Well, I’m looking at our game tomorrow and it’s a real shame about the boys who won’t be out there. Rodri and John Stones still aren’t ready, and Jeremy Doku too. Even young Oscar Bobb picked up something last match so he’s out as well, which just adds to the whole thing.
Pep was talking about it earlier. He says maybe a couple could be back for after the holidays, but definitely not for West Ham. It’s a real test for the squad now, with so many games happening. You just have to trust the other guys to step in.
West Ham haven’t been getting all the wins lately, but Pep was clear they’re still tough. They drew at United’s ground not long ago, and only lost late to Villa, who are flying. So we have huge respect, obviously. But we’ll be ready anyway.
I always remember games against them. Like when Erling got that record right here, and the team lined up for him after. Or last May, with Phil Foden brilliant and Rodri scoring too, winning us the title. Good memories at the Etihad.
It’s actually the last home game before Christmas, which makes it feel special. Tickets are still going if you’re a member – for adults it’s between thirty and sixty pound, and less for the younger fans. Would be a great one to see, even with the injuries we’re dealing with. Just got to get behind whoever is playing.
The mood around the training ground is actually pretty focused, from what I can tell. Sometimes when a few big names are missing, it tightens the group. Everyone knows they have to do a bit more, and that can bring a different kind of energy. It’s not ideal, of course, but it’s not all doom and gloom either.
Thinking back, we’ve been in spots like this before. A couple seasons ago, it felt like half the defense was out at one point. It’s in these moments you sometimes see a new player really grab their chance, someone you didn’t expect to step up so much. The squad is built for this, even if you’d never choose it.
Pep will have a plan, he always does. He might change the shape a little or ask someone to play a simpler role. The idea is always to make the pitch feel big when we have the ball and small when we don’t. That doesn’t change because of who’s out there. It’s about the pattern, the movement.
For the guys coming in, it’s a huge opportunity but also a lot of pressure. The crowd will be right behind them, though. At the Etihad, especially before Christmas, the support is always loud. That can lift a player, make them feel ten feet tall. I hope they just go out and play their game, without overthinking it.
Beyond just tomorrow, the schedule is relentless. After this, it’s another game and then another. Getting a couple of these injured lads back for that run will feel like new signings. You just have to navigate through each match as it comes, collect the points, and keep moving.
Off the pitch, the club does a lot for the community this time of year. There’s always visits to hospitals and things like that. It’s a good reminder that there’s more to all this than just the results, even if the results feel like everything on a matchday. It connects the players and the fans in a different way.
