INSCRUTABLE Nuno Espírito Santo doesn’t make it easy for opponents or observers trying to second guess his West Ham United starting eleven. Despite the general consensus that the midfield trio of Potts, Magassa and Fernandes is the ‘way forward’ it hasn’t deterred Nuno from changing formation and personnel frequently-who’d have foreseen Guido Rodríguez starting last week.
Even with a fully fit and functioning squad – reportedly so at least – it wouldn’t surprise us to see the Manager spring another change on the London Stadium audience this afternoon against an Aston Villa side currently sweeping all before them. Five at the back? quite possibly. That leaves the Hammers short in midfield or attack – but defensively-minded Nuno switches formation mid game so it is a tough call.
As a guess, (which is all it is with Nuno) we could see him reverting to that three centre-back variation against such strong opponents plus Wan-Bissaka and Diouff (before they disappear for five weeks) as wing backs but offering a line of five when out of possession. With Wilson on the bench for the first half. That would mean:
West Ham United – predicted starting XI
Areola | Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Mavropanos, Kilman, Diouf | Fernandes, Potts | Summerville, Paqueta, Bowen
Score predictions:
Gonzo Aston Villa win 1 – 0
Sean West Ham win 2 – 1
Matt West Ham win 1 – 0
Martin West Ham win 1 – 0
Three one alls in a row, it’s 1-1 for me, the line up looks good. Billy Bonds memorial day lets make it tough for them.
Well done if you predicted a West Ham win. Thats the spirit!