West Ham’s Mark Noble could face Spurs for the last time ahead of cup clash
West Ham captain, Mark Noble, could face arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur one last time as he prepares to leave the club at the end of the season, according to a piece on the official club website.
After a long and illustrious career at the Hammers, Noble will be taking in each and every last game before he departs.
The 34-year-old veteran has faced Spurs on 25 occasions across 18 seasons with this encounter set one of the biggest of the lot.
The winner of Wednesday nights (December 22) grudge match will book themselves a place in the double legged semi final set to take place early in the New Year.
As expected, Noble’s time on the pitch has been few and far between this season. It is likely the Londoner will have to settle for a place on the bench for this game as well with the squad well rested after the midweek clash with Norwich was suspended.
But the Hammers legend will certainly understand the magnitude of the occasion and more than play his part in the dressing room.
Legend
After running home barely aged 17 after his West Ham debut, Noble has come a long way. Now double that, captain fantastic holds West Ham’s record number of Premier League appearances (405) in claret and blue.
They don’t make many like Noble anymore, virtually spending his entire career at West Ham and giving his all whilst there. He currently sits on 537 appearances for the club scoring 61 goals mirrored with 61 assists.
The skipper has been a vital part of West Ham, being involved in most – if not all – of their success in the 21stcentury, most notably starring in the unforgettable great escape. He has endured bad times as well as West Ham were relegated in 2010/11.
What a season it is for the cockney to depart with the Irons enjoying arguably their best form in years. If they do manage to get past Spurs tomorrow (December 22), he might just have one eye on a trophy to send him off in style.
In other West Ham News, Three changes, Ben Johnson returns and Michail Antonio rested – Predicted XI vs Tottenham.