Javier Hernandes could easily find himself dropped to the bench this weekend as the Hammers travel to the Hawthorns to face the Baggies.
West Ham keeper Joe Hart has already given a hint how Bilic could setup in the Midlands by saying “It’s not going to be one for the football purists. It’s going to be a tough game and we have to show that same passion to win it. I am excited to be here and I just want to keep improving.”
Andy Carroll is perfect to play against Tony Pullis brand of direct football and almost guaranteed a start. I would imagine Andre Ayew who made such an impact with an assist and a goal of his own may also be rewarded with a start. With a great game by Pedro Obiang against Huddersfield and the return of Marko Arnautovic to his natural position of the left wing could see Chicharito finding himself edged out for this away contest and on the bench.
My starting XI for West Brom: Hart; Zabaleta, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Obiang, Kouyate, Arnautovic, Antonio, Ayew, Carroll
Their defenders would welcome playing against Carroll’s limited mobility and Chico would probably draw fouls.If Carroll plays his greatest asset could be his defensive qualities against their set pieces.
Ridiculous idea or suggestion,Whatever you want to call it.Its playing straight into their hands.West Brom have a big Physical defence and its what they thrive on.Its surely mobility up front that unlocks their defence not punting the ball into their area.Remember last season they caned us at the Hawthorns and then scored in injury time at the London stadium with a corner headed in by one of their centre halves.Macauley or Evans with practically the last touch of the game.(its their strength and pulis has played it that way for years with both Stoke and West Brom.).Still think Bilic needs something from this game as a repeat of last season could see him walking the plank.Sorry for the negative vibe but we need to string some results together to convince me and this tactic looks suicidal.
I’m not going to lie.. but you don’t change a winning formula… keep the same line up…
Just stick Arnautovic on the bench.
👍 100%
If it ain’t broke (too much)……
I half agree with Arnie for Hernandez. But to change from 3 at the back and drop Collins and Fonte after our first clean sheet would be lunacy.
Andre Ayew – give me strength!! The only assist for the first goal was the back of a West Brom defender and my 87 year old mum could score from three yards out!!!
Sean with all due respect me ol’ china these are your musings and all they achieve are an early round of howls of derision about something that wont probably happen.
Ayew gets flack but its suprising how often he finds the net when given a chance.Certain players seem to get a tag from some fans and whatever they do they are **** in some opinions.Who needs enemies when your own fans dig you out even when you score.
+1
+1
Nothing wrong with Andre Ayew,weighs in with his fair share of goals when he plays.Dont understand all the crap about him being shyte 😀
They’ve surely got to stick to three at the back, with Zabaletta and Cresswell as wing-backs, Kouyate and Obiang in midfield, Carroll and Chicarito up front with Antonio doing his thing.
Arnautovic and Ayew only make the bench!
I’m not a fan of Ayew – he always seems anonymous to me but he did what we wanted him to on monday night – so what do I know!
Nah the difference is Michael some fan favourites have a shyt match & it ahh just wasnt his day,oh well maybe he is carrying an injury.Ayew has a quiet game & he is automatically shyt.7 goals in 19 starts + 10 as sub.We aint got too many others done any better at putting the ball in the onion bag since the start of last season 😁
Ayew is a good player.He might not be a regular starter but he does just fine.As you said,some players get away with murder others are given no slack at all.He will score goals when needed and really thats all that matters.
The thing is if he doesnt run around like a headless chicken he gets accused of doing nothing.I have seen him put some real shifts in, noticeably at home to spurs where he never stopped.It goes over some supporters heads though!
Ajew made an impact? He scored, but I did see him ‘running’…. He simply does not have the pace. Chicharito and Carroll both need to play upfront, both in the box. 4-4-2: Hart-Zabaleta-Reid-Fonte-Cresswell-Antonio-Obiang-Kouyate-Arnoutovic-Chicharito-Carroll. Keep pressure on their defence. And if Lanini is available, him for Kouyate. To get some football in the team.
So our dilemma is we have a wealth of attacking options and are spoilt for choice. Not a bad position to be in really. As we cannot play 3 at the back, two out and out strikers and two attacking wingers, something has to give. Bilic has options at last. COYI
just keep Noble out of the team, and we have got a chance. same team as Monday with changes from the bench 2nd half when we are 2-0 up