Predicted West Ham United Line-up To Face West Bromwich Albion
West Ham United will travel to the Hawthorns this weekend, to take on West Bromwich Albion in matchweek 5 of the Premier League, on Saturday.
After a poor start to the campaign, the Hammers registered their first win of the season last weekend, when they defeated Huddersfield Town 2-0 at home. Manager Slaven Bilic will be hoping to build on this triumph with a strong performance against the Baggies, who come into the game on the back of a 3-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Team News
Captain Mark Noble is out for the game due to a knee injury, while midfielder Edimilson Fernandes is close to returning to fitness. Playmaker Manuel Lanzini is still a couple of weeks away from returning. Summer signing Marko Arnautovic will be available, after serving his three-match suspension.
Here’s how the Irons could take the field against Tony Pulis’ side on Saturday:
Manager: Slaven Bilic
Formation: 3-4-3
Joe Hart (GK)
The England international on loan with the Hammers is the preferred choice in goal ahead of Adrian. Should start on Saturday.
Jose Fonte (CB)
The Portuguese centre-half hasn’t had the best of starts to the season, but looked comfortable last weekend. Should keep his place in the three-man defence.
Winston Reid (CB)
Arguably the best centre-half at Bilic’s disposal, the New Zealand international is a sureshot starter in the heart of the defence.
James Collins (CB)
The third slot in the three-man backline will be occupied by veteran defender James Collins, with Angelo Ogbonna relegated to the bench.
Pablo Zabaleta (RWB)
Had a good outing against Huddersfield last weekend and should start as the right-sided wing-back on Saturday.
Cheikhou Kouyate (CM)
Made his first start last week after returning from injury. Adds a lot to the team and should keep his place in the playing XI.
Pedro Obiang (CM)
The Spaniard will partner the Senegalese international in the middle of the park. Will be high on confidence after scoring last week.
Aaron Cresswell (LWB)
The left wing-back slot will be taken up by Aaron Cresswell once again. Looks comfortable in the new system and it also allows him to attack more.
Michail Antonio (RF)
Was unstoppable last weekend against the Terriers and will have a huge role to play going forward in the season, if the Hammers are to continue on their road to recovery.
Andy Carroll (ST)
Made his first appearance of the season last week and was hard to deal with due to his force and physicality. Should keep his place in the playing XI.
Andre Ayew (LF)
The Ghanaian was the spark in Hammers’ win last week, creating one and scoring one. Should replace Javier Hernandez in the line-up, who had a difficult time playing on the left-hand side.