The Hammers travel north today for the tough away fixture at the Emirates against an Arsenal team which has struggled to score of late: Right on cue then for West Ham‘s visit, where the last two games have yielded an 11-2 aggregate score: A goalless draw is probably unlikely!
Graham Potter has to choose his best set-up to counter Arsenals’s set piece threat, whether he feels a straight back four is better or three central defenders morse suited to the threat. In addition, the dreadful midfield from the first half against Brentford needs ripping up and starting again. The announced team will show if he’s left out Alvarez or Tomas Soucek – whose defensive aerial capabilities will help counter Arsenal’s set-piece mastery.
The full team has just been released and the starting eleven is as follows:
West Ham United
Areola , Scarles, Cresswell, Kilman, Todibo, Wan Bissaka, Alvarez, Ward Prowse, Soucek, Bowen, Kudus
Looks like a back three with wing-backs, then – a well deserved start for Ollie Scarles in place of Emerson.
I’ll be doing a half time report since the game isn’t televised, and remember to check back at full time for Gonzo’s player ratings – come on you irons!
Scarles and AWB, what a pairing!
I do not think you can play JWP, Soucek & Alvarez together because it makes for a very static midfield. They each have their qualities, but none of them sprint, nor are particularly good in making themselves available, keeping the ball ticking over, etc.
Just having fun trying to pedict. Guess Soucek will in fact score a brace, JWP will play a blinder with Alvarez having an assist 👍
No mobility in midfield but they were there to keep their structure and discipline. Speed was out on the flanks with Scarles and AWB.
I’ll have a slice of that humble pie please.
Brilliant win!!
Rubbish
If you mean do not want to see the same midfield setup/style of play all the time, totally agree, but I’m taking the point of view “needs must..” and most of all they pulled it off, both the manager and the players.
I was shocked how bad we were first half last week, I thought we were passed that. We need to up our game considerably today.
Alvarez, JWP, Soucek – slllllllooooooowwww midfield!
Great midfield.
Can we keep the scores 0-0 in first 5 min …or will we panic again and concede as per .😳
How wrong I was….😂😂ffs it’s impossible to know with us …great win …dont know how we played..but 3 point is brilliant
😂ffs ..we have a young striker but another manager that would prefer to play someone out of position……wtf ……we will 95% lose ..so why not give the kid game time …so much for the brazilian kid getting a start ….more bull sht
Fergusons not up to 90 minutes yet, and he’s prone to break down too, he needs to be eased in and I suspect will appear at half time or not long after.
It’s a massive vote of confidence for Scarles. Especially as he’s been trusted with keeping the Arsenal winger (I’m not even going to attempt to spell his name) quiet. COYI!
Ollie Ollie Ollie, oi oi oi! Good to see him starting.
Looks like a sensible selection. Let’s hope it’ll do the job. COYI !
at least we have someone fast enough to keep up with Arsenals young fast right winger..