[Image] Strongest 4-2-3-1 West Ham XI that Pellegrini could field against Winterthur

Predicted West Ham United XI to face Winterthur

West Ham United look like a new side under former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean has made an almost instantaneous impact by bringing in some quality signings and it will be interesting to watch them in action wearing the club’s colours.

For their opening pre-season fixture, the Hammers will travel to Stadion Schutzenwiese to face Swiss club Winterthur. Pellegrini has a good number of players at his disposal but he will miss Winston Reid and Michail Antonio, who are nursing their knee and hamstring injuries respectively.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at how West Ham could line up against Winterthur.

Probable West Ham XI

Manager: Manuel Pellegrini

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Lukasz Fabianski (GK)

Signing an experienced keeper like Fabianski was a brilliant move by Pellegrini. The goalkeeper should find himself in the starting XI against Winterthur.

Ryan Fredericks (RB)

There is a lot of anticipation and excitement regarding the former Fulham star. This will be a brilliant chance for Fredericks to go out there and make a name for himself.

Issa Diop (CB)

Diop is a talented centre-back and he could bring in some much-needed solidity at the back. Pellegrini must hand him a start against Winterthur.

Angelo Ogbonna (CB)

Ogbonna is a highly experienced player and he should get the nod ahead of Declan Rice.

Arthur Masuaku (LB)

Masuaku was a revelation last season and he should replicate his pacy displays at left-back against the Swiss outfit.

Cheikhou Kouyate (DM)

Kouyate is one of West Ham’s most reliable performers and he should receive a spot in the starting XI.

Mark Noble (DM)

Noble must strive to continue a strong partnership with Kouyate and Pellegrini must deploy him alongside the 28-year-old.

Robert Snodgrass (RW)

Snodgrass must impress Pellegrini ahead of the new campaign. He is a talented performer at right-wing and if provided a chance, he must grab it with both hands.

Edimilson Fernandes (AM)

With Manuel Lanzini out of the picture for the foreseeable future, this is a golden chance for Fernandes to make a strong impact.

Marko Arnautovic (LW)

Arnautovic was instrumental in a lot of West Ham’s successes last season, meaning he should start in his usual role.

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Andy Carroll (ST)

It is unsure if Javier Hernandez will feature immediately after Mexico crashed out of the World Cup in the round of 16. However, Carroll is a great choice to lead the line against Winterthur.