A bit surprised at the negativity on this thread, but I get it considering **** sandwich that we were served up last year. To me, West Ham is no great shakes, and I think we should go out looking to get a result though it will be a tough match. I see either a score draw or us to nick it 1-2.
I see a lot of people picking Holtby as one of the "2," in next to Capoue. For me, he's not really suited to play there, and I'd like to see him moved a little bit further up. We will need to be quite solid in the midfield, and I think that playing Holtby further up gives us great pressing energy, plus another play you can tuck back into the midfield to help win the ball back.
I also think without Walker's pace down the wing, he may pick a more attack-minded fullback to go with Naughton, which could see Danny Rose getting the start. I'd still play Davies, but I think he could line-up like this.
----------------Lloris (C)------------
Naughton--Kaboul--Vertonghen--Rose
----Bentaleb--------Capoue-------
Lamela----Eriksen-----Holtby
----------Adebayor--------------
I really like the look of that team, but I am still a little uncomfortable about the central defensive partnership. Really think that the Mussachio deal needs to go through, because I really don't want to be relying on Kaboul or Dawson as a first-choice CB. We need a first-choice partner for Vertonghen, with one experienced player (Kaboul or Dawson) and a promising one (Dier). Think that may leave Vlad out in the cold, but I really hope we don't sell him. I'd rather sell both Kaboul and Dawson than let VC go. Maybe he could be the long-term partner for JV?