As we eagerly await the official announcement of Pablo Fornals as the third West Ham signing of the summer, speculation on social media has been discussing how the 24-year-old will fit within the team, whether he is a replacement for Manuel Lanzini and who could be dropped.
Sources close to the club have indicated that Manuel Pellegrini wants to play Pablo Fornals and Manuel Lanzini in the same lineup when possible. We have also been led to believe Jack Wilshere will also have a starting place in the manager’s starting lineup when fit.
Hugh supplied his starting lineup for the first game against Manchester City earlier this morning so this is my take on Pellegrini’s starting lineup as it stands without future signings and assuming everyone is fit for the start of the 2019/2020 season.
Team: Fabianski, Masuaku, Diop, Balbuena, Fredericks, Rice, Anderson, Fornals, Wilshere, Lanzini & Arnautovic
Subs Bench: Roberto, Zabaleta, Cresswell, Ogbonna, Noble, Yamolenko, Antonio
Un-used unless cover for injuries: Sanchez, Reid, Snodgrass, Diangana
I reckon that team would be over run in midfield and we end up with another 4-0 loss like the beginning of last season
What’s your solution Zahama?
Hugh, I agree with Zahama. Wilshere is not a starter and especially after signing Fornals. Fornals is not that fast so cant play him in the team. Also if we sign a 9 then Arnie will play as one of the three in behind. Strong rumours also we are considering a young wide player with immense potential. There is no place for Wilshere in this team but I do accept if he gets back to the form he showed a few seasons ago he can certainly have a part to play. My fear is he won’t.
I believe Noble will start as club captain in the first game and we will then have three of Antonio, Anderson, Lanzini, Fornals in a 4-2-3-1 with Arnie (or new buy) up front
I would want Antonio to give more support to Fredericks than any of the others would – Wiltshire or the one of the four left out could play from the bench
I domt agree with this line up simply because playing wilshere lanzini Anderson and fornals is a non starter. Wilshere or lanzini will make way. No.idea where yarmslemko fits in. Lets just pray we ate on the verge of signing lobotka or another world class CDM because if we dont we will struggle- not to mention a striker. Fornals is quality but he wasnt needed…not getting andre Gomes is a blow
If you play that team we will get slaughtered in midfield without the ball, Wilshere can’t defend neither can Fornals or Lanzini. What we need are strikers and quick.
I have made the point about lack of defensive midfielders Paul so what’s your solution
I think Antonio needs to start ..his energy helps going forward and in defence