But Astra had proved last week that they can be a potent attacking force and nearly levelled when the busy Budescu’s whipped free-kick caught out Darren Randolph in the West Ham goal and came back off the crossbar. “After we scored we played some good football – they were doing nothing”.
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With a strong side selected, the Hammers could only draw 2-2 in the first meeting at Upton Park, where they were comfortably in control until James Collins’ red card completely changed the game. With Bodrin and William the Romanian’s have two quality brazilian strikers who bring a touch of class to their set up.
West Ham captain Nolan told BT Sport Europe: “We started off brightly but just got stuck into a bit of a rut, not going forward, just keeping the ball and playing it – myself included, with all the young boys”.
West Ham United will be full of confidence against Arsenal on Sunday despite being eliminated from the Europa League and the Hammers are targeting a top-10 Premier League finish this season, new manager Slaven Bilic said on Friday.
The Ecuadorian picked up an injury on Europa League duty and West Ham are hoping to have Jimenez in through the door as quickly as possible. At 19/10 there is value in taking the away side tonight.
The game is scheduled for Sunday August 9, 1.30pm, Arsenal v West Ham, Emirates Stadium – Live on Sky Sports 1.
Alex Song could also yet complete a move from Barcelona following his own loan spell last season but Bilic said the rest of the transfer window would likely see players departing the club.
“The match was very hard even if they used not many first-team players – there were three or four that played last year in the Premier League“.
Raul Jimenez, West Ham’s favoured target to replace injured Enner Valencia, may have agreed terms facilitating a move from Atletico Madrid, according to a tweet from Jack Sullivan, the son of Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan. If he is able to net in the league, the confidence that comes with goals will surely allow him to complete his development into a first team player.
Valencia suffered a knee and ankle injury against Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League and although the Ecuador worldwide will not require surgery, he is expected to miss the start of the campaign. “We started pre-season very early”.
Bilic said: “Of course we wanted to go through but then we didn’t want to jeopardise the Premier League“.
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The fact West Ham have already had some competitive games should mean they are sharp and alert for the game against the Gunners.
