Predicted West Ham United Line-up To Face Arsenal In The Premier League
West Ham line up another London derby as they welcome north London club Arsenal to the London stadium after having caused an upset to the champions last time out in the league. They are certainly moving upwards, if not completely in terms of the results. Against Manchester City, they played with grit and a fighting spirit despite being on the wrong side of the result.
Next up, they sent Chelsea back with nothing in return as they kept a clean sheet after more than two months. Although this is a good time to play the inconsistent Gunners, West Ham have lost 14 of their last 18 games against them. However, some odds are in their favour. For example, in this calendar year, Arsenal have been awfully poor away from home, conceding 32 goals.
The teams come into this game having experienced different fortunes in the last game week and to win, for completely different reasons. Moyes’ worst record is against the Frenchman as he has lost 17 of his 28 meetings with the Wenger, but as many of them say, it’s the present and recent that matters, not the history.
Team News
Cheikhou Kouyate and Sam Byram are still not back to their 100% which means Moyes could play almost the same side that fought and emerged victorious against Chelsea. Jose Fonte, who featured in the pre-show in Matchday live, is a long-term absentee. James Collins will go a late fitness test but may not break into the starting XI, especially after this back three kept a clean sheet after an eternity.
Moyes hinted that Adrian is his No. 1, which implies that Joe Hart could warm the bench again. However, the former Everton boss said that the Englishman will keep goals on many occasions for the Irons.
Probable West Ham XI To Face Arsenal
Formation: 3-4-3
Manager: David Moyes
Defence
Adrian has been highly impressive with his voice in the middle, decision-making skills and saves low down. In the past two games, he has shown why he can play as the club’s No. 1. A couple of reflex stops over the previous few matches have been breathtaking.
Aaron Cresswell, who was a formidable force to be reckoned with in the box while blocking crosses should play on the left-hand side of the back-3.
Winston Reid should play on the other side of the back three. He was extremely well organised and neat in the air against Chelsea and should continue in the same fashion against the Gunners as well.
Ogbonna should play at the heart of the defence. He put in some crucial tackles, blocks and cleared the ball out of danger on a number of occasions against Chelsea, and has been in good shape this season.
Midfield
Pedro Obiang and Mark Noble will play as holding midfielders. The latter’s forward passing is worth the praise whereas Obiang shields and protects the back five.
Manuel Lanzini, who was all over the place last weekend for all the good reasons, should play on the right wing. His set-piece qualities could come in handy against the Gunners who tend to switch off at times.
Marko Arnautovic‘s hard work, energy and ability to get his shot away quickly should keep him in the side, on the left wing.
Pablo Zabaleta‘s form has improved by a mile, which could see him start at right-wingback. He would usually leave his flank open and it was easy for any player to run in behind him. But now, even though he isn’t the player that he was, the Argentine defends with discipline.
Arthur Masuaku will start this game. He was the best player going forward and is a trickster. He is a fan favourite in east London.
Attack
Chicharito could start as Antonio was subbed off due to muscle strain. He might not offer that sort of work-rate or counter-attacking threat, but if given space in the box, the former Manchester United striker can punish any side.