Injuries and suspensions are Eddie Howe’s biggest concern as his in-form team heads down to the London Stadium to face West Ham Utd on Sunday afternoon.
With Anthony Gordon missing out after picking up his fifth red card in seven games Howe would normally have called upon summer signing Harvey Barnes to fill the slot vacated by Gordon but with Barnes out with a foot injury Howe could be forced to make a tactical adjustment to his line-up, particularly if Joelinton hasn’t overcome his own injury problems.
It has been a stop and start season for the Brazilian and having lasted only four minutes after coming on as a substitute against Burnley, he was forced to sit out Wednesday’s encounter against PSG. According to Eddie Howe, Joelinton is in contention for selection but whether he decides to air on the side of caution and give him more time to recover will become apparent when the team sheet is handed in.
Callum Wilson could also be in line for a return to action. Wilson has missed the last three games through injury and while Howe will not consider risking the England International unless he is 100% fit, the player himself will be itching to face West Ham, a club against whom he has previously scored 12 goals in 13 Premier League appearances.
Sven Botman will not be risked as he continues his recovery from a slight knee problem and with Jamaal Lascelles slotting in so well in Botman's absence Howe will not be too concerned about the Dutchman’s absence.
Reflecting on Wednesday night’s victory Howe was asked at his press conference whether the win over PSG had altered expectations at the club had this to say:
"My expectations are 'can we win our next game?' I know it's a bit dull but I'm not looking three or four weeks ahead. The PSG win doesn't alter my expectations. Games are going to come thick and fast so we can only look at the one in front of us.
"The better you get, the harder, then it becomes to get even better. We're looking to push those small margins."
And on talk of a new contract for Sean Longstaff Howe said: "Sean has been vital for us, so I'm sure things will pan out well for him."
West Ham meanwhile come into the game fresh from their 2-1 win at Freiburg that set them on the path to winning their Europa League group.
Moyes has injury doubts over Michail Antonio who missed the win at Freiburg along with Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson.
Moyes also has a decision to make on whether to stick with the impressive Mohammed Kudus or bring back Said Benrahma.
With Anthony Gordon missing out after picking up his fifth red card in seven games Howe would normally have called upon summer signing Harvey Barnes to fill the slot vacated by Gordon but with Barnes out with a foot injury Howe could be forced to make a tactical adjustment to his line-up, particularly if Joelinton hasn’t overcome his own injury problems.
It has been a stop and start season for the Brazilian and having lasted only four minutes after coming on as a substitute against Burnley, he was forced to sit out Wednesday’s encounter against PSG. According to Eddie Howe, Joelinton is in contention for selection but whether he decides to air on the side of caution and give him more time to recover will become apparent when the team sheet is handed in.
Callum Wilson could also be in line for a return to action. Wilson has missed the last three games through injury and while Howe will not consider risking the England International unless he is 100% fit, the player himself will be itching to face West Ham, a club against whom he has previously scored 12 goals in 13 Premier League appearances.
Sven Botman will not be risked as he continues his recovery from a slight knee problem and with Jamaal Lascelles slotting in so well in Botman's absence Howe will not be too concerned about the Dutchman’s absence.
Reflecting on Wednesday night’s victory Howe was asked at his press conference whether the win over PSG had altered expectations at the club had this to say:
"My expectations are 'can we win our next game?' I know it's a bit dull but I'm not looking three or four weeks ahead. The PSG win doesn't alter my expectations. Games are going to come thick and fast so we can only look at the one in front of us.
"The better you get, the harder, then it becomes to get even better. We're looking to push those small margins."
And on talk of a new contract for Sean Longstaff Howe said: "Sean has been vital for us, so I'm sure things will pan out well for him."
West Ham meanwhile come into the game fresh from their 2-1 win at Freiburg that set them on the path to winning their Europa League group.
Moyes has injury doubts over Michail Antonio who missed the win at Freiburg along with Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson.
Moyes also has a decision to make on whether to stick with the impressive Mohammed Kudus or bring back Said Benrahma.
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