maybe
Major League Soccer in USA ?
I'd still have no problem whatsoever having Jelavic at West Ham beyond the
January window.

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Where do these stories originate!! :) PeterR

Hammers keen to sign out-of-favour Gunner
Date: 11th January 2016 at 12:24 pm
Written by: Tony Merakli | Comments (1)
gunnersphere.com

West Ham are currently talking to Arsenal over the possibility of signing
Mikel Arteta, according to reports in Spain. The Arsenal captain has barely
featured for the Gunners this season due to his personal injuries and the
emergence of Francis Coquelin. And with his contract set to expire at the
end of the season, it's been suggested that Arsene Wenger will not offer him
a new deal to remain at the Emirates past the summer. Spanish publication
Fichajes now claims the Hammers are interested in the 33-year-old midfielder
and are willing to snap him up this month rather than on a free over the
summer, with Slaven Bilic keen to bolster his squad. I highly doubt Wenger
will allow Arteta to leave this month as the Frenchman is short of options
in midfield as it is. Although the Spaniard is not being used on a regular
basis in the Premier League, his services could prove handy for the
remainder of the season with the club still challenging in the FA Cup and
Champions League.

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West Ham United boss praises Wolves matchwinner Jelavic
GUardian Series

West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has praised Croatian striker Nikica
Jelavic after he fired the side to victory over Wolves. Jelavic netted the
winner in their 1-0 victory at home to the Championship side to send them
into tonight's FA Cup fourth round draw. Bilic told the club website: "I am
extremely glad, all the coaches and players are extremely happy for Jela.
"He is the one who is really respected and adored at the club because his
work rate during every training session, his professionalism on and off the
pitch is outstanding. His relationship with all the players is great." Bilic
continued: "His game is not only about scoring goals, he is very mobile, he
gives his best. "Some strikers might worry about scoring his first goal, and
it is important, but he never let it affect his confidence. It opened the
lock for us, at home, in the FA Cup; it will raise his confidence of
course."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic delighted as old friend Nikica Jelavic steps up
to seal narrow FA Cup victory over Wolves
By JAMES RESTALL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:40, 10 January 2016 | UPDATED: 23:24, 10 January 2016

This famous old tournament has a habit of conjuring up unlikely heroes, and
Nikica Jelavic joined that list at Upton Park. Making only his second start
for West Ham since joining from Hull in September, the striker cut a
peripheral figure leading the line against a dogged Wolves defence. At times
he was so isolated that at one point a rare touch in the opposition box
seemed to be greeted with ironic cheers. Yet Slaven Bilic, who brought
through Jelavic at Hajduk Split in their native Croatia before handing him
an international debut, persisted with the 30-year-old and the West Ham
manager's faith was rewarded when Jelavic struck a fierce half-volley five
minutes from time to clinch this tie. 'All the players and staff are
extremely glad,' said Bilic. 'I'm a little bit biased with Jela because I
know him from since he was in Hajduk Split academy. 'But he is the one that
is really well respected and almost adored at the club because of the
work-rate he has put in every second of every training session, his
professionalism on and off the pitch, his relationship with the players is
great and they are all delighted he scored.' Jelavic's goal against Kenny
Jackett's Championship side was his first in claret and blue, having last
scored in mid-August against Wolves for Hull. 'I don't know how many times
me and my staff have told him it is not only about goals because he is very
mobile and he gives his best,' added Bilic. 'But you know strikers, they are
always thinking, "When am I going to score the first goal?" 'So it is
extremely important for him to score this goal and open the locker —
especially in the FA Cup. It's going to boost his confidence.'

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United-Bournemouth match set to be a feast of attacking football
ESPN

Cheikhou Kouyate's goal wasn't enough to lift the Hammers to victory when
they faced Bournemouth in August. After successfully negotiating a 1-0
third-round FA Cup win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend, West Ham
United return to league action with a mid-week visit to Bournemouth. The
Hammers are currently enjoying an unbeaten seven match league run and have
only lost away twice this season, but Slaven Bilic and his men will still be
wary of a visit to Dean Court. Eddie Howe's team have already beaten West
Ham once this season, notching up an impressive 4-3 result at Upton Park in
August. On that day, Bilic saw his team overrun by Bournemouth's quick
counter-attacks and the Cherries have surprised a few teams since then.
However, although Howe has managed to coach his team to a respectable 16th
place in the table, Bournemouth have still suffered from a problem that
often bothers newly-promoted sides, with goals difficult to come by. Howe
knows his team will need to find the net more often in order for them not to
be drawn into the relegation scrap, but he has been hampered by long-term
injuries to a small squad. With striker Callum Wilson and winger Max Gradel
both out for a long period, Howe had to dip into the transfer market quickly
when the window opened. The highly-rated Bournemouth boss has done well to
secure the loan services of forward Juan Iturbe from Roma before completing
a move for promising striker Benik Afobe from Wolves for a reported £10
million fee. The latter move has been particularly interesting for the
Hammers. But for Bournemouth's interest in the player, Afobe probably would
have played for Wolves at Upton Park on Saturday. With Bilic's men labouring
to find any cohesion in the cup tie, Afobe may have proved a problem had he
played.

It looks as if the 22-year-old striker's chances of trying to pierce what
has recently been an obdurate Hammers defence has merely been delayed
however. Howe is likely to thrust Afobe straight into his line-up. Bilic
himself has received some good news himself on the injury front with Diafra
Sakho likely to return from a thigh injury sooner than expected. With Victor
Moses ready to join the squad as soon as this weekend, the Hammers' only
long-term problem seems to be Manuel Lanzini. With Andy Carroll coming off
the bench to good effect against Wolves, it's likely Bilic will start with
the big striker against Bournemouth with Dimitri Payet also starting a game
for the first time since he was injured against Everton in early November.
Bournemouth will surely find West Ham tougher opponents than when they met
back in August -- Bilic's defence have found a cohesion they lacked that day
-- and the Croatian will not want to see Bournemouth do a double over his
team. Everything points to this fixture being a feast of attacking football.

Peter Thorne, aka Billy Blagg (@BillyBlaggEsq), is the author of a regular
column at WestHamOnline.net and the East London Guardian.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com