West Ham United have embarked on a positive run of results after a dismal start to their Premier League campaign. Manager Manuel Pellegrini’s efforts paid dividends when they routed Macclesfield Town in the Carabao Cup.
The Hammers scored eight times in that match without reply and they will certainly be upbeat whilst facing Manchester United at home. Pellegrini’s press conference took place yesterday and the major team news was that talismanic striker Marko Arnautovic is fit to start against United.
Hence, we might not see many changes from the side that held Chelsea to a goalless draw last weekend.
Lukasz Fabianski is a reliable custodian and had an excellent game against Chelsea. He will definitely start in goal for the Hammers.
Pablo Zabaleta and Arthur Masuaku will form the fullback partnership. Zabaleta showed good resilience against Chelsea, as he contained Eden Hazard and neutralized the Belgian’s impact on the game.
The Argentine won two tackles, made three interceptions and eight clearances against Maurizio Sarri’s side. Masuaku delivered one cross, but he will look to exploit the space created by United’s meek right flank.
Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena will start as the two centre-halves. Diop intercepted thrice and made six clearances against Chelsea. Similarly, Balbuena made 11 clearances and this signifies that the duo has the capability to shackle the misfiring United frontline on their day.
Declan Rice will be tasked with guarding the backline and starting passing moves from deep midfield. He intercepted and cleared the ball four and five times respectively last weekend and the Hammers will hope for similar stats from the impressive player. Pedro Obiang and Mark Noble were the star performers against Chelsea as they tenaciously dismantled Chelsea’s dynamic midfield notching up 5 successful tackles each.
Marko Arnautovic will lead the line and try to trouble United’s backline with his physical dominance and clinical finishing.
He will be flanked by Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko on either side. Anderson is quick, deceptive and a competent dribbler. He completed three dribbles and provided a key pass in West Ham’s match against Chelsea. Yarmolenko delivered two key passes and took a couple of shots on goal.
This frontline has shown clear signs of improvement and Pellegrini will want them to score an early goal and put the pressure on the Red Devils. Arnautovic’s presence up front will be crucial to how the Hammers perform against Mourinho’s side.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
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