West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini looks likely to be forced into necessary changes rather than tinkering for the sake of it when the team meet Spurs on November 23.
With Manu Lanzini and Mark Noble missing – other than Noble MAYBE being on the bench – he has some critical decisions to make.
He could have Jack Wilshere available or Carlos Sanchez to sit alongside Declan Rice but in the case of the former Gunner, injury may intervene given his last appearance was on October 19.
He is hardly going to be the most match fit of the squad whilst Sanchez made his last appearance in August and has seen action in just three Premier League games so far this term so he looks an unlikely choic.
That leaves Rice looking for a partner in front of the back four with the choice seeming being between Snodgrass, Fornals and Yarmolenko, should the manager stick with the usual suspects.
My choice however, would be Zabaleta and although Anderson would get a starting berth I believe Antonio would be off the bench at some stage of proceedings. I can find no place for Yarmolenko
One player who is an absolute must for me is Nathan Holland who should play down the left in front of Cresswell with Anderson in the hole behind Haller and Antonio.
The team and crowd need a lift and Nathan could easily supply that!
Assuming no injuries on the training ground I see us lining up something like this: Martin; Fredericks, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Rice, Zaba, Snodgrass, Holland; Anderson, Haller.
Should Anderson have one of those less accomplished game I think he would be off with Antonio coming on as the 4-4-1-1 becomes a 4-4-2.
Yes worth a try. Not ideal blooding young players in a struggling side, and it is rare for one to make a major impact. If they do it can be a fluke e.g. Freddy Sears. And didn’t Stanislaw score on his debut? But still worth a punt. We could do with a bit of luck..
Pass this team selection onto your itk contact and make sure it finds its way to Pellegrini…Thank me later! ⚒
Martin.
Diop. Rice. Ogbonna.
Fredericks. Arthur.
Noble.
Snodgrass.
Antonio. Anderson.
Haller.
Nathan Holland should be amongst the subs!
Noble’s not definite to play –
I think he’ll make it. Failing that I’d use Wilshere if available or drop Snoddy into the deeper role.
No please don’t go back to wilshere.
If ever there was a player who flatters to deceive it’s wilshere.He is too easily disspossed of the ball and his choice of pass usually lets him down as well.
Just to clarify..
That’s 3 at the back with Diop, Rice, Ogbonna. Arthur and Fredericks in the wing back roles to support Anderson and Antonio in attack respectively. Noble sitting deeper with Snodgrass slightly ahead of him.
This is similar to how Newcastle set up against us and annihilated us. Watford also used this formation against Norwich on Friday night to much success! 👍🏻
A big key to the formation working is actually Antonio as I believe he will provide the link and support for Haller in attack that’s been desperately missing. I think we will see a much improved performance from Haller as a result!
I also believe that we will see a better Felipe Anderson as Arthur offers so much more going forward on the left hand side than Cresswell. The three centre backs should help cover his defensive frailties on the other hand.
I think this is about the best we can do with what we’ve got available. Can someone make sure this gets to Pellegrini ⚒👍🏻
Pull In Cresswell alongside Diop and Ogbonna and bring Masuaku in at wing back. Worked under Moyes in stiffening the defence?
Cresswell struggles at left back completely out of his depth in the middle, play rice there it’s his natural position.id play Arthur ahead of him if we go with the much needed wing back formation.
We have been missing a box to box midfielder for year I would give Antonio That role he never played there to my knowledge but feel perfect fit up and down just may be to soon as he been out a few weeks
Have to agree with SC I’ve been calling for reverting to 5-3-2 or 5-1-3-1 for some time to shore up the back line but also release Masuaku’s attacking potential which seems to fit well with Anderson but also should provide more service for Haller. I’d like to see this but just can’t see Pellegrini changing the system
Martin
diop ogbonna cresswell
Fredericks. Masuaku
Rice
Antonio Anderson Holland
Haller
Or Anderson left wing snod in with rice holland on the bench
Spot on mate. It’s not rocket science and if we can blatantly see this you do find it hard to back Audrey when he is making such a mess of things atm.
Personally I disagree that Rice is needed more in midfield as I think his looked lost the games are passing him by…his natural position is centre half and he can still play out to support Noble with the other 2 adequate cover at the back.
As I said earlier a fit Antonio is key to this formation working as I believe he is the only forward we have who can get up and support Haller.
I do think we need to look to bring in another forward capable of playing in a 3 up top like Haller has at Frankfurt last season but for now I think this is the best solution.
In reality I fear that Audrey will continue with a flat back four and the rot will continue! Keep smiling ⚒
SC – I think that your suggestions are good – sorry for being a bit dense but where does the “Audrey” nickname come from? ANyway I agree that a) a back three makes sense and b) Unfortunately the manager is not going to do that