Allardyce struggling for numbers

Manager Sam Allardyce believes he will be forced to play a game of 'Call My Bluff' this month as he bids to solve West Ham's defensive dilemma.

James Collins' hamstring injury suffered in a 3-0 loss at Sunderland means Guy Demel, James Tomkins and Winston Reid are the only front-line defenders available for Wednesday's FA Cup third-round replay at Manchester United.

It means Allardyce could change his system at Old Trafford, rather than promote youngsters, with crucial games coming thick and fast this month. "I've got to strengthen our defensive areas," Allardyce said. "It's less than the bare bones at the moment. It gives me great difficulty going to Old Trafford tomorrow."

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