Is this what David Moyes is planning for West Ham’s emotional Declan Rice farewell against Leeds at the London Stadium?
West Ham attentions now turn to Leeds United after setting up a first European final in 47 years against Fiorentina in Prague on June 7th.
Now Leeds visit the London Stadium in what is another massive game for very different reasons for the Elland Road outfit and the Hammers.
West Ham all but officially secured Premier League safety with a 1-0 win over Manchester United two weeks ago. But the Hammers were officially, mathematically safe when Everton failed to beat Wolves on Saturday.
West Ham are still very much involved in the battle for survival, though. Because it is now two from three to drop between Leeds, Leicester and Everton. And West Ham play Leicester in their final match of the campaign having faced Leeds.
Rice’s London Stadium farewell one year on from Noble goodbye
After playing a huge part in wrecking Arsenal’s title bid, West Ham will now have a big say on who drops.
The game against Leeds is massive for West Ham for reasons other than points and pride, though.
It will be Declan Rice’s last last home game for West Ham with the beloved captain set for a big money move away in the summer.
David Moyes has admitted as much in the lead up to the game.
So a year on from those emotional scenes as West Ham said farewell to retiring hero Mark Noble, Hammers fans are getting ready to say goodbye to Rice against Leeds.
All eyes on how Moyes manages squad ahead of Euro final
There has been much debate over how Moyes and West Ham should approach the final two games after sealing their place in the Europa Conference League final.
It will be a fine balance between giving key players some rest ahead of the final in Prague on June 7th and keeping up match sharpness while avoiding unnecessary injury risks.
Rice is certainly one star West Ham need and will want to protect. And Moyes admitted in his pre-Leeds press conference that he is not afraid to make changes.
So is this what Moyes is planning for West Ham’s emotional Rice farewell against Leeds?
Is this what David Moyes is planning for West Ham’s emotional Declan Rice farewell against Leeds?
We believe Moyes may well start Rice against Leeds and substitute him in the second half so that the skipper can receive what promises to be a heartbreaking standing ovation.
West Ham’s players will do a lap of honour at the end of the game when Rice will also get a chance to say goodbye to the home fans.
Whether Rice gets on the microphone at the end of the match to address supporters remains to be seen.
But it might be advisable to bring some tissues to this one.
Earlier this week a top journalist claimed West Ham could accept an imminent low-ball Arsenal offer for Rice on one condition.
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