Bare Bones Better Than Bare Shins For West Ham's Europa

Now the dust has settled a little since the disappointing 2-1 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, West Ham players will have to pick themselves up for the trip to Romania to face Astra Giurgiu at Stadionul Marin Anastasovici for their Europa League qualifying play off first leg tie. Significant absentees are Andre Ayew, Manny Lanzini, Feghouli, Sakho and Dimi Payet.
Darren Randolph will be in goal, this was determined before Diego Costa tried to separate Adrian's ligaments or far worse! Adrian will have the benefit of a few days off without playing ahead of the Barclay's Premier opener at the London Stadium against Bournemouth. It appears Payet has been excused travelling, probably not to give him more rest, but to prevent him from picking up an injury in a similar situation to that of Aaron Cresswell. Having lost Ayew for up to four months, the club cannot afford to lose Payet as well! OK heavens forbid he could get injured in the next match or in training, but sympathy must be given to those in charge if they are showing a bit of panic. It is after all not a nice situation to have to face. 'Record signing injured' is a headline that sadly Hammers fans are all too familiar with, as is 'refereeing decisions rob west ham of points'. New season, same old crap! - Ed
* The match is being broadcast on BT Sport 2 from 7pm GMT Kick Off is 7:15 pm