First Half Recap

Besides Ayew’s goal, the most interesting thing has been how Nordtveit has indeed gone back to full back on the right. Noble and Kouyate need to deliver more in the midfield.

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Merry Boxing Day to you all, and to all, a good Boxing Day, especially for the Hammers.

For the 2016 kickoff to the holiday season, West Ham United take the long trip up north to play troubled Swansea City, in what could be American manager’s Bob Bradley’s last game in charge of the Welch club.

Slaven Bilic’s side hopes to continue their two match winning streak away from the London Stadium. But as been the case with this first half of this season, injury issues continue to be a problem for the side.

Diafra Sakho has another new injury and will be out until February at the earliest, while Gokhan Tore and Recce Oxford remain long-term injuries. James Collins and Sam Byram are almost back fit, but both did not make the trip to Swansea.

With Pedro Obiang suspended, Havard Nordtveit finally is able to play in his natural position.

Meanwhile for relegation heavy Swansea, an almost full healthy squad sees just Federico Fernandez and Ki-Sung-Yueng out.

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