West Ham Preview: Eduardo in, Rosicky out 24 October, 2009

After being described as 50:50 a few days ago Tomas Rosicky is now definitely out of tomorrow’s game. It’s another knee problem and I’m praying that his bad luck with injuries isn’t coming back to haunt him so soon after returning. His track record makes it hard to believe it’s just a niggle and we’ll see him back next weekend but I’m hoping he can put that reputation to bed by returning against Spurs in a weeks time.

Eduardo Da Silva is back though which is good news. I’d like to see him starting in that front three. Nicklas Bendtner is a doubt though, Wenger said yesterday he’d make a decision on him today but I’m doubt he’ll throw him straight into the starting line up if he’s not 100%.

We’ve got all three goalkeepers fit meaning Arsene Wenger has to make a decision. Right now, I see Almunia, Fabianski and Mannone on a level playing field; any one of those three can get into the side at the moment, it must be very tense for them. When asked about who might play, Arsene said:

“I do not know. Come to the game on Sunday, and you will see.”

Here’s my guess at tomorrow’s line up:

Mannone
Sagna – Gallas – Vermaelen – Clichy
Song
Fabregas (c) – Diaby
Arshavin – van Persie – Eduardo

I just have a feeling he’ll stick with Mannone for the time being. I think Wenger was hinting that he can’t keep everyone happy all of the time. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if in our next three games we fielded three different ‘keepers.

As for the outfield, that’s a pretty decent side I think. Quick and skillful up front and a first choice back four with Alex Song in front should (in theory) keep us solid at the back. I can see counter attacks playing an important role in tomorrow’s game, for both sides. We need to concentrate to not be caught out but at the same time I’m expecting Fabregas to set us off on some deadly moves.

We kick off at 4:15pm and we’re live on Sky Sports 1. Enjoy the game.