Injuries are, of course, part of the game and as a Hammers fan we know that as well as any fan base.
With the miseries we’ve suffered as Andy Carroll has been in, out, in and out of the lineup over the past three seasons, we’ve had to adapt and scratch and claw just to survive in the Premier League.
Now that it appears Diafra Sakho may not play, it will be up to others to pick up the slack in his absence. The only good news is for West Ham is that we have a relatively weak schedule coming up over the next two months.
Now this doesn’t guarantee wins or points. Stoke away is NEVER easy though we have played well at the Britannia in the past and can do the business if we keep the form we’ve shown of late. But we’ll have to rely on Stewart Downing, Enner Valencia and, perhaps an appearance from Kevin Nolan to ‘hammer’ one in to get, what I feel, are at least a pair on the road to earn a victory.
Stoke have the quality to beat anyone in the Premier league, especially at home. A week later we get a poor Villa side at home and that allows us the chance to continue the finest run we’ve had in many years. But it will require all hands on deck. We need continued solid work from our keeper and defence, a great team effort in midfield – which has been truly outstanding – and goals from players besides Sakho.
Morgan Amalfitano has chipped in with some timely strikes and, perhaps the forgotten Zarate can add some offence if given an opportunity by Big Sam.
It’s a wonderful time to be a Hammers fan. Come on you Irons!
