Daily WHUFC News - 16th December 2017

Stoke City v West Ham United: All you need to know
WHUFC.com

West Ham United travel to Stoke City on Saturday for a third Premier League
contest in a week.

Read on for all you need to know ahead of this weekend's fixture with the
Potters.

Where and when?

West Ham United will play Stoke City on Saturday 16th December at the bet365
Stadium.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm.

How to follow:

Unfortunately, due to being a Saturday 3pm kick-off the match is not
available for viewing in the UK. For worldwide broadcast schedules, click
here.

Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter
account.

You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com.

You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels.

Meet the opposition:

0:24

Team news:

David Moyes will offer an update on his available squad ahead of the Stoke
City clash on Friday afternoon.

The manager's press conference will begin at Rush Green at 1pm.

What they say:
"It's difficult at Stoke, but this is a big chance to get three points up
there. We needed to change attitudes and the way we approach games is much
better than before."
Angelo Ogbonna
Match Officials:

Referee: Graham Scott
Assistant Referees: Richard West and Marc Perry
Fourth Official: Neil Swarbrick

Last five meetings:

0:39

How to get there:

Stoke Railway Station is just over two miles away from the bet365 Stadium,
with shuttle buses running from Glebe Street every 15 minutes before the
game.

By Train
Leave the M6 at Junction 15, following the A500 for Stoke. Follow signs for
A50 towards Derby and then follow signposts for the Stadium.

By Car

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Noble: A win at Stoke would top off a fantastic week!
WHUFC.com

Mark Noble says West Ham United need to 'top off a fantastic week' with a
Premier League victory at Stoke City. The Hammers head to the bet365 Stadium
on the back of a victory over champions Chelsea and deserved draw with
Arsenal at London Stadium. Now, the captain has challenged his team to make
it seven points in as many days by beating Mark Hughes' side in the
Potteries. "We needed results and the last two we got against two of the
best teams in the league," he said. "It's been fantastic, but now we have to
go and beat Stoke away. "They're in a similar position to us and we need to
get three points there, and it would top off a fantastic week."
While West Ham's improved showings against the Premier League's big guns
have seen positivity spread around Rush Green, Noble knows that will mean
nothing if they come up short at Stoke. And, with winnable games to follow
against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and West Bromwich Albion, the No16
is hoping to celebrate a happy Christmas. "I would agree [the next two games
are bigger than the three we've just had]. We need to pick up some more
points and keep clean sheets, and try to score some goals. "It is going to
be a battle but I think anywhere from ninth or tenth downwards, if you get a
couple of wins, you're back up with them. This league, at the minute, is so
tight, but we're looking a lot stronger. If we can keep that form going into
these couple of games I'm sure we will be fine."

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Chicharito aiming to boost impressive Stoke goal record
WHUFC.com

Chicharito is hopeful of continuing his impressive goal record against Stoke
City when West Ham United travel to the bet365 Stadium on Saturday. The
Mexican striker has previously played against the Potters on nine occasions
and Chicharito has boasted five goals and two assists in those matches.
David Moyes takes his West Ham side up the M6 this weekend to play Stoke, on
the back of collecting four points in the last two games – against Chelsea
and Arsenal respectively.
Chicharito came off the bench and almost won the game against Arsenal with a
late curling effort, which crashed down off the cross-bar and onto the goal
line, and the 29-year-old is hoping to boost his personal tally against the
Potters should he get a chance to play. "I want to have minutes on the
pitch, obviously," Chicharito told whufc.com: "As soon as I get any minutes
I will do my very best, as always, and hopefully I can keep my good record
against Stoke going. "Most importantly, we have to get the three points.
It's going to be a tough match. Both teams are fighting but we are
improving. We're getting better although we will need to score more goals to
get the points."

A tricky period, during which West Ham played three of last season's top
five in Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, ended with the Hammers
claiming a credible four points – the only loss coming in a gallant effort
at the Etihad Stadium. After this weekend's contest with Stoke the Hammers
take on Newcastle and West Brom at London Stadium, with a Boxing Day trip to
Bournemouth sandwiched between. All four of these opponents currently sit
within just two points of the Hammers in the Premier League table, with all
but Bournemouth – who sit 14th - occupying the bottom quarter of the
division. And Chicharito recognises that the next four matches against these
teams, which will be played as a part of a busy festive schedule, is a
crucial part of West Ham's campaign. "It's a very important period now.
Christmas time is always a tough part of the season with a lot of games but
we want to get as many points as we can, starting against Stoke, because we
want to climb up the table."

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Defender Doneil Henry departs
WHUFC.com

West Ham United can confirm that Doneil Henry has departed the Club after
his contract was cancelled by mutual consent. The Canada defender spent
nearly three years in east London, making his sole first-team appearance in
the UEFA Europa League defeat at Romanian club Astra Giurgiu in August 2015.
The 24-year-old was also twice loaned to Blackburn Rovers and once to Danish
club AC Horsens. West Ham United would like to thank Doneil for his efforts
and wish him every success with his future career.

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Antonio: It's a very key period for our season
WHUFC.com

Michail Antonio says West Ham United are entering a 'very key period' in
their 2017/18 Premier League season. The Hammers kick-off a string of four
straight matches against teams in the bottom half with a trip to Stoke City
on Saturday, followed by home games with Newcastle United and West Bromwich
Albion either side of a Boxing Day fixture at AFC Bournemouth. And Antonio
knows that, while taking four points out of six from Chelsea and Arsrenal
this week gave David Moyes' side a boost, they need to keep the momentum up
as the calendar flips over to the New Year. "It's a very key period," the
No30 confirmed. "Picking up points from teams in the top six was important,
but the games we've got coming up are even more important because they are
against teams who are around us and beating them will help us get up the
table. "We definitely feel we should be picking up points from the next four
Premier League games."

Antonio himself will be vital to West Ham's cause over the coming weeks. The
27-year-old has moved into a centre forward role under Moyes, using his
speed, strength and work-rate to occupy opposition defenders. Now, the man
whose only goal of the season so far came in the draw at Burnley in October,
has vowed to hit the back of the net on a more regular basis going forward.
"I am definitely enjoying my more advanced role. I am the sort of player who
likes to get on the ball and run at defenders and this is giving me the
opportunity to. "In the last few games, I've not really been able to do that
as much as I'd have liked to because of the quality of the teams we were
playing against but, in the future, I hope to get on the ball more and
hopefully score and create some more goals. "It definitely takes a game or
two to get up to full speed and I'm definitely getting there back to 100 per
cent."

The England call-up has not been the only attacker to give everything for
his team as the Hammers attempt to climb clear of the bottom three. Marko
Arnautovic, who returns to his old club for the first time since his summer
move to east London, and Arthur Masuaku have also caught the eye with their
all-round contributions. Antonio, for one, has been impressed. "Marko and
Arthur have both been outstanding for us. Arthur's feet and dribbling
ability have been driving us out and up the field and Marko has shown his
energy and got a great goal for us last weekend with his left foot. "Both
are using their pace and power to help the team."

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We must show Stoke the 'new' West Ham - Adrian
WHUFC.com

Adrian says he and his teammates must show that the 'new' West Ham United is
here to stay when they take on Stoke City this weekend. The Irons will move
above Stoke and potentially out of the relegation zone if David Moyes's side
can collect the win on their trip to the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, and
head into the match in good form having picked up four points from the
matches with Chelsea and Arsenal. Adrian has been a huge aspect of West
Ham's recent improvements, keeping clean-sheets in the last two matches, and
the Spaniard wants to see that run continue against the Potters. The
30-year-old believes the team have shown themselves to be a 'new' West Ham
and is eager for a positive result versus Stoke. "The last three games were
really important and we did well, but now we have to be really focused
against Stoke," Adrian said: "It will be a totally different game and we
have to show we are a new West Ham against them. Stoke are always hard to
play but we have to show we're in a positive way. In the last few games
we've proven a lot. "Everything is very tight in the Premier League. We have
to take it game by game but we have confidence in our squad to get good
results and a good run over the Christmas period."

Adrian has taken delight in his efforts for the Hammers so far but insists
the turnaround in form is not down to him alone, highlighting the effort of
the entire team. He continued: "For me, as a goalkeeper, it's really
important to keep clean-sheets, especially against the big teams. It's
massive. Obviously, we have defended with 11 players and we showed on the
pitch we can keep a good, solid shape. We have to keep fighting now. "We
have to show every weekend that West Ham is a different team now. We are
defending like a team. Attacking as a team. At the end of the day we can do
nothing individually. "I could make one save but the other team could still
score four goals. The defenders could head away one ball but then make two
mistakes. We have to work as a team."
Adrian has started West Ham's last three Premier League games, replacing Joe
Hart in the starting XI, but the No13 is adamant that he and the England
international have a good relationship – one that is competitive and drives
each of them to be even better. "At the moment, I feel really happy. I'm
back in the team and I'm helping the side by making saves," Adrian
explained. "I knew from the of the season it would be hard work for me but
I knew as well that I would have an opportunity to play. I showed in the Cup
I could play well and then at Man City. "The goalkeeping position is like
this – only one can play. West Ham have two great and professional
goalkeepers who are competitive and want to fight for the spot. "I have a
great relationship with Joe. We train everyday together and we are
competitive in training. a good goalkeeper and I like the competition. No
competition is no good for anyone. From the beginning of the season we've
pushed each other."

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Moyes: Positive energy, Stoke away and Marko proving his worth
WHUFC.com

David Moyes was all smiles as he sat down to meet the press ahead of
Saturday's Premier League trip to Stoke City. The West Ham United manager
has instigated an uplift in form in recent weeks, with the Hammers following
up an impressive showing at Manchester City by defeating champions Chelsea
and holding Arsenal to a draw. Now, Moyes has challenged his players to
continue their resurgence by scoring their first away win of the season at
the bet365 Stadium, where former Potters star Marko Arnautovic will play
against his former club...

Our recent performances have given everyone a lift

We've definitely felt positive energy and an uplift around the place these
last couple of days. Anybody who beats Chelsea and gets a result against
Arsenal, especially with the position we're in, it's a real positive. We've
still got to climb the table, so we've got to win an awful lot more games.
We can pat ourselves on the back and say how well the players have done, but
overall we've still got a lot of games to go and we've got to win them." The
players are always the ones who have to perform and show the right attitude
and desire. They have started to gain belief and, because of that, they've
started to do good things. We want to play much better, we know that, but
first and foremost we are taking small steps and the first was to stop
conceding goals. That's the start.

We're learning on the job – and fast!

I know we had to make an impact really quickly and make something happen and
we've said right from the start that this is a bit of a rush job. We're
having to do everything very quickly and trying to get as much work into the
players as we can, which ideally we would have done in five or six
pre-season friendlies so we could have got the understanding and know them.
We didn't have them, so we're having to learn on the job a little bit. But
I've got to say the players are learning on the job as well and I think
they've done a really good job in the recent games.

Stoke away has always been tough, and will be again on Saturday

Stoke City has always been a tough place to play at any time. Mark Hughes
has done a great job over the years and it's a tough game. They've got some
really good senior players who they can call on at any time and we also know
they have ability in other areas, so we know it's a tough game. We can see
Stoke's recent results but I can only say that we're going there buoyant, in
good form, we feel good and we've got to go there and try and get a result.
At the moment, we need results. Stoke are in a better position than us, so
we have got to try and climb the table. It'll be bit by bit. We're still
trying to get to know our players exactly and blend everybody in but,
overall, we go there in good form and in a good mindset. We want to get away
from the bottom end. We've probably taken some points people didn't expect
in recent games, so if we can build on that and pick up and get a bit of
momentum going, it will help us. Talk can be cheap, though, and we've got to
show it. I'm sure the players will. I'm confident we can go there and get a
result.

Stoke know Marko well, but he'll be determined to show they what they are
missing

Marko Arnautovic has proved his worth in recent games. He's scored a good
winning goal against Chelsea and you need players who can make the
difference and can win you games. Marko has played well. His work-rate has
been terrific and that's the first thing we want from him. Everybody at
Stoke knows him and know how good a player he is, and that's why he got a
move from Stoke to West Ham and that's why Stoke got a really good price for
him as well, because they know what he is capable of. We want him to do it
regularly and in recent games he has done it very well.

We've got no time to party!

The suggestion of the players holding a Christmas party has not been brought
to me, so there's nothing happening here. I don't think we're in a position
where we need to have a party, but I hope we have a good one at the end of
the season. I certainly won't let the players down if they do what is
required between now and then!

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West Ham boss Moyes keen to make January acquisitions
WHUFC.com

David Moyes says West Ham United will be looking to bring in players who can
improve his starting XI straight away during the January transfer window.
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan wrote in Wednesday's Official Programme that
fans 'can be rest assured that two or three new players will be brought in
to improve the team' and the manager echoed those words in his pre-Stoke
City press conference. "I hope it is busy, the January window. In recent
years, it hasn't been as busy as people had made it out to be but it's not
the easiest month [to do transfer business]," he began. "I would like to add
to the squad if we can do and I think it's really important that we try and
get players who we think can make a difference and can give us people who
can more or less go straight into the team. But that's not the easiest thing
to do."

Moyes has 22 senior players in his first-team squad, while 20-year-old Toni
Martinez and teenagers Declan Rice, Domingos Quina, Sead Haksabanovic, Ben
Johnson and Nathan Trott have all been involved in matchday 18s this season.
With the Hammers sitting in the bottom three going into Saturday's game at
Stoke City, the Scot is keen to bolster his options next month. Speaking of
this weekend's trip to the bet365 Stadium, Moyes says the exertions of
beating Chelsea and drawing with Arsenal have left his players with a few
bumps and bruises. "Squad-wise, we have got a few doubts, as everybody else
has at the end of a three-game week and a tough period. We've also got one
or two people on the way back, who aren't quite ready yet. "It's a difficult
time and lots of games mean you won't always have all your players
available."

While he may be without one or two regulars, including the suspended Winston
Reid, Moyes is feeling upbeat after a productive first month in charge in
east London. The Hammers recovered from defeats by Watford and Everton to
score creditable draws with Leicester City and Arsenal, either side of a
fantastic home win over the champions. "I'm smiling and that tells you how I
feel. I've really enjoyed it. The people here have made me really welcome.
It's the first time I've been this far down south and it's been good. "The
players have helped because the players have bought into everything we're
trying to do with their attitude and their determination. It's been really
good and working with them has been excellent."

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Hammers exit Youth Cup at third round stage
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's U18s were eliminated at the third round stage of the FA
Youth Cup on Friday night when Blackpool were 1-0 winners in Dagenham. A
goal from substitute Emil Jaaskelainen – son of former Hammers stopper Jussi
– was enough to separate the two sides and the hosts crashed out of the
competition in their first tie for the fifth season running. There was a
frantic finale at the Chigwell Construction Stadium in which two penalties
were awarded and a red card shown, but it was eventually a night that ended
in disappointment for those in Claret and Blue. But it was the hosts,
starting the likes of U23 regulars Domingos Quina and Ben Johnson, who were
dominant in the opening period. A series of early set-pieces came to nothing
but on 27 minutes, Steve Potts and Mark Phillips' side had their first shot
in anger as Rosaire Longelo dragged his effort just wide. The winger had
another attempt on goal a minute later and came a touch closer, though Craig
Thodarson in the Blackpool goal was not troubled. Soon after, Bernardo Rosa
collected Sean Adarkwa's pass inside the box and swivelled to shoot, but his
smart attempt was collected easily by the visiting stopper. Six minutes into
the second period, with West Ham continuing to press, Quina was not too far
away as he had a go from near the halfway line – something he is not new to
having scored against Leicester City from distance last campaign – but this
time his shot flew just over. Hammers keeper Bobbie Biddle was called into
action for the first time on the hour mark, tipping a fierce Rowan Roache
strike over the bar, but Blackpool began to mount some pressure and it told
with a quarter of an hour remaining.
Josh Okotcha was caught in possession midway into his own half and Owen
Watkinson, stealing it from the centre-back, did superbly to find sub
Jasskelainen who tapped home easily from close range. Potts and Phillips'
men were forced to go in search of an equaliser hastily, and they had the
opportunity to level the scores when the referee spotted a handball inside
the box with eleven minutes left. But Quina stepped up from 12 yards and was
denied, Thodarson diving to his left to push the Portuguese midfielder's
tame effort away. There were yet more twists to the tale. Soon it was
Blackpool's turn to try their luck from the spot – Ben Johnson tripped
Watkinson and another penalty was awarded, but the visitors' Roache hit the
crossbar and the advantage remained at just one goal. Moments later, Alfie
Lewis was sent off after an off-the-ball coming together in the middle of
the park and despite West Ham's best efforts to take the game into
extra-time, Blackpool – who will face Southampton in the fourth round – held
on to advance in the Youth Cup.

West Ham United: Biddle, Johnson, Okotcha (E. Longelo 83), Wells, Hannam,
Coventry, R. Longelo, Quina, Lewis, Rosa, Adarkwa.
Subs not used: Mingi, Forde, El Mhassani, Chesters.
Red cards: Lewis 90

Blackpool: Thodarson, Jacobson, Winstanley (Williams 84), Newton, Avon,
Sumber, Adarkwa, Roache, Dunn (Jaaskelainen 67), Watkinson (Wainwright
90+1), Shaw.
Subs not used: Simson, Flynn.
Goals: Jaaskelainen 75

Bookings: Roache 69

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Stoke City v West Ham United
SAT 16 DEC 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: bet365 Stadium

TEAM NEWS
Stoke defender Kurt Zouma will miss the visit of West Ham because of a
hamstring injury that forced his substitution in midweek. Glen Johnson is
still nursing a knee problem, while Jese Rodriguez and Bruno Martins Indi
remain unavailable.

West Ham are without Winston Reid, who must serve a one-match ban for
accumulating five bookings. James Collins or Declan Rice will deputise,
while Edimilson Fernandes could return from an ankle injury.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
John Murray: "It has been a sharply contrasting week for the two clubs to
have conceded more goals than anyone else in the Premier League this season.
"Stoke have endured two away defeats and an uncomfortable experience at a
railway station, when some supporters told the players exactly what they
thought of them. "For West Ham, it has been four points from two home
matches against the league champions and the FA Cup holders. "Two clean
sheets in those matches will have particularly pleased manager David Moyes.
In the dog-eat-dog world in which they exist he won't be able to afford any
sympathy for opposite number Mark Hughes, for whom the managerial bell is
undoubtedly tolling."

Twitter: @bbcjohnmurray

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes: "I don't do relegation. I've never been
relegated because I'm too busy trying to get in top 10s. "I've never been
near it so I'm not going to start now, am I? "We're just one of seven or
eight [clubs] possibly that are not quite where they want to be, but we've
got the means to do something about that because we've got good players."

West Ham manager David Moyes: "I've definitely felt an uplift around the
place. We've still got to win a lot more games and climb the table. "We can
pat ourselves on the back, but we've got a long way to go. "The players have
started to gain belief and have started to do good things. We want to play
much better, but we are taking small steps."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Stoke's performance in their 1-0 defeat against Burnley on Tuesday was much
better than the result. If they play like that again, they should get
something to show for it.

Prediction: 1-1

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

Stoke are unbeaten in all eight Premier League games against West Ham under
Mark Hughes (W3, D5).
The Potters could equal their longest top-flight unbeaten run against West
Ham - nine matches from 1964 to 1968.
The Hammers have not won in four Premier League trips to Stoke since a 1-0
victory in March 2013.
Stoke City

They have lost four of their last five league matches, with their only win
in seven fixtures coming at home to bottom-of-the-table Swansea.
The Potters have 16 points after 17 matches, their lowest tally at this
stage of a Premier League season.
They have earned just 41 points from their last 41 league games under Mark
Hughes (W10, D11, L20).
Stoke have the worst defensive record in the division, conceding 36 goals
and only keeping two clean sheets. West Ham have the next worst record,
having let in 32 goals.
Peter Crouch needs one goal to become Stoke's outright all-time leading
Premier League scorer. He is level with Jonathan Walters on 43 goals.
Mame Biram Diouf will celebrate his 30th birthday on the day of this match.
West Ham United

The Hammers have earned four points from their last two games, one point
more than in the previous eight attempts.
David Moyes could go three matches unbeaten in the Premier League for the
first time since March 2014, when he was at Manchester United.
However, West Ham have only managed one victory in 10 league matches (D4,
L5).
They have failed to win any of their nine away games in the division this
season, losing the last three. The Hammers haven't lost four successive
league away matches in the same season since a five-match streak between
November 2013 and January 2014.
Javier Hernandez has scored five Premier League goals against Stoke. He has
only fared better against Wigan, with six goals.
If Mark Noble features, he will become the first player to make 300 Premier
League appearances for West Ham. He made his Premier League debut in a 3-1
home victory against Mark Hughes' Blackburn Rovers in August 2005.
Marko Arnautovic scored 26 goals in 145 appearances for Stoke before joining
West Ham in the summer.

SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-0 Probability of draw: 27%
Probability of home win: 48% Probability of away win: 25%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale
at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of
football matches.

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International defender leaves 'by mutual consent'
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th December 2017
By: Staff Writer

Canadian international central defender Doneil Henry had left West Ham -
after making just one senior appearance in three years. The 24-year-old has
reached an agreement with West Ham to terminate his three-and-a-half-year
contract - that was due to expire at the end of the season - six months
early. Henry, who was signed on Sam Allardyce's watch on the recommendation
of former Toronto manager Ryan Nelsen, joined West Ham in January 2015 for
an undisclosed fee.
Nelsen, speaking at the time, insisted that the defender would become a
first-class defender. "He'll go to the top," he said. "There's no question
about that. He's got all the tools." Sadly Henry's career was derailed a
matter of weeks later when, whilst playing for Blackburn Rovers on loan, he
sustained a serious hamstring injury that kept him out of action for several
months. He returned to make his first team debut for West Ham in the 2-1
Europa Cup tie defeat at Astra Giurgiu in August of that year under Slaven
Bilic, but that was to prove his one and only performance for the club.

West Ham's top ten 'one-hit wonders'

1. Ray Houghton: vs Arsenal, 1982
2. Mauricio Taricco: vs Millwall, 2004
3. Gavin Holligan: vs Liverpool, 1999
4. Sasa Ilic: vs Charlton, 2000
5. Rob Jones: vs FC Jokerit, 1999
6. Doneil Henry: vs Astra Giurgiu, 2015
7. Seb Lletget: vs Nottingham Forest, 2014
8. Lee Boylan: vs Sheffield Wednesday, 1997
9. Ralph Milne: vs Derby County, 1990
10. Hogan Ephraim: vs Sheffield Wednesday, 2005

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300 up for Noble
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th December 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham captain Mark Noble is poised to make his 300th Premier League
appearance at the bet365 Stadium this weekend. If selected, Noble will have
reached the landmark 13 years after making his debut for the club in a 2nd
round Carling Cup tie against Southend (which the Hammers won 2-0). And new
manager David Moyes, who has only worked with Noble for a matter of weeks,
insisted that it was a "great achievement", given that the 30-year-old has
spent his entire career at one club. "He's played well for us," Moyes told
the media at his Stoke pre-match presser this lunchtime. "He's captain and
is making sure all the players are doing the right thing. It's a great
achievement for him and I hope he continues to do it for us." Meanwhile the
man himself admitted that he would be delighted to record a positive result
at Stoke tomorrow - the perfect way to cap his own personal achievement and
a great week for West Ham. "We needed results and the last two we got
against two of the best teams in the league," Noble told whufc.com. "It's
been fantastic, but now we have to go and beat Stoke away. They're in a
similar position to us and we need to get three points there. "This league,
at the minute, is so tight. We need to pick up some more points, keep clean
sheets and try to score some goals. It would top off a fantastic week."

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West Ham's David Moyes keen to add to squad in transfer window
By Katie Shanahan
Last Updated: 15/12/17 4:21pm
SSN

West Ham manager David Moyes says despite their positive results against
Chelsea and Arsenal, they still have to win an awful lot more games. David
Moyes says he hopes next month's transfer window is "busy" as West Ham will
be looking to add to their squad. Joint-chairman David Sullivan has also
hinted to fans that two or three new players will be brought into the team,
which the Scot echoed in his press conference ahead of Stoke City. Despite
the Hammers beating Chelsea 1-0 and holding Arsenal to a goalless draw in
the week, they still sit in the bottom three ahead of Stoke, something Moyes
wants to change. "I hope it is busy, the January window," Moyes said. "In
recent years, it has not been as busy as people had made it out to be. But
it is not the easiest month (to do transfer business).
"I would like to add to the squad if we can do," he added. "I think it is
really important that we try and get players who we think can make a
difference and can give us people who can more or less go straight into the
team. But that is not the easiest thing to do." Speaking about their recent
run of form, Moyes said: "Definitely, anybody who beats Chelsea and anybody
who gets a result against Arsenal, especially in the position we are in
would see it as a real positive. "We have still got to climb the table, so
we still have to win an awful lot more games. We can pat ourselves on the
back for the performances and how well the players have done. "But overall,
we still have a lot of games to go and we have got to win them."
West Ham could pull clear of the relegation zone with a victory against
Stoke. However, Stoke are unbeaten in all eight Premier League games against
West Ham under Mark Hughes. Aware of the challenge ahead, Moyes said: "Stoke
is a tough place to play at any time. But, we are going their buoyant, we
are in good form, we feel good and we are going to try and go there and get
a result."

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Former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says David Sullivan wrong to make him a
scapegoat over transfer policy
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 16/12/17 8:29am
SSN

Slaven Bilic says West Ham co-owner David Sullivan was wrong to criticise
two of the club's players and accused him of not telling the truth over
transfer policy.
In an interview with The Guardian this month, Sullivan blamed former West
Ham manager Bilic for the signings of Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass whilst
taking the credit for more successful deals such as Dimitri Payet and Manuel
Lanzini. Bilic was sacked as West Ham manager last month after the club had
won just two of their first 11 league games and Sullivan, who replaced Bilic
with David Moyes, admitted in the interview he should have sacked the Croat
in the summer. But Bilic has now responded to Sullivan's claims, explaining
the inner workings of the club's transfer strategy. Bilic told the Daily
Mail: "West Ham is my club, I am not afraid of confrontation but I don't
want it with people I got on with for two years. "But again I have to say
something. To say all the good players were him, and the bad signings were
me is kind of low. And it's simply not true. "I don't want to praise myself
but if you ask about Lanzini, I knew about him since he was at River Plate a
few years ago, I wanted to take him to Besiktas. At that time, he was too
much money and went to Al Jazira. "Let's be honest, who knew about Lanzini
before he came to England? Nobody knew and that includes the chairman. But I
never treated the signings like that, like they are my players or your
players. No, they were all our players, collective responsibility. "There
were three of us: the chairman, myself and Tony Henry (director of player
recruitment). Agents would call any of us and we shared the information. I
knew about Payet for a long time. The chairman told me he'd had a call about
a player from Marseille. I said which one, and he said Payet. I said, "Yes,
don't think twice". "I am not going to take credit for everything but I
don't want to take all the blame either. "Fonte and Snodgrass came in
January. We were losing Payet and (Angelo) Ogbonna was having an operation,
and of course the budget was limited. So we got those two new players. "To
criticise them is unfair. They came to a club in a difficult situation and
helped us finish 11th so they played their part."
Asked why he thought Sullivan decided to say those comments, Bilic said:
"Maybe he felt he had to justify, not sacking me, but the appointment of
Moyes."

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Stoke v West Ham preview: Marko Arnautovic will get frosty reception, says
Mark Hughes
Last Updated: 16/12/17 7:48am
SSN

Stoke boss Mark Hughes does not anticipate Marko Arnautovic getting a great
reception when he returns to the Potters for the first time since leaving
the club for West Ham in the summer. The Austrian departed Stoke one year
into a four-year deal, stating at the time that it was an easy decision to
leave the bet365 Stadium, which did not go down well with supporters. "I
don't think he'll get a good reception," said Hughes. "There's no bad
feelings from my point of view. I would imagine maybe the circumstances of
the transfer will be fresh in people's minds but he did great here. "He's a
good guy, good player, seems to be coming into a little bit of form for West
Ham, which is a little bit of a worry because we know what he can produce.
But hopefully he won't have an influential game."
David Moyes will be hoping his side can build on the win over Chelsea and
draw with Arsenal in the last week, but West Ham will have to do it without
Winston Reid.

Team news

Stoke will be without Kurt Zouma for the Premier League match against West
Ham. The on-loan Chelsea centre-back limped out of the midweek defeat at
Burnley with a hamstring injury. Defender Bruno Martins Indi (groin) and
full-back Glen Johnson (knee) are also unavailable. On-loan Paris St Germain
forward Jese is expected to return next week after travelling to Gran
Canaria to be with his ill baby son and midfielder Stephen Ireland continues
his recovery from a double leg fracture.
Manager Mark Hughes did not seem worried about his future at Stoke, as he
believes if they keep putting in consistent performances the owners will be
happy.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes says he is unconcerned about his future at the club,
as he believes the owners will see the effort his players are putting in

West Ham will be without Winston Reid through suspension for the trip to
Stoke. The defender picked up a fifth caution during the midweek draw
against Arsenal, and so must serve a one-match ban. Midfielder Cheikhou
Kouyate is back in training following a hamstring injury, so could be in
line for a return while forward Edimilson Fernandes will be assessed on an
ankle problem and defender Jose Fonte (ankle) also continues his
rehabilitation.

Opta stats
Stoke are unbeaten in all eight Premier League games against West Ham under
Mark Hughes (W3 D5 L0).
But Stoke City have made their worst start to a Premier League after 17
games, winning just 16 points (W4 D4 L9).
Stoke City have won just 41 points from their last 41 Premier League matches
under Mark Hughes (W10 D11 L20).
No side has kept fewer clean sheets in the Premier League this season than
Stoke (2 - level with Crystal Palace).

West Ham have won just one of their last 16 Premier League away matches (W1
D6 L9) and none of their last nine on the road in the competition (W0 D3
L6).
David Moyes has overseen a win against Chelsea and a draw with Arsenal in
his last two Premier League games as West Ham boss - he hasn't gone three
unbeaten in the Premier League since March 2014 while at Manchester United.
Javier Hernandez has scored five Premier League goals against Stoke City,
only scoring more against Wigan Athletic in the competition (6).
Saido Berahino has scored three PL goals against West Ham, his joint-highest
tally versus a team alongside Crystal Palace and Sunderland. However,
Berahino, who hasn't featured since November 4, has gone 32 hours and 14
minutes without a Premier League goal.

Merson's prediction
What a week for West Ham, phenomenal. Just got beaten by Manchester City,
beat Chelsea, draw with Arsenal, and don't let in a goal in the last two
games. Who would have thought that would happen in a month of Sundays? I saw
them at Everton a few weeks ago and they got smashed. But Stoke need to win
this game and I don't like going against them at home. Their form recently
has not been good but this is a must-win game. Mark Hughes will be under
even more pressure from the fans if they don't win.

I like Mark. You have to take into consideration that they sold one of their
best players in Marko Arnautovic and didn't really buy anybody. One of their
best players now is Peter Crouch, who is 36. It looks to me like they have
gone 'we are just going to stay up, what's the point in spending £80m or
£90m, we are not going to get anywhere'.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-0 (6/1 with Sky Bet)

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MICHAIL ANTONIO - NEARING TALISMANIC STATUS?
By Goatygav 15 Dec 2017 at 17:00
WTID

You just know when you miss certain players. Something about their play
makes such a significant contribution that, when it's not there, there's a
vital ingredient absent from the mix. That little bit of 'magic' that sparks
the team. In the case of Michail Antonio I'm of the genuine belief that he's
a player who affects West Ham to that degree.

In the last three games, where many of us held little hope of West Ham
putting any points on the board, Antonio has been an outlet to take pressure
off our defence. So often he turns defence in to attack with his driving
runs that he has become a target for the 'out ball' when needed. Perhaps
lacking the finesse of Manu Lanzini Michail is so effective when in
possession of the ball, with his pace, power and positivity, it really does,
more than, make up for any lack of artistry in his play.

Down the years we've had a few talisman players of note. At the time, and
whilst not gaining legendary status in my opinion, Carlos Tevez was a
talisman whose late season form made a huge contribution to the team's
Premier League survival. Another in more recent times was Paulo DiCanio.
When Paulo was 'on it', which was very consistent for a player of that type,
he often 'pulled' his team-mates up a level or two. I could go further back
in time and name many others but the last example of a talisman I'd like to
name, to illustrate a point, is that of Scott Parker. There may be something
to the argument that Super Scotty stifled other midfielders a little but
there's no denying that his work ethic was second to none. Of course there
was more to his game than graft but he lead by example in his time at our
club and the effect that had on the other players can't be underestimated.
Embed from Getty Images

So many have had varying qualities in the club's history. Michail gives you
some of these but one of the reasons his impact on the team is so
constructive is that he runs himself ragged for the cause. On the subject of
work-rate I feel that Mark Noble's contribution to our win against Chelsea
and Arsenal has gone a little under the radar. Nobes seems to get his fair
share of criticism from fans, which he deals with manfully, so when he does
play well he deserves all the plaudits. Personally I feel that he's come
through a period of poor form but is now hitting a purple patch – long may
it continue.

Back to Michail Antonio his character is another big contributor to my
opinion that he's becoming a talisman. His goal celebrations suggest he
still loves the game. The way he handles himself could be a model for many
in terms of PR and, you get the feeling, he's simply 'good to have around'
in a team environment. The fact that my nephews went to school with him, the
younger of which played at Tooting and Mitcham at the same time as Michail,
although not in the same team, the older having been in the same year as
him, and speak so highly of him may have contributed to my opinion however
I'd like to think I'd have come to the same conclusion without that link.

Apologies for the short post this week. Mrs Goatygav took a bad fall on the
ice on Tuesday and, after 5 hours at Wycombe A&E, is now incapacitated with
her arm in a sling meaning I'm running around tying up shoe laces and other
tasks she's unable to undertake. Last night's performance against Arsenal
has gone quite a way to compensating for my expanding to do list. A win
against the Stokies this weekend would more than make up for it all.

COYI! West Ham 4 The Cup!

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