Fornals to play along side Lanzini

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