Premier League race for Europa: chasing the ‘big 6’

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Claude Puel, Manager of Leicester City shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Stoke City and Leicester City at Bet365 Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Claude Puel, Manager of Leicester City shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Stoke City and Leicester City at Bet365 Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 02: Andy Carroll of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at London Stadium on January 2, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 02: Andy Carroll of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at London Stadium on January 2, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

West Ham’s injury crisis

David Moyes has orchestrated a miraculous turn in fortunes for The Hammers. They’ve climbed up the table week by week via the relegation zone. Currently they sit 11th, eight points away from Leicester in seventh. Eight points from a possible 12 in January has the abundant belief around London Stadium palpable.

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However there are problems on the horizon for West Ham, with their worst fears realised. West Ham only named six players on their bench against Huddersfield during game-week 23. This is due to ongoing recovery/fitness issues in the squad. Now, arguably their two best players require weeks away. Another guess was it was Moyes’  way of telling the chairmen to pay up for fresh players.

Marco Arnautovic is out for six weeks with a fresh injury, Manuel Lanzini is also sidelined. Arnautovic has chipped in with six Premier League goals. While Lanzini has made five assists for the east London outfit. Moyes will be hoping target-man Andy Carroll’s return is quicker than expected. Unless he is poached by Chelsea even with an injury.

Former Manchester United striker, Javier Hernandez has re-found his scoring boots. Although his agent has hinted at a transfer. As Moyes’ most important players have not kept fit during the first-half of 2018, they may find it difficult pushing Leicester all the way. Maybe the Scotsman will attempt a January transfer window coup.