West Ham United will begin their much-awaited campaign against last season’s Champions League finalists Liverpool.
The Hammers have been one of the busiest Premier League sides in this transfer window signing a host of players as Manuel Pellegrini looks to usher in a new era at West Ham.
Like West Ham, Liverpool have also been quite busy in the transfer market. However, instead of splashing their cash on several different players, the Reds have made four big-money signings, all of whom will play an essential role this season.
The home side will definitely have the upper hand as they are undefeated in their last 21 matches at Anfield. But, West Ham are buzzing and Pellegrini will take the game to Klopp.
Team News
West Ham United will be without the services of Andy Carroll, Manuel Lanzini, Winston Reid and Fernandes, all of whom are sidelined. Carroll’s absence, though a familiarity, is something Pellegrini could have done without at the start of his managerial stint.
Past that, Pellegrini will have the privilege of choosing from a fully fit squad this weekend barring from deadline day arrivals in Lucas Perez and Carlos Sanchez.
PREDICTED WEST HAM UNITED LINEUP VS LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)
West Ham’s back-four is expected to comprise of Pablo Zabaleta, Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell with Lukasz Fabianski starting in goal. Zabaleta’s experience will serve as a valuable asset for Pellegrini who holds the Argentine in high esteem. Thus, he is likely to get the nod ahead of new signing Ryan Fredericks, at least in the initial stages.
The trio of Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang and Jack Wilshere will form the midfield three in Pellegrini’s 4-3-3 system. All eyes will be on Wilshere, who has the chance to resurrect his career following years of disappointment at Arsenal.
We can expect the former Arsenal superstar to roam in the half-spaces, looking to play a key role in West Ham’s transition play. He will also be in charge of providing the attacking spark from the midfield position.
Finally, West Ham’s attack will be led by Felipe Anderson, who will be partnered by Andriy Yarmolenko and Marko Arnautovic. The Austrian will exchange places with Anderson thus bringing fluidity to the attack.
Chicharito doesn’t look 100% and Jordan Hugill has been sent out on loan. There will be further changes depending on form but if we go by reputation, these three will be expected to feature heavily over the course of the season.
