West Ham United, after an impressive start under David Moyes, have had a mediocre start to the New Year as they have managed just one win in their last five games. Their latest setback came in the FA Cup as they could only manage a draw against League One side Shrewsbury Town.
The East Londoners would have to play a replay now and hence have added another match to an important fixture list. Ahead of their third-round replay with Shrewsbury, West Ham will face Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Team News
The injury list is quite a long one for David Moyes and hence the former Sunderland manager cannot afford to rotate the squad too much. Winston Reid is a doubt due to a groin issue.
James Collins and Diafra Sakho are ruled out from the fixture though they might be edging to a return soon. Edmilson Fernandes and Jose Fonte will be unavailable for the game against David Wagner’s men.
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Defence
Adrian has dethroned Joe Hart as the first-choice goalkeeper and has delivered some assuring performances off late.
Young 18-year-old Declan Rice will be one of the centre-halves in the three-man defensive setup. Rice has risen above the ranks from West Ham’s academy and has notched eleven appearances this season.
Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell will be on either side of Declan Rice. The three of them will have to be aware as Huddersfield are quite good while breaking on the counter.
Midfield
Pablo Zabaleta has been a consistent performer for West Ham as the former Manchester City man has contributed well to both attack and defence. He has led the defence well and is always seen making some good runs to the opposition half.
Arthur Masuaku will start on the left wing. The fullback uses his strength and fleet footwork to get the better of the opposition on the wing and can put in a good cross.
Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang could start at the heart of the midfield. Both of them are quite defensive in their approach and like to keep things simple. No Winston Reid and Jose Fonte mean West Ham’s midfield duo will have to be warier and shield the inexperienced defence.
Attack
Marko Arnautovic is touted to return after missing two matches due to a tight hamstring. The Austrian will add more quality to the attack as the former Stoke City man has been in fine form ever since Moyes took charge. He has scored five times in his last seven games and hence his return is eagerly awaited by the Hammers.
Manuel Lanzini will play alongside Arnautovic and behind Andy Carroll. Lanzini likes to find spaces and pick out precise passes inside the box.