What is it with West Ham and centre backs? One minute there is a paucity and then the next minute a proliferation, just like London buses or in some cases London policemen, they tend to appear in threes, just as is happening at the London Stadium at this moment in time.

It should be remembered that less than 12 months ago Hammers were attempting to 'lure' Burnley's 29 year old James Tarkowski to East London for an eye watering £30 Million! Eventually even that figure wasn't enough for those in power at Turf Moor, their relative greed will probably be haunting them now.

Compared to some English clubs, the relationship between West Ham United and European competitions has been somewhat limited. During the 1960s and 1970s, Hammers went hell for leather to win the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, regarding success in the trophy as a matter of prestige.

With the exception of those owned by state stealth, the vast majority of Barclays Premier League clubs are struggling to cope with the fiscal fall out generated by the Covid-19 pandemic, and West Ham United are most definitely one of them! It could be worse though, and we shall go in to the details in more depth now.

Jesse Lingard's phoenix-like re-emergence was officially confirmed last night as the Hammers star 'commanded' the pitch for England on his return to international duty, albeit against minnows San Marino. Unfortunately Lingard's performances for club and country have served to confirm what a good player he is, consequently his 'bad' parent club will be licing their lips with regards to the price they will be able to charge for his services.

The waiting list, or more appropriately the length of the waiting list for season tickets looks like getting longer for most due to Hammers impressive form thus far this season, consequently the uptake of season ticket renewals is anticipated to be between high and very high!

The international break invariably 'throws up' a plethora of Hammers related articles that are 'left field', and during this break attention has turned to 'the most successful stadium move ever', as described by Lady Brady! After five years the initial problems remain the same, ie the collosal distance between the fans and the pitch.

The two week international break will be a welcome blessing to those recovering from injury and those who have run their hearts out, during the 'compressed' season, that is unless the player has been called way to represent their country. Playing for one's country has always been seen as the ultimate accolade that can be achieved in the game, but it can come at an enormous cost, both to player and club.

West Ham: Fabianski, Cresswell, Coufal, Diop, Dawson, Rice, Soucek, Bowen, Lingard, Benrahma, Antonio. Subs: Martin, Trott, Balbuena, Lanzini, Ibsen, Noble, Fredericks, Johnson, Odubeko.
Arsenal: Leno, Tierney, Mari, Chambers, Luiz, Partey, Xhaka, Saka, Odegaard, Aubameyang, Lacazette. Subs: Ryan, Gabriel, Holding, Ceballos, Cedric, Pepe, Elneny, Smith Rowe, Martinelli.

According to reports emanating from Hammers 'goose green' training ground, midfield dynamo Pablo Fornals and forward Andriy Yarmolenko will both be available for today's clash with London rivals Arsenal. 'Yarmo' is at best now seen as a 'fringe' player, whereas Fornals is seen as an integral component in the 'Moyes machine'.

The continued concern about the fitness of Hammers midfield dynamo, Pablo Fornals, means that David Moyes has a serious selection decision to make. Last time out, without Lingard who couldn't play, and Fornals who had picked up an injury during the victory over Leeds, Moyes elected to start club stalwart Mark Noble, and the result was clear for all to see.