AdminFor several weeks now, West Ham United have enjoyed the rare luxury of naming an unchanged starting eleven.
In many ways, it reflects both the limited fixture schedule and the impressive fitness standards maintained behind the scenes at the club this season.
The few alterations made by Nuno have been tactical rather than forced through injury. Against Arsenal, the West Ham manager switched to a back three, sacrificing forward Pablo in favour of added defensive security.
For long periods, the move looked inspired.
The Hammers’ three centre-backs stood firm and frustrated Arsenal until the closing stages, before a painful final ten minutes and the now infamous stoppage-time controversy undid all of their hard work.
Fortunately for West Ham, Tottenham failed to take advantage of the dropped points last weekend, meaning the relegation battle rolls on into the penultimate round of fixtures.
Spurs still hold a slender two-point lead, but that gap could disappear entirely if the Irons can somehow produce a victory away to Newcastle United on Sunday. A draw is unlikely to be enough, leaving Nuno with little choice but to attack the game.
However, he may have to do so without Adama Traore.
The winger’s absence against Arsenal had raised eyebrows, and it now appears a muscle problem could keep the powerful Spaniard out of West Ham’s biggest match of the season.
Should Traore miss out, Venezuelan loanee Keiber Lamadrid may be the only natural winger available on the bench, underlining the lack of attacking depth currently at Nuno’s disposal.
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