David Moyes’ West Ham United side picked up what was just their second Premier League victory under the former Manchester United manager’s reign last weekend against Southampton. The gaffer and his squad would both be eager to build on the display they put up against the Saints, in a fixture where the Hammers scored three times despite having only around 30% possession all through the evening.
The Irons’ last league victory prior to the weekend game against Southampton came on new year’s day against Bournemouth, where they picked up a motivating 4-0 result. Although at that time, the signs pointed towards a renewal of fortune for the London club, some untimely injuries meant that they stayed winless for seven straight league fixtures on the trot, before eventually breaking the pattern at the St. Mary’s Stadium.
Team News
David Moyes confirmed that Andriy Yarmolenko had played in a practice match and that he was close to a return. Despite this, don’t expect the Ukrainian trickster to be rushed back into the side considering the circumstances. Jack Wilshere is another long-term absentee who could, unfortunately, miss yet another Premier League season due to injury. Tomas Soucek and Ryan Fredericks have also been completely ruled out of contention for this tie.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 West Ham United Lineup Vs Arsenal
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
The manager’s decision to switch to a back four seems to have had a positive result, meaning that Moyes is unlikely to move things around for this fixture. Lukasz Fabianski has been a rock at the back for the Hammers this season, and the former Arsenal shot-stopper should start at the Emirates this weekend. Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna are set to continue in the centre-half slots, while Jeremy Ngakia and Aaron Cresswell will provide width down the flanks.
Midfield
Declan Rice has been one of the Hammers’ most important players over the last couple of seasons, owing largely to his sheer composure as well as defensive work-rate. The youngster works tirelessly which tracking back, but also possesses the quality required to pick out some special cross-field passes. Expect veteran midfielder Mark Noble to continue alongside the prodigious Englishman.
Attack
Jarrod Bowen’s full Premier League debut was the stuff of dreams, as he scored a goal and showcased glimpses of his overall quality on multiple occasions in the tie. We expect the former Championship star to keep his place in the side, being partnered on the other flank by Michail Antonio. Pablo Fornals is the man that Moyes could utilise in the number ten slot, just in behind Sebastien Haller in the central striker’s position.
