Pundit warns West Ham United players ahead of clash v Everton in ‘not having that excuse’ verdict
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie believes West Ham manager David Moyes will only change his squad for the match against Everton if there are injuries.
The verdict comes amid a busy period for the Hammers, who travelled to Greece on Thursday (26 October) to take on Olympiacos.
The East London club lost that group stage encounter 2-1, and now host Everton in Premier League action on Sunday (29 October).
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “If somebody has an injury he’ll change it. But if someone needs a rest after a four-hour plane journey, they shouldn’t be playing football.
“I’m not having it, there is no way they’re tired. I’m not having that excuse of having to play every Thursday. That’s why you want to get to Europe.
“People say there are too many games, but that’s what you play for. And believe me, the pitches that they are playing on nowadays, they shouldn’t be tired.”
Moyes’s men returned from the recent international break with a league trip to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa last Sunday (22 October), with the hosts winning 4-1.
And now Sean Dyche’s Toffees visit the London Stadium for the East London club’s third match in the space of seven days.
The busy schedule doesn’t stop there, however, with the men in claret and blue welcoming Arsenal to the London Stadium on Wednesday (1 November) for an EFL Cup Round of 16 clash.
There is further Premier League action shortly after, with the Hammers travelling to Brentford on Saturday (4 November).
In other West Ham news, a European giant is ready to sell a Hammers-linked ace for £17million, with a summer transfer on the cards.