Predicted West Ham line-up to face Brighton in the Premier League
West Ham travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton on Friday night as the Hammers look to continue their good form.
They would be in high spirits after outplaying Manchester United in an incredible 3-1 victory at the London stadium. After four straight losses in the Premier League, Manuel Pellegrini’s side have picked up seven points in their last three games.
Brighton, meanwhile, are coming into this on the back of losses against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, hence, they will be looking to go into the second international break on a positive note.
Team News
West Ham will be without Jack Wilshere, with the midfielder having undergone a minor surgery last month. Andy Carroll, Winston Reid and Manuel Lanzini are also recovering from long-term injuries.
Probable West Ham XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Manuel Pellegrini
Lukasz Fabianski (GK)
Fabianski has been a stellar presence in goal, showing that he is perhaps the best pound for pound addition West Ham have made in 2018.
Pablo Zabaleta (RB)
Zabaleta has been phenomenal at right-back of late and is a certain starter against Brighton.
Fabian Balbuena (CB)
Balbuena is a fantastic organiser at the back, a vocal leader and an experienced player who is finally showing signs of settling down at West Ham.
Issa Diop (CB)
The young and the athletic Diop has forged a strong partnership with the experienced Balbuena at the back for West Ham. This should continue to be the case.
Arthur Masuaku (LB)
Masuaku has become a really important player for the Hammers. He offers width and often loves to show his tricks on the pitch.
Declan Rice (CDM)
Rice sits in front of the back four, dictates the tempo of the game and gives security to the attacking players.
Mark Noble (RCM)
Noble had one of his career’s best games against Manchester United where he bossed the midfield from the first minute until the last. He is a certain starter against Brighton.
Pedro Obiang (LCM)
Obiang offers thrust and dynamism in the midfield. He has influenced games for the Hammers and he should keep doing it in order to maintain his team’s good form.
Andriy Yarmolenko (RW)
With his pace, trickery and enterprise, Yarmolenko could give the Brighton defenders a torrid time on Friday.
Felipe Anderson (LW)
Felipe Anderson has been a revelation for the Hammers this season, shining brightly ever since the club’s resurgence started.
Read more: Pellegrini would be very wise to sign this 23-year-old Liverpool attacker on loan in January – opinion
Marko Arnautovic (ST)
Arnautovic was fit enough to start for West Ham against Manchester United last weekend and he proved his worth. The powerful forward is West Ham’s biggest goalscoring threat and without him, they look toothless.