After three games in six days over the festive period the West Ham squad are currently having a few well earned days off. A time to rest, relax and for the training ground to receive a deep clean after Ryan Fredericks positive coronavirus test result.
David Moyes, however, is sure to be working from home and plotting his way through the upcoming fixtures.
If the Hammers see off National League side Stockport County in Monday’s 3rd round FA Cup tie, Moyes’ side would face seven fixtures in just 23 days. That’s a game less than every four days.
So far this season the manager has had a relatively settled team, but as the fixtures start to come thick and fast squad rotation will be key to maintaining their good run.
With just two defeats in the last ten and sitting comfortably in mid-table, an FA Cup run would not be a distraction but a fantastic opportunity at ending the clubs’ 41-year wait for a trophy.
To navigate his way around the packed schedule Moyes will need to use all his nous to keep his key players fresh. At some point ever presents such as Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek and Aaron Cresswell will need a breather.
An away trip to a National League side could well be the ideal time for that rest and it will be interesting to see if the managers agrees.
Once concentration returns to the league on 16 January, the first XI, assuming full fitness, is reasonably predictable: Fabianski, Coufal, Ogbonna, Dawson, Cresswell, Rice, Soucek, Fornals, Benrahma, Bowen, Antonio.
One or two debatable inclusions there, Dawson over Balbuena, Benhrama instead of Lanzini, but nine almost guaranteed starters.
The question is, how sustainable is this over such a busy schedule? Not very, would be my opinion.
Moyes will need to find a way to maintain the level of performance without exhausting his hardworking team.
Yarmolenko, Noble, Johnson, Fredericks, Haller and potentially Snodgrass will all be needed and provide excellent cover for the starting XI.
If Moyes can keep everyone happy and get some rest into weary legs, a cup run and a tilt at the Europa League places may well be in sight for the Hammers.
