Predicted West Ham United Lineup To Face Bournemouth In The Premier League
Premier League’s title race has not been of much excitement this year due to Manchester City’s sheer dominance but the league truly remains highly competitive at the other end of the table where a number of clubs are fighting for their survival. One such fixture is set to take place at the Vitality Stadium when Bournemouth, currently placed in the drop-zone, will host David Moyes’ West Ham United on the Boxing Day.
The Hammers gathered some momentum in recent weeks since defeating the reigning champions Chelsea a few weeks back but suffered a shocking home defeat against struggling Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon. They are only one point clear of the drop zone and the outing against the Cherries holds massive relevance to escape relegation fear.
Team News
Injuries have troubled the Londoners all season but the things have improved lately. Yet, the Hammers will miss four players for the Bournemouth clash, including defensive duo Jose Fonte and Sam Byram who are ruled out with their respective ankle and thigh injuries.
Skipper Mark Noble is close to making a return but the condition of midfielder Edimilson Fernandes is not favourable as he might need a surgery following his ankle injury. But the Irons have a major boost too as Manuel Lanzini is set to return to action against the Cherries after serving a two-game domestic ban following his dive against the Potters a couple of game weeks back.
Formation: 3-4-1-2
Moyes’ strategy has been to bring back defensive resilience and hit back on the counter. He has not experimented much with formations but it will mostly be a ‘back three’ or ‘back five’ by the former Everton and Manchester United gaffer who is probably having an ultimatum to re-establish his managerial stature. He is expected to field his side in a 3-4-2-1 setup against the Cherries.
Manager: David Moyes
Adrian (GK)
The Spaniard started the season as second-fiddle to veteran Joe Hart but has regained his place between the sticks following a stellar show against leaders Manchester City at Etihad. Although he conceded thrice against the Magpies on Saturday afternoon, Moyes is expected to hand him another start ahead of the English custodian.
Winston Reid (RCB)
Reid has been one of the regulars for West Ham in central defence and is set to lead the backline once more against Bournemouth.
Angelo Ogbonna (CB)
The former Juventus centre-back has established himself in English football and is set to retain his slot alongside Reid for the Boxing day clash.
Aaron Cresswell (LCB)
Cresswell, the left-back, is being utilised in a makeshift left centre-back role by the Scottish gaffer and he, alongside Reid and Ogbonna have been Moyes’ preferred ‘back three’.
Pablo Zabaleta (RWB)
Was exiled by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola but didn’t give up his Premier League status and joined West Ham back in the summer to add experience to an ambitious squad. The Argentine has been a regular in this role and is set to start against Bournemouth as well.
Cheikhou Kouyate (CM)
The Senegalese midfielder has recovered from his injuries and has regained his slot in the middle of the park under David Moyes. He is a necessity for his combative role and dominant approach that will help the Hammers to win the battle of midfield and create more chances up front.
Pedro Obiang (CM)
He is confident with the ball, holds decent footwork and some good sense of passing. Obiang should start alongside Kouyate in central midfield and drive forward from the middle to operate in advanced areas.
Arthur Masuaku (LWB)
The Frenchman has been a standout performer in recent weeks and is providing a balanced display down the left flank from his left wingback role.
Manuel Lanzini (CAM)
The Argentine will return to the lineup after serving a two-game ban and will orchestrate moves from a central attacking midfield role behind the forwards.
Michail Antonio (RS)
One of the best recruits by the Hammers in recent years who has truly settled perfectly in the top-tier of English football. He offers physicality, creates chances, scores goals and brings consistency to the game that his side has been lacking since Dimitri Payet’s departure.
Marko Arnautovic (LS)
The Austrian took time to live up to the expectations since joining from Stoke City but is now showing his true potential by scoring goals after being shifted to an advanced attacking role. He will be a massive threat to the Bournemouth defence.
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