Right-back decision sends a message
Having given my predicted team in the West Ham versus Wolves preview, I thought I’d turn to what I would actually pick for this one. We’ve said it enough times already, but this really is a must-win.
With the Hammers playing on Friday night, there’s a chance to put pressure on the teams around us. First thing I’d do is keep Kyle Walker-Peters at right-back.
KWP has largely played understudy to Aaron Wan-Bissaka this season, but he was one of West Ham’s better players in the FA Cup defeat to Leeds United and calmly dispatched his penalty. It would feel a strange call to drop him straight away for Wan-Bissaka, who wasn’t even in the country last weekend after staying in Congo for a presidential celebration following World Cup qualification.
Wan Bissaka did not return for West Ham’s FA Cup game having been summoned to Congo to receive an award
Centre-back issues and midfield balance
Central defence is less straightforward. Axel Disasi looks likely to be exhausted after 135 minutes on Sunday, so that needs managing. That said, most would agree that as long as Max Kilman doesn’t get selected, any combination of CB’s is fine.
In midfield, I’d stick with what Nuno tends to trust, reverting to the Tomas Souček and Matheus Fernandes axis. It’s familiar, and in a game like this, familiarity probably matters.
Pace the key in attack
It’s in attack where I’d make the real changes.
With Crysencio Summerville back and having had a full week of training, I’d bring him straight into the starting XI on the left. Adama Traoré, who was West Ham’s standout performer against Leeds, also has to play.
That setup would allow Jarrod Bowen to move alongside Tati Castellanos, putting our most reliable finisher where he can do the most damage.
For once this season, it would give West Ham genuine pace on both flanks and something different on the counter-attack — something that’s been missing for long spells.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Hermansen |
| RB | Walker-Peters |
| CB | Mavropanos |
| CB | Disasi |
| LB | Diouf |
| CM | Souček |
| CM | Fernandes |
| LW | Summerville |
| RW | Traoré |
| CF | Castellanos |
| CF | Bowen |
Anyway, that’s my team. Curious to see what others would go with in the comments below.
I think you’ve nailed it Gonzo
Cheers Peter
That looks a good team as long as Traore tracks back when required 😊⚒️⚒️
That’s a fair point Morty and probably why Bowen will get the nod on the wing
I agree with your selection, most probably our strongest team at the moment, Kanté AWB , Wilson on midway through the second half to freshen it up.
Yep, I like that Chris