Monday Dugout Discussion

Let’s just say that our expectations are “moderate” at best. The clash between West Ham and Stoke is perhaps not everyone’s idea of a Gameweek finale, particularly after a glut of goals thus far. Even so, despite the likely war of attrition at Upton Park, we could yet be in line for a few spills, although in all likelihood, a 0-0 scoreline will be the result of choice for many Fantasy managers backing the mid-price defensive assets on show tonight.

Whatever we’re dealt, our Dugout Discussion Chatroom is open to those wishing to indulge in some real-time activity.

The news from East London finds two changes in the West Ham lineup with Yossi Benayoun and Matt Jarvis dropping out of the starting XI after picking up knocks in the win at Newcastle last time out. Their places go to Gary O’Neil and Modibo Maiga. Interestingly, Sam Allardyce also opts to keep James Collins on the bench, retaining James Tomkins alongside Winston Reid in his defence. George McCartney and Joey O’Brien are the full-backs again, leaving Guy Demel benched.

Stoke are unchanged, with Glenn Whelan passing a fitness test on a hamstring problem sustained whilst on international duty. Both Charlie Adam and Jon Walters have also overcome knocks to figure in Tony Pulis’ starting XI. Matt Etherington starts against his former club, then, with Michael Kightly again benched.