West Ham United will continue their preparations for the new season with a pre-season friendly against Preston North End at the Deepdale on Saturday.
The Hammers, under the new management of Manuel Pellegrini, have been spending heavily in the summer, making as many as seven new additions, while breaking the club record for transfer fee twice this summer. And the manager will be hoping to get his team get his gelled up before the new campaign kicks off.
West Ham lost 3-2 to FC Winterthur in their first pre-season friendly, before going on to beat Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 last weekend. And ahead of the next game, here’s how the East Londoners could line up at Deepdale.
The Spaniard has started the last two games between the sticks and that is unlikely to change against Preston this weekend.
The full-back did not start the first pre-season and made a substitute appearance last time out. In line to replace Pablo Zabaleta at right-back.
The 21-year-old Frenchman arrived this summer from Ligue 1 side Toulouse and has looked solid in his two appearances. Looks set to start again.
Partnering the youngster in the heart of the defence should be former Juventus centre-back Angelo Ogbonna.
Completing the back-four for the Hammers at Deepdale should be Arthur Masuaku. Will be key with his forward forays from the left-back slot.
The 22-year-old Swiss midfielder made a substitute appearance in the previous game. Should replace Josh Cullen in the starting XI this weekend.
In the middle of the park, club captain Mark Noble should retain his spot in the starting line-up against Alex Neil’s side on Saturday.
The third midfield slot for the Hammers should be occupied by Spaniard Pedro Obiang. Has been a key player for the club and will be looking to get into the rhythm before the season kicks off.
The summer arrival from German giants Borussia Dortmund has the potential to be an excellent signing for the East Londoners. Pellegrini will be hoping that he hits the ground running.
The new signing should be set to face Preston and it will be interesting to see how he fares under Pellegrini.
On the left flank, former Hull City winger Robert Snodgrass should once again start, as he looks to make an impression on the new manager.
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