Manuel Pellegrini’s return to the English top flight could not have started on a worse note. The Chilean has lost each of his four games with West Ham United, who have conceded 10 goals so far, the most in the top flight. They are the only side yet to get off the mark in the league with the latest defeat coming against Wolves. They did knock Wimbledon out of the League Cup before the international break but it is high time that they start registering points.
The Hammers face a tough test this weekend when they travel to Goodison Park. They will take on injury-hit Everton side, that is yet to lose a game this season.
Marco Silva’s side were held to draws in the last two games but have the quality in the squad to get past a struggling West Ham side. But Pellegrini got a lot of time during the international break to put things right and there is every chance that we will see an improved West Ham side this weekend.
West Ham United Team News
In early team news, the Hammers are still without Winston Reid, Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini, all of who are long-term absentees. Arthur Masuaku is suffering from muscle issues and could also struggle to make it into the side this weekend.
Expected West Ham lineup (4-4-1-1)
Defence
With five saves per game this season, Lukasz Fabianski has been one of the best shot-stoppers in the league this season. He has often been let down by his backline and will hope that he is given more support this weekend.
Angelo Ogbonna is fit and should return to the backline this weekend. Issa Diop could be dropped, while Fabian Balbuena, who has won three aerial duels per game this season, will need to keep an eye on Cenk Tosun.
With Masuaku doubtful, Aaron Cresswell, who has a passing accuracy of 83%, should start at left-back. Ryan Fredericks has been the preferred option at right-back and he could keep his place in the side for this tie against Everton.
Midfield:
Carlos Sanchez was impressive in bits in his first two league starts for the Hammers. He will hope to put in a solid performance in the middle of the park and try to keep the likes of Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin under wraps. Mark Noble has not done enough to find a place in the first team and Pellegrini should stick with Jack Wilshere, who needs to improve on his output of just two key passes so far this season.
Michail Antonio has won 3.3 aerial duels per game this season, more than any other West Ham player. He deserves to keep his place on the left side of the midfield while Robert Snodgrass, who has a passing accuracy of 84%, will look to add some width on the other wing.
Attack
With two goals and four key passes so far this season, Marko Arnautovic has been impressive in a striker’s role. He should keep Chicharito on the bench yet again this weekend. He should get some support from Felipe Anderson, who was West Ham’s most impressive player in the last game.
Here is how they might line up:
Stat Credit: Whoscored.com
