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It doesn’t take a Hammers fans to tell you that West Ham appear to be taking a huge risk by sticking with manager Sam Allardyce. Allardyce was heavily criticised for his style of play last season, despite eventually steering the club to Premier League safety, and he hasn’t exactly done himself any favours in pre-season either. The same ol’ style with the same ol’ results. Until their 3-2 win over Sampdoria last weekend, that is. The big man took a leaf out of Louis van Gaal’s book with a 3-5-2 formation that excited the Hammers faithful, even if it did include Carlton Cole up front.  And that, I suspect, is exactly what the Hammers fans will be craving when arch rivals Tottenham arrive in East London on Saturday. So here’s a look at West Ham’s dream starting XI for Saturday’s big kick-off… [ffc-gallery]

Click on Big Sam to reveal all

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Goalkeeper – Adrian

The Spanish keeper didn’t take long to become something of a cult hero at the club following his arrival from Real Betis last summer. After spending the first half of the campaign playing second fiddle to veteran Jussi Jaaskelainen, the 27-year-old eventually forced his way in as the Hammers’ number one with a number of impressive displays between the sticks. He ended the season as the club’s Hammer of the Year runner-up, but did win ‘Save of the Season’ for a superb fingertip effort from Oscar against Chelsea, ‘Best Individual Performance,’ for his role in the same game at Stamford Bridge and ‘Signing of the Season.’ The West Ham faithful took to Adrian from the offset, mostly because of his clear passion on and off the field, as well as his regular compliments towards them via his twitter page.

Defender – James Tomkins

James Tomkins is another product of West Ham’s famed youth academy, although he’s never been about to reach the heights of the likes of Rio Ferdinand et al. Needless to say, he’s been a solid member of the Hammer’s first team for a number of years now and is as consistent as they come at his level. He’s had a solid pre-season and has developed something of a solid understanding with fellow centre-halves Winston Reid and James Collins in recent seasons.

Defender – Winston Reid

Once an unknown Kiwi defender playing in Denmark, Winston Reid is now regarded as one of the hottest defensive prospects in the Premier League. Avram Grant is the reason why West Ham fans are able to admire his solid defensive performances each week, but back then he was no where near ready for first-team football and regularly struggled when called upon. But now he’s one of the first names on the team sheet, with many Hammers fans putting his lengthy injury last season down to their poor run of form over the Christmas period. With him at the heart of West Ham’s defence, they can always be confident of shutting out the opposition. He netted the first in a 3-0 Hammers vicory over Spurs last season, which the Upton Park faithful will be hoping he can do again on Saturday. Trouble is, he’s now running in to the final year of his West Ham contract and, according to reports, is turning down contract renewals for fun. Arsenal reportedly want him, which would be something of a steal if they manage to get him on a bosman.

Defender – James Collins

Not the most fashionable of centre-halves, but he gets the job done. Now in his second spell at the club, he has had his shaky moments that have arguably made him the club’s third choice option in his defence. His relationship with Reid and Tomkins means not much will get past them on their day, which will be bad news for a Spurs side eager to put last season’s dreadful results against the Hammers behind them.

Midfielder – Stewart Downing

Downing was one of West Ham bright sparks last season, despite only managing one goal (against Spurs on the final day). His consistently good displays for the Hammers put to bed all the negative comments surrounding his arrival at the club last summer, with many fans uninspired by his average performances for Liverpool the season before. That said, he offers a lot under Sam Allardyce and will be a threat from dead ball situations – he scored a free-kick in a 2-0 win against Spurs last term.

Midfielder – Morgan Amalfitano

The Frenchman impressed during a loan spell with West Brom last season and, if reports are to be believed, he’s on the verge of completing a permanent move back to the Premier League with the Hammers. Many will claim he’ll offer a lot more than Matt Jarvis currently does out wide for West Ham. And if he can replicate this for Allardyce’s side, West Ham be hoping he starts against Spurs on Saturday… //www.youtube.com/embed/crAih_j1AU8

Midfielder – Cheikhou Kouyate

The £7million arrival from Anderlecht this summer initially appeared to be something of a gamble for the Hammers. But his pre-season performances this summer have hugely impressed West Ham fans, and they growing increasingly excited about seeing him more often this season. He’s something of a defensive midfielder and a bit of a ‘beast,’ which means Spurs’ midfielders could be in for a rough afternoon at Upton Park on Saturday.

Midfielder – Mark Noble

Mark Noble is West Ham through and through, and you can see that come out of him every time he’s on the pitch. He’s a West Ham favourite and seen his stock rise immensely in recent seasons, particularly under Sam Allardyce. Most fans want him to be handed the armband ahead of Kevin Nolan, and it’ll be an accolade he will deserve 100%. Another West Ham player whose name is one of the first on the team sheet each week, and he’ll no doubt be just as up for this weekend’s clash with Spurs as his fellow Hammers fans.

Midfielder – Mohamed Diame

Rumours of the midfielder’s Upton Park exit this summer appear to have died down, which is surprising considering his recent pre-season performances for the Hammers. Last season saw him played mostly out wide, which not only frustrated the West Ham fans who knew he was more effective in the middle, but also Diame himself as he went on to hint at a possible exit this summer. But his performance off the bench for the Hammers last weekend showed that he’s still got the ability to change a game with something outstanding…

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Attacking Midfield – Mauro Zarate

Another one of West Ham’s summer arrivals that has impressed during pre-season and one that could cause Spurs some serious problems on the opening day. If he’s played in his favourite position, which is just behind the striker, he can be very effective. He’s not afraid to shoot from range, either…

Hammers fans are looking forward to seeing more of that this season and he’d no doubt earn hero status if he can do that against Spurs this Saturday.

Striker – Connor Wickham

With Enner Valencia not yet match fit following the World Cup, Andy Carroll sidelined with an ankle injury for four months and Carlton Cole not quite good enough anymore, Sam Allardyce will need to bring someone in pretty quick if he’s going to have someone to score the goals against Spurs on Saturday. The person appears to be Sunderland’s Connor Wickham, with a £4million offer rejected and another bid expected to come in imminently. The 21-year-old hit five goals in nine games at the end of last season to help the Black Cats avoid relegation, and the Hammers could well need him to pull a few of these out the bag this season…

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce singled out Kevin Nolan for special praise following their 1-0 Premier League win over Newcastle.

The midfielder got the only goal of the game against his former club, diverting Joey O’Brien’s effort into the net.

Allardyce took time after the game to credit his player’s recent form:

“That’s five he’s got now and the enormity of Kevin’s goal record for us means he’s our top scorer.” He told SkySports.

“Our frontmen are not really scoring at the minute but we’re sharing the goals out.

“And the way he played off Andy is what I liked the most. He really does sustain the attacks by holding the possession up.

“He read the situation well in the box. It’s a tap-in but you’ve got to be there and Kevin always seems to get in the box at the right time.”

The former Bolton and Blackburn coach was also delighted with the performance from his team and the result:

“It’s a fantastic victory for us and a second away win,” Allardyce told Sky Sports. “With Newcastle being one of the top six boys these days after last season it put some pressure on us.

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“I said to the lads, it’s a great time to come here as they played midweek on Thursday in Europe and I experienced it myself at Bolton that the hardest game to win is the next one.

“That gave us an opportunity here today and we took the opportunity with both hands.

“It was a great performance and a great three points from us away from home, especially after losing three players through injury. I couldn’t ask any more from the players today.”

Gareth Barry had a strong reputation at Everton for his hardworking efforts on the pitch, but since moving to West Bromwich Albion, the midfielder’s status has dropped.

The former England international, who earned 53 caps for his country, moved to The Hawthorns last year.

During the 2017-18 season, Barry made 29 appearances in all competitions, and he recorded one goal and one assist in that time.

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His most memorable moment of the campaign is a negative one, though, as he was one of four players who stole a taxi from outside a fast-food restaurant after breaking curfew during a warm-weather training trip to Barcelona.

The group had called the cab to take them to get food before deciding to get behind the wheel while the driver was picking up their order.

How far will England get in Russia? Tell us now and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

The quartet apologised for their actions in February, but some fans have not forgiven them.

On Monday, the Express & Star reported that Barry had triggered a one-year extension on his contract, and plenty of supporters were not best pleased.

FC Porto are a decent side – they’re top of the Portuguese league this season with a game in hand and coordinated their way through a tricky Champions League group that also included Red Bull Leipzig and Monaco – but Liverpool made exceptionally light work of them last night, recording a 5-0 win at Estadio do Dragao.

It was a blistering attacking performance that saw all members of Liverpool’s front three find the net – in most instances, in incredibly pomp fashion – and essentially puts the Reds into the quarter-finals of the Champions League excepting an incredible turnaround in the second leg at Anfield next month.

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But Jurgen Klopp might find himself most pleased this morning with how Liverpool performed at the opposite end of the pitch. The Reds’ defensive frailties have been discussed continuously during the German’s time at the club but Liverpool now boast three consecutive clean sheets away from home in all competitions – which is half of all the clean sheets they’ve managed on the road during the entire campaign.

And central to that last night was January signing Virgil van Dijk, who performed both aspects of his dual role for Liverpool exceptionally well. Klopp hasn’t invested in the Dutchman simply to improve Liverpool’s defensive solidity, but also to help retain possession and build attacks from the back with his quality on the ball.

Although Porto did make chances early on, the Netherlands international’s dominance eventually shone through, making three tackles, three interceptions, five clearances and blocking one shot at goal while winning two aerial duels.

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In addition to that though, van Dijk made the most passes and had the most touches of the ball of any player on the pitch.

Van Dijk hasn’t wholly convinced since arriving at Anfield, especially in light of his gigantic price-tag with Transfermarkt valuing him at £45million – around £30million less than what Liverpool actually paid Southampton. But the 26-year-old was at his best last night and Liverpool’s flurry of goals at the other end only highlighted the importance of the platform he provides from the heart of defence.

After Jack Wilshere has been deployed in an advanced midfield position for Arsenal of late, he has been been given a deeper role for England.

Arsene Wenger has made it publicly known that he is not pleased with Roy Hodgson’s decision to play him in a deeper role, and has suggested that the England boss is wasting Wilshere’s talent. But where is Jack’s most effective position?

Last season for Arsenal Jack was also only sixth in The Gunners’ assists chart and the England international made two appearances in the 2014 World Cup and, despite the deeper role, he failed to control the game (in the short amount of time he was given) compared with his teammates.

For England against Switzerland, Wilshere was of course played in the deep holding role but he certainly didn’t seem comfortable there. When he picked up the ball in the deeper position he wanted to run forward with it and drive towards the defence, but he was caught out many times by the Swiss midfielders and he was the main cause for a few Swiss counter attacks. Not what you want from a holding midfielder. Jack has acknowledged that he naturally wants to get forward more but states that he is happy to play in either position for club or country.

The 22-year-old has seemingly not quite got the ability to control the game under his belt just yet, but he is undoubtedly growing in quality. He plays for a club side who are known for their excellent possession ability, while England are also a side that prefers to  control the possession against the weaker opposition. He therefore rarely goes a game without completing more than 50 passes and is very much used to playing a passing style, whether it be from deep or in and around the box.

‘The future of English football’ isn’t proving his talent through his attacking statistics and he isn’t showing any real class with the ball retention side of his game either. So far this season, Gunners teammate Aaron Ramsey has been the best passer, having completed an average of 89.8 passes per game in his four appearances. Wilshere (53) is also behind Ozil (66), Flamini (56.3), and Cazorla (53.3). This level of ball retention is only really necessary in the holding midfielder role, and it’s penetration and key passes that really define an attacking midfielder.

Chelsea’s ex-Gunner Cesc Fabregas leads the way so far for key passes per game (4). In terms of how Jack competes against his current teammates, he has been relatively disappointing. Cazorla (3), Alexis (2.8), Ozil & Ramsey (both 2.3) are all in the top 13 for key passes per game in the Premier League so far, whereas Wilshere (1) is sitting in 72nd thus far. Not a great stat for an ‘attacking midfielder’. Wilshere generally plays a deeper role than all of the aforementioned players, so it’s a mystery why Wenger thinks that a holding role is that much different to the role he gives the England man. If his talent is ‘wasted’ deep then Arsene better hope he catches his teammates in his advanced play soon.

The season may only be 4 games old, but Wilshere (81.8%) is a long way short of The Gunners’ most successful passing midfielders of Arteta (95.3%) and Flamini (94.7%). It may be too early to say, but it seems that in this Arsenal squad he doesn’t have a particular role, he’s not retaining or winning back the ball as well as the defensive minded midfielders but also isn’t creating the amount of chances as the attacking midfielders.

Wilshere is learning his trade and trying out some new positions but at the moment he is in the transition phase and is seemingly a Jack of all trades but a master of none.

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defender Jose Enrique has revealed he and Luis Suarez had planned the move that resulted in the Uruguayan’s outstanding goal against Newcastle.

Suarez calmly chested down Enrique’s 60-yard pass before rounding Newcastle keeper Tim Krul to equalise in the 1-1 draw at Anfield yesterday.

And the Spanish defender has admitted that he and Suarez had discussed the move before the game and that he was not surprised with the way his team mate finished.

He told Liverpool’s official website: “I spoke with Luis before the game I told him, if you have a chance and see a space behind the Newcastle centre back, just try.

“We tried that and it worked. I know his movement is really, really clever and that he is a great player. The goal was all about the control from Luis. And his finish was 10 out of 10. It was amazing.

“We all know Luis already though, so [the quality of the goal] was no surprise.”

But Enrique also revealed his disappointment at the 1-1 draw, claiming Liverpool deserved to take all three points to make it back-to-back home wins.

“We were disappointed with the result because Newcastle only had two chances to score and one of them was their goal,” he added.

“We deserved to win and we know we have to start to get points. Afterwards the manager told us to try to keep doing what we are doing. And I think we are doing well.

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“We feel good and we will  go into the games with the same mentality and that is to try and win.”

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Unai Emery had many tasks to carry out when he became Arsenal manager, and one was the future of Jack Wilshere.

The midfielder has been part of the club fold for the past 17 years, but injury problems have hampered his progress.

After spending the 2016-17 season on loan at Bournemouth, Wilshere eventually forced his way back into contention at the Gunners, but he did not do enough to warrant a regular first-team spot.

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In an

/BkOCXr9B43r/?hl=en&taken-by=jackwilshere” rel=”nofollow” data-lasso->Instagram post on Tuesday night, the 26-year-old confirmed that he will be leaving Arsenal when his contract expires next month.

The England international, who missed out on a place in the squad for the World Cup in Russia, admitted that he felt he had “little choice” but to walk away.

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Wilshere revealed that discussions with new boss Emery ultimately led to his decision as he learned that he would not be getting regular first-team action this season.

Plenty of Arsenal fans were keen for the midfielder to stay put, but after the player’s confirmation, some are backing Emery, while others are angry at the coach.

Javier Hernandez has revealed that he is now enjoying his football at West Ham United after a difficult period with the Hammers.

Hernandez has not been afraid to hide the fact that he asked to leave the London Stadium during the January transfer window.

Indeed, the Mexico international found himself out of the team in the latter stages of 2017 due to the form of Marko Arnautovic at centre-forward.

The 29-year-old has scored three times in his last four Premier League appearances, however, during a strong spell.

Hernandez has claimed that he can feel himself returning to his best form as the Hammers prepare for this weekend’s trip to Liverpool in the Premier League.

Hernandez told West Ham’s official website:

“I’m happy, not only because I’m playing my game, but because I can feel my sharpness coming back.

“You can see the same has happened with Marko [Arnautovic]. Now, I’m going to try and keep that smile on my face.”

Hernandez, who is believed to collect £140,000-a-week in wages at the London Stadium, has seven Premier League goals in total for the Hammers this season.

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David Moyes’ side will enter Saturday’s clash with Liverpool in 12th position in the Premier League – just four points clear of the relegation zone.

Brazil are the most successful national team in world football. Their style of football is attractive, with fans from almost every other country wishing their nation could play the game with such beauty.

They are known as the Samba Stars and they’ve been able to boast some of the best players ever in the world. Pele, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Neymar… to name but a few.

But what England players could’ve made it into the Brazilian set up over the years? Have we had players as good as Brazil’s?

Well here’s EIGHT that could’ve had a chance…

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Click on Gazza to reveal

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New Brazilian BBQ Steak Flavour! In stores now!

Paul Gascoigne

On his day, Gazza was as good as any player in world football. He was instrumental to England’s ’90 and ’96 major tournaments.

His control of the ball and general midfield dominance meant he would have walked in to any Brazil squad during his best years. Some would argue he is the most talented English footballer of all time. That’s how good he was.

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Stanley Matthews

For 30 years, Matthews was known as the best dribbler of the ball around. He loved the ball at his feet and he loved to beat a man, which is why he would have been the perfect foil to Brazil’s tricky stars.

They didn’t call him the Wizard of Dribble for nothing, after all.

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David Beckham

Brazilians are well known for their dead ball abilities. So there’s no reason why one of England’s best ever-dead ball takers couldn’t be South American.

David ‘Golden Balls’ Beckham will always be remembered for the free-kick against Greece that took England to the 2002 World Cup – a goal any samba star would be proud to call his own.

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Glenn Hoddle

Hoddle was the player Gazza was compared to on many occasions. He was something of a luxury player for England – something Brazil have had many of over the years.

Many fans that watched him play will tell you how delightful and entertaining he was to watch and with a left foot to die for, and a footballing brain that was way ahead of its time, it’s not difficult to see why he wouldn’t of looked out of place in the yellow of Brazil.

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John Barnes

When given the freedom to play, Barnes was one of the best players in the world.

Barnes was both skillful and exciting, which is pretty much all you need to be if you’re going to make the Brazil squad.

He loves music too, so he’s bound to have a few samba-style moves for the pitch as well as the dance floor.

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David Dunn

Obviously a joke inclusion, but he certainly thought he had the silky skills to make it as a Brazilian.

Remember the Rabona he tried when playing for Birmingham against Aston Villa? If not, here it is…

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Ronaldinho would’ve been proud.

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Joe Cole

On his day, Joe Cole was arguably the most skillful and talented player of his generation. A product of West Ham’s famed youth academy, it didn’t take long for Chelsea to realise his potential and bring him to Stamford Bridge.

He was just as good for England as he was for the clubs he played for and, had he been Brazilian, he could’ve got on the team sheet.

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Matt Le Tissier

The didn’t call Matt Le Tissier a genius for nothing. He was technically gifted and scored some of the most extraordinary goals you’re ever likely see – the kind that normally come from the feet of Brazilians.

He could take a penalty, too – scoring 47 out of 48 penalties throughout his career.

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Manchester City will be hoping to put their midweek horror show in Amsterdam behind them, when they welcome Swansea City to the Ethihad on Saturday evening.

Roberto Mancini bravely took the blame for his side’s poor display in midweek, and will be hoping for three Premier League points to keep the pressure on Chelsea at the top of the table.

Swansea ended their run of five games without a win, by beating Wigan 2-1 at the Liberty Stadium last Saturday.

The result especially came as a relief to Michael Laudrup, who had to quash rumours of dressing room unrest ahead of the fixture.

David Silva will remain absent for Roberto Mancini, as he is still suffering with a hamstring injury.

Pablo Zabaleta, Javi Garcia, Maicon and Jack Rodwell are also absent, while James Milner is suspended following his red card in last weekend’s dramatic win over West Bromwich Albion.

Swansea have no new injury concerns to deal with ahead of the trip to Manchester.

Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Swansea City

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