David Moyes desperate for ‘really good’ West Ham United duo Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma to play together more frequently
West Ham manager David Moyes has highlighted the importance of the partnership between defenders Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma, with the manager desperate to keep the “really good” pair fit for the rest of the campaign.
The duo, who have both faced time on the sidelines this season due to injury, are now back to full fitness and are Moyes’s preferred central defensive pairing.
They kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory over Southampton on Sunday (2 April), with Aguerd also proving his attacking abilities by scoring the only goal of the game.
BBC Sport report that Aguerd will be monitored ahead of the clash with the Magpies but it’s unclear from Moyes’ update whether or not he’ll be able to play.
“It’s important for us to keep Nayef and Kurt fit to play together,” said Moyes, as quoted by the official West Ham website.
“They’ve not had many periods to have days and days of work to get used to each other, but they’re both really good players and it’s important that we get them on the pitch together.”
Busy period
The fixtures come thick and fast for the Hammers, who have very little time to rejoice in the 1-0 victory over Southampton on Sunday (2 April) as they prepare for Newcastle’s visit to the London Stadium on Wednesday (5 April).
While Moyes will be ecstatic with the three points picked up against the Saints, the East London outfit will need to be realistic and keep their feet on the ground, primarily because they only just managed to edge past their opponents, and also because of the fact their opponents are rock bottom of the table.
But three points are three points, and the clean sheet will also go a long way in providing confidence ahead of the huge test against Newcastle.
The home fans will once again be of great importance, with West Ham looking to use every bit of support they can muster as the fight for Premier League survival intensifies.
Also important will be the fitness of Aguerd and Zouma, who look strong together when given the opportunity on the pitch.