A very difficult Graham Potter team to predict today in the London derby against Arsenal. Potter has shown he’s not afraid of varying the team set-up having played both 4 across the back and three centre-backs with wing back options in recent weeks. Jean-Clair Todibo is close to full fitness but will probably start on the bench: Lucas Paquetá’s ankle injury rules him out along with Summerville, Fullkrug, Antonio and Coufal.
Trying to predict West Ham’s starting eleven this week is a bit of a lottery – but here is the best guess:
4-3-3: Areola | Wan Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson | Alvarez, Ward Prowse, Soler | Kudus, Ferguson Bowen
I’d certainly be happier with Ollie Scarles starting as he’s performed well each time he’s been called on, and can do more than Emerson in both defence and going forward: Easy to make these bold calls when I don’t have to take the responsibility for a defeat and I’m sure Potter will be more cautious.
If, however, he opts for three at the back I’d see Cresswell playing as the third centre back and AWB and Emerson starting as wing backs. Distinct lack of pace on the left to counter Arsenals right wing speedster Ethan Nwaneri though, which is a bit of a worry – another reason to go for Scarles as a wing back. And he’s loads better going forward.
Sean 0-2 convincing Hammers away win
Martin 0 -1 cheeky flukey West Ham away win
Matt 3-0 Arsenal Realism or defeatism – time will tell, Matt…
Gonzo 1- 1 draw
Remember to check back for the announced squad at 13.45 and as the game isn’t televised, a half time report at 15.45.. Plus Gonzo’s player ratings immediately after the full-time whistle – you lucky people!
Why is this stale news still here.
Well done Sean and Martin. Never been able to predict a loss for West Ham, just not in my make up.
I was shocked last week, I thought that we were passed being as bad as we were in the first half. I was bullish last week and said we’d win 2-0. I’m far less confident this week and I think the best we’ll get is a 2-1 defeat.
We should be so lucky, lucky lucky lucky! Well, we are lucky that we can watch the game ‘live’ here in Oz. Maybe. I don’t share the optimism of the Claret&Hugh army in saying we’ll get a positive result. But it would be a dream if we did get one.