The story so far
If there is a team that has raised expectations to sky high and got it down underground, it’s West Ham United. They faced a lashing by Manchester United in the opening weekend, having been mauled 4-0. They then conceded 3 against Southampton, where only Javier Hernandez led the fight single-handedly by scoring a brace.
In the weekend before international break, they were hammered by Newcastle, a game which was one-sided and embarrassed Slaven Bilic and his men as they barely had anything to show, be it up front or at the back.
They had a good transfer window, bringing in the experience of Joe Hart and Pablo Zabaleta from Manchester and also, Marco Arnautovic from Stoke City. They also purchased the Ex-Manchester United star striker, Javier Hernandez, who scored the last goal of the Ferguson era.
Slaven Bilic needs to get his team working together and function with some esteem, fizz and confidence. Here are their best possible XI when everyone is fit.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK – Joe Hart
Experienced custodian. Might not have made the cut at Manchester City, but his shot-stopping ability is still pretty good.
RB – Pablo Zabaleta
Out of form, suffering a series of ordinary performances but is experienced, passionate and can throw the boots at anything if needed. Also, a sharp crosser.
CB – Jose Fonte
Strong, has got powerful shoulders. Loves clearing the ball and playing safe, is the best option to have at the centre even though he hasn’t replicated the form he showed at Southampton. Also, is a threat in the opposition box.
CB – Angelo Ogbonna
Is a tank at the back on his day. Shows outstanding positioning and touch map statistics, is a measured tackler and threat.
LB – Aaron Cresswell
Arguably the best all-round defender in the team, wins almost everything down his side, tracks down runs really well and knows when to play a high line and commit himself. He has also got impeccable delivery.
CDM – Mark Noble
A hammer to the core and much more, he had got great ability to push the game forward and play key passes. He can strike them from a distance as he has got a sound shooting skill. Also, isn’t afraid to put his body on the line or throw it at the dribbler.
CDM – Cheikhou Kouyaté
Probably the major missing piece for Bilic. A defensive gift to any team, he can break plays, win balls and strike them by being a threatening box to box midfielder.
LW – Marco Arnautovic
Loves taking on defenders and toying with them either by cutting in or producing a magic ball into the box. He has got unbelievable venom in his shots, capable of breaking any keeper’s hands. Is an enigma, though, and can be infuriating at times.
CAM – Manuel Lanzini
The most creative, all round player in the team. A smart, powerful and classy finisher, he has the potential to create the unseen. He is a great playmaker too and is in charge of free kicks, which have been converted in style in the recent past by him.
RW – Michael Antonio
Brings so much down the wing. Dribbles, links-up, attempts at crosses and gets past players with some skill. Adds more bite to the attack.
ST – Javier Hernandez
The perfect centre-forward. He is a good poacher, off side tracker and most importantly, is always hungry. The right balls will definitely go into the net, 9 out of 10 times if he is behind it.
