Hammers go into Sunday's vital game against Wolves devoid of several players, most notably Angelo Ogbonna who is out for the rest of the season and Vladimir Coufal who has just had a successful operation to fix his troublesome groin injury.

Some media outlets have suggested that the club are without several other 'stars', namely Authur Masuaku who has been sidelined yet again with knee issues and Ryan Fredericks who somehow managed to injure his groin during the 45 woeful minutes he played against Newcastle.

Ahead of the draw for the last 16 of the Europa League Cup, many Hammers fans were hoping for an 'easy' fixture if not a plum tie against Barcelona, unfortunately they got neither, instead being drawn against serial winners Sevilla. Despite trying to put a brave face on things, this was the absolute WORST possible outcome, leaving dreams of attending the final in tatters.

Ever since being injured as the result of an unpunished off the ball tackle by Manchester United's Juan Mata back in November, Hammers all action defender Vlad 'the scourge of Grealish" Coufal has struggled to regain the type of form he displayed last season that had fans and pundits claiming that he was the best right back in the Premier League.

Events are moving so rapidly in Eastern Europe it is almost facile to be reporting on the Europa League Cup, but as things unravel ALL Russian based football clubs will be subject to 'sanctions' that are currently being deliberated upon by UEFA and FIFA.

Is it just a coincidence that virtually EVERY West Ham player who receives a new 'enhanced' contract then proceeds to have a 'falling off the cliff' experience with their form? For as long as we can remember there has been a constant stream of players who are offered new contracts in order to fend off unwelcome transfer enquiries, going back as far as Winston Reid, or even further back if you want, to players like Herita Illunga!

If you're thinking about throwing a Queen's Platinum Jubilee party, then you probably want to go all out. From a themed menu to table decorations, here are five ideas that will help you do just that.

Group Footie

The ever spiralling crisis in the Ukraine has meant that the venue for this season's UEFA Champions League final will be moved, but to where? European Football's governing body is assessing the situation before making a final decision but it is set to be looking for a new venue at short notice for the third year running. The past two Champions League finals were played in Portugal because of Covid-19 related issues.

Ben Brereton Diaz, the Chilean international who plays for Blackburn Rovers has picked up an injury that could see him sidelined for the rest of the season. Blackburn are anxiously waiting to see how severe the ankle ligament injury their star player sustained is, but they fear the worst.

Thursday the 24th of February through to Wednesday the 2nd of March are seven days in the footballing calendar that might well make or break Hammers ENTIRE season, beginning with the Europa League play offs 2nd round games which will reveal who West Ham will face in the last 16 stage.

It would be much easier to jump on the doom and gloom Hammers threads around this morning rather than trying to be positive following this weekend's draw against Newcastle that felt so much like a defeat, but here goes. In our opinion constructive criticism is acceptable even though it may be painful, and there can be no more painful a decision to make as to Tomas Soucek's continued selection, closely followed by the 'Antonio up top' dilemma.