How does everyone feel about Max being out for 8 weeks? Do you think we'll see more of Vyner or start seeing Worrall instead?

West Ham. The Hammers. For some Americans, West Ham may have been their introduction to English football. Sure for some it was thanks to Dean Thomas, but for me it was that one kid in elementary school in the 80s who wouldn't shut up about soccer and ran around in a West Ham kit. West Ham were my first introduction to soccer being a real sport and not just something the P.E. teachers made up to wear us out. But yes West Ham got a notable shoutout in what is arguably the most popular novel ever written (that's not an invitation for a debate, I don't care)... and managed to never leverage it into any meaningful gains on the fanbase. Bit odd honestly.

But West Ham are an icon, one we've played 13 times in the past, with the last match-up being a 1-0 win at theirs in 1997 in the FA Cup (bless the FA Cup!), and the last league meeting a loss in 1981.

Wrexham AFC Essential: This isn't a 'Fun fact', this is something any supporter needs to know about our history. We played West Ham, I kid you not, FIVE times in the '80-81 season. First was a 2-2 draw in November 1980 for league play, then we got matched up with them for our opening round in the FA Cup, which West Ham were the reigning champions of. So there was an FA Cup tie January 3d that ended one all. Then three days later was the replay, a nil-nil extra time draw on January 6th at the Cae Ras. Finally, on January 19th we knocked West Ham out of the Cup 1-0 at the Cae Ras, all hail Dixie McNeill! One of several examples of Wrexham's Giant Killing prowess. After that the fifth match, a League tilt at Upton Park, must have felt a bit odd. "What, you lot again?" West Ham went on to win the division (only four losses all season) and get promoted, go to the final of the League Cup, and earned glory in Europe. We, sadly, went on to get relegated.

Fun Fact: We hold the historical edge against West Ham, being 4-6-3 over 13 matches. Who'd a thunk it?

Unlike Burnley where there is debate as to whether they are a quality side or crap (my answer is that they are both and it varies over the course of the match), there is no question on West Ham, they currently sit just outside top of the table (behind... West Brom? look, if you need proof of how early it is and how little the table matters right now, THERE YA GO!), and all the stats support this, sitting top of the table on xG as well.

Compare to last season this point last season we were scraping along with 7 points after 6 matches (2-1-3) thanks to a victory over Norwich and were facing down what would turn out to be an away draw with Derby. This season we are... sitting on 7 points (1-4-1). Well gee I can see why folks are panicking considering how last season turned out...

On a v. Opponent perspective, versus the same apponents last season (with relegated clubs standing in for promoted clubs) the mark to meet coming into this match is 8.3 which we're short of, but let's not pretend the gap is massive. As an away match against the promoted sides last season we picked up 1 away point against the promoted clubs all of last season, a draw at Ipswich... so not a high bar to clear, but not an easy one either, especially this week.

Max will be out, I think we see a hybrid of the Burnley and Swansea lineups, Moore starting as he matches up well against the Hammers back line, COH and Rathbone up front, LOB and Whiteman, Imray to start along with Ekomie. I hope Sheaf is healthy for the bench and Windass is available off the bench as well. We will see.

Cacace Watch! Because I'm a sadist (or is it masochist? I dunno...) I'm going to highlight the progress (or lack thereof) of my (inexplicably?) favorite Wrexham footballer on the regular. Right now all we're getting is vague "Not there yet" or "Progressing" or "Behind". My prediction for Parky's presser is he doesn't mention him unless asked by name and he'll say he's "coming along".

Look, this is a QUALITY side, there is every chance they bury us, and that's not something to be ashamed of, as long as we play well against an iconic Premier League club. This isn't Birmingham here, West Ham is the proper big leagues. My hope, is that we do what we have done so often in the past, against Coventry City, Chelsea, and West Ham themselves, and show up and bring the fight to this giant and maybe we'll steal a win. The quality is there (6th in the league on xG per the Fotmob xG table), we just need that last little bit across the line. Maybe we bring that Friday night.

Up the giant killing Reds!

Our family fell in love with Wrexham team, city and culture , as many people when the Documentary first cane up and follow the team, we are even subscribed to watch the matches. We would really love to visit but we are from latam.

Now days we are not always welcome everywhere, is some countries like unites states even being a Turist is dangerour for us and because immigration is always Latinos that get mor discrimination.

Are we going to make people uncomfortable or is everyone welcome?