Hammers recruitment, or lack of it, is a continuing bone of contention among the majority of fans, the need for an additional striker, centre back and central defensive midfielder is as blatant as a tapped call instigated by Daniel Levy! Having been 'linked' with a plethora of players from many different clubs for each 'vacancy' the club have as yet overtly appeared to have done very little as the transfer window closure looms.

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.