After a forgettable campaign last term, West Ham United are now doing some good business under new manager Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean has already made some shrewd signings.
Here is how we expect the Hammers to line up this season with their new arrivals.
Goalkeeper
Lukasz Fabianski has been signed by the London based outfit for a reported £7million transfer fee from relegated Swansea City and he is set to be the club’s first choice custodian this season.
Joe Hart failed to live up to the expectations during his loan spell and no wonder Pellegrini has tightened the goalkeeping spot by bringing someone like Fabianski who has plenty of experience of English football under his belt.
Defence
Declan Rice rose to prominence last season and he was one of the silver linings for West Ham in what was a forgettable season in the top flight.
Alongside Rice, newcomer and club’s record signing for £22million from Toulouse, Issa Diop, is likely to be in the starting XI.
Although the Irons have Pablo Zabaleta to consider for filling the right-back slot, their new summer signing, Ryan Fredericks, could be preferred for the role. His creativity will be a vital asset for the club and the former Fulham fullback should enjoy the new challenge.
Meanwhile, Aaron Cresswell is expected to keep his place in the starting line-up and start as the left-back
Midfield
Cheikhou Kouyate has the know-how to protect the back line and it will make a lot of sense if he is paired up alongside Mark Noble in the central midfield. The assurance that Kouyate has on offer gives the license to Noble to maraud forward to create chances as well as to score goals.
If there is one player in the ranks of West Ham United who is craving to prove a point and is desperate to prove his doubters wrong more than anyone else, it has to be Jack Wilshere.
The former Arsenal midfielder was deemed to be surplus to the requirements at the Emirates and was shown the exit door. Pellegrini, who has backed his new signing, has said that Wilshere is hungry to resurrect his career and help his new side this campaign.
Attack
Andriy Yarmolenko will be exciting to watch in the English top flight after his £17.5million move to the London Stadium from Borussia Dortmund. He is likely to operate from the right-wing whereas from the left-wing, Felipe Anderson is expected to start.
Anderson is heavily linked with West Ham United as nears a £40million move from Lazio. Marko Arnautovic should keep his place up top.
