Downes Implies Upson is a Malingerer

Interesting to hear Wally Downes on Radio 5 Live. Apparently Upson's scan has shown some "tendinitis on the Achilles" but, in Wally's words, "If you scan 100 footballers you'll find something wrong with all of them, it's just a case of what pain they're willing to play with."

Downes says Upson is not out for the season but I would have good money on him never kicking a ball for West Ham again. We all know Matty is very precious about pain: any hint of a problem and he sits on his arse and refuses to play. I have been suffering from an Achilles problem for 13 months now and it bloody hurts. There's no way Upson will play through the pain I'm in!

Talking centre backs, why is Reid in ahead of Da Costa? I know Da Costa was crap in the first half against West Brom but Reid has looked crap every time he has played!

Presumably we have set up 4-3-3, with Sears playing an advanced role, testing out Noble, Hitz and Parker as a midfield three for the first time? I can't believe either Noble or Hitz is going to be used wide in a 4-4-2 formation.