Bad news - Andy Carroll is still injured and looks like he'll miss at least another game after tomorrow's match. Good news - Yossi is in place to make his debut, Jarvis looks to be available again following his recent injury and Noble's contract should be sorted sooner rather than later.
All things considered, I don't think we could have asked for a better start from our first 3 games. 6 points in 3 games is a great start for more or less any top flight team so considering our main goal would've been staying up this season, I personally wasn't expecting any more than what we've got.
I think Yossi will be handed his first start since returning, it looks like Cole making his 150th start for the club is a no brainer and if he's 100% fit Jarvis will slot straight back into the team.
Where it was arguable the main position we needed to strengthen, it seems Sam has a bit of a selection headache on the wings all of a sudden, which as the cliche goes; every manager wants. We've got Jarvis, Taylor, Vaz Te and Maiga all fighting for 2 positions and that may not sound like a lot but I don't think any of them would be happy as a squad player. Unless Taylor is moved back into the left-back position he played so well while Linda was injured, which in my opinion is a better option than our usual left back in the first place.
Also, you have to wonder exactly where Benayoun will fit in? This is my prediction for tomorrow's game:
Now, unless he shoves him out wide, he'll have to go with a flat 5 in midfield and replace Noble, Diame or Nolan with him who would each be missed. Noble for his tireless effort, Diame for his sheer power and fearless tackling and Nolan because 1. Sam Allardyce is in love with him and 2. he does score a lot of goals (mostly tap ins, but they all count).
I suppose we'll have to wait and see!
Up the hammers!
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