West Ham are travelling to Falmer Stadium for their Premier League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. David Moyes’ men are coming off a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Tuesday – their second one after the 1-1 showing against Bournemouth last month. What started out to be a very poor start to the 2017/18 season has been turned around by the appointment of the former Manchester United manager.
He has instilled a sense of purpose to the side while at the same time delegating specific roles to each of his players. The Hammers are currently in the 12th spot of the points table and are looking promising towards a top half finish. The team is suffering from a lot of injuries to key players but Moyes has worked his way around to make a few signings.
Joao Mario’s arrival will definitely bolster the midfield ranks and the team should get the win over the struggling Seagulls.
Brighton also could manage only one point against relegation-threatened Southampton after falling victim to a 4 goal thrashing from Chelsea. Chris Hughton has made additions to the squad also and is looking to survive a season in the Premier League. This matchup promises to be a thrilling one with two sides motivated to put one over the other.
David Moyes is expected to field his men in the 3-4-3 formation.
Defence
Adrian is the now first choice keeper ahead of Joe Hart and is still expected to start in between the sticks for this matchup.
Reece Burke, James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna are the predicted starters in the centre-back roles. Pablo Zabaleta has been terrific from the right-back position this season. But he will get featured further up front.
Aaron Cresswell will have to return to the left back role now that Arthur Masuaku has picked up a 6-match suspension.
Midfield
Sam Byram will have to play the wingback role from the right with Aaron Cresswell on the left.
Mark Noble and Zabaleta might get featured in the holding midfield role. Reece Oxford still needs to develop into the game and might make a substitute appearance.
Attack
Javier Hernandez is the predicted starter in the number nine role with both Marko Arnautovic and Andy Carroll ruled out with long-term injuries. The Mexican international has struggled to feature for the side this season and will snap the opportunity to prove his worth. He will get flanked by Joao Mario and Cheikhou Kouyate with the latter on the right.
