Predicted West Ham United Lineup To Face Liverpool In The Premier League
Liverpool will be hoping to pip Manchester United for the second spot as they host West Ham United at Anfield this weekend.
The Reds are just two points behind second-placed Manchester United and are in impressive form ahead of their clash against West Ham. Following a convincing 2:0 win over Southampton, the Reds have also secured a stunning 5:0 victory against FC Porto in the Champions League.
West Ham, on the other hand, have been hugely topsy-turvy this season. The Hammers are currently sitting 12th in the Premier League table but have won only one of their last five matches in all competitions. Therefore, the London giants will be desperate to get all three points against an unpredictable Liverpool side this weekend.
Team News
Head coach David Moyes will miss out on the services of quite a few star players this weekend. Left-back Arthur Masuaku is currently facing a suspension while midfielders Pedro Obiang and Edimilson Fernandes are out with injuries. Star playmaker Manuel Lanzini is also suffering from a Hamstring problem and is not expected to return until March. Former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll will miss the clash as well, due to an ankle injury.
Formation: 3-4-3
David Moyes is likely to go with his preferred 3-4-3 formation, which he has been using for the most parts of his stint with West Ham United this season. The Scot used the same formation to register a win against Watford last week and it could be deployed once again, as they look to pull off an upset this weekend.
Coach: David Moyes
Adrian (GK)
Adrian will be the man between the sticks for West Ham this weekend. The Spaniard will play a key role as West Ham look to stop the mighty attacking trio of Liverpool – Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
Pablo Zabaleta (RWB)
David Moyes is not expected to make too many changes to the defensive combination he used in the game against Watford. Therefore, Pablo Zabaleta should start as the right wing-back, who will be important in stopping Sadio Mane on the far side.
James Collins (RCB)
Jose Fonte is doubtful to feature against Liverpool, therefore, James Collins might once again be given a berth in the starting lineup, should the Portuguese miss out on this weekend’s clash.
Angelo Ogbonna (CB)
Angelo Ogbonna should partner Collins in central defence. The former Juventus man will be tasked with the responsibility of stopping Roberto Firmino.
Aaron Cresswell (LCB)
It will be interesting to see where Aaron Cresswell starts this week, following the signing of Patrice Evra. The English International will most likely feature as a left-sided centre-back.
Michail Antonio (LWB)
We might not see Patrice Evra in action just yet, so Michail Antonio is once again expected to start at the left wing-back for the Hammers this weekend. The 27-year-old has been a handy player at West Ham, largely thanks to his impressive versatility.
Joao Mario (RM)
Arriving on loan from Inter in January, Joao Mario has instantly become a key player for David Moyes this season. The Portuguese International will be tasked with the responsibility of adding some creative spark to the West Ham attack, especially in the absence of Manuel Lanzini.
Mark Noble (CM)
David Moyes will be forced to use Mark Noble following the absence of key midfielder Pedro Obiang. The 30-year-old has failed to play his best football in recent seasons but will be hoping to do his best against Liverpool this weekend.
Cheikhou Kouyate (CM)
Partnering Mark Noble in central midfield should be Cheikhou Kouyate. The Senegalese international has the physical prowess as well as the tenacity to prevail against Liverpool but it will be interesting to see whether or not he’ll be up for the challenge this weekend.
Marko Arnautovic (LM)
The signing of Marko Arnautovic last summer has proved to be a boon for West Ham fans, as it seems. The Austrian star has already contributed 7 goals and 3 assists in 20 matches this season, which is actually quite impressive.
Javier Hernandez (ST)
Javier Hernandez, or more commonly known as ‘Chicharito’ should lead the line for the Hammers this weekend. His ability to score goals in any kind of situation will be an asset for the visitors.