West Ham United will look to get off the mark in the points table this weekend when they travel to the Falmer Stadium. They take on a Brighton side, who will be high on confidence after their impressive 3-0 victory at Vicarage Road on the opening day.
After the 5-0 mauling to start the new Premier League campaign, West Ham United need to get back to winning ways quickly, to get rid of old habits.
They lost their first four league games last season, which inadvertently affected their chances of qualifying for Europe. The Hammers have failed to win any of their away games against the Seagulls, but Manuel Pellegrini will believe that his side has what it takes to overturn this record.
However, they will have to put behind their worst defeat at their new stadium and put in a solid performance to take anything from this game. Here is the predicted lineup Pellegrini might field for this tie:
West Ham United Team News
Pellegrini revealed that Sebastien Haller and Felipe Anderson picked up knocks in the game last weekend. Both players are doubts for this trip to the south coast.
However, Jack Wilshere has been declared fit, while Mark Noble is expected to return to training as well.
Predicted West Ham United lineup (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Lukasz Fabianski did very little wrong but picked the ball out of his goal five times against City. He will hope to have a less busy game against The Seagulls.
Pellegrini has put his faith in the centre-back pairing of Fabian Balbuena and Issa Diop, both of who were exposed time and again by Pep Guardiola’s side last weekend. But facing Glenn Murray and company could be a slightly easier task.
Ryan Fredericks could not cope with Raheem Sterling and needs to put in a better performance against Brighton this weekend. Aaron Cresswell also had his issues, but could be an attacking outlet against Burnley on Saturday.
Midfield
Declan Rice had a decent game against City, but will hope to have more of a say in West Ham’s build-up play in this game. He will sit deep and offer cover to his backline while Jack Wilshere, who is fit and ready to play, will look to add some creativity to Pellegrini’s two-man midfield.
Attack
With Anderson unlikely to feature, Michail Antonio will be responsible for providing width to West Ham’s attack. He could start on the left flank, while Robert Snodgrass, who only came off the bench against City, could start on the right flank.
Pablo Fornals did not show enough promise to keep his place in the West Ham United lineup.
Pellegrini should stick with Manuel Lanzini in the no.10 role. The absence of Haller means Javier Hernandez is the best option to lead the attack for the Hammers this weekend.
Here is how they might line up:
