West Ham United will lock horns with Brentford at the London Stadium on Friday night, hoping to pick up a positive result, unlike boxing day. The Hammers will be coming into the match on the back of a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Arsenal in midweek, whereas the Bees held Tottenham Hotspur to a 2-2 draw in their last outing.
David Moyes will probably opt for his usual 4-2-3-1 formation, as he is expected to make a couple of changes in the first XI. Michael Antonio could take a spot on the bench while Jarod Bowen moves to the number 9 position allowing Pablo Fornals to play from the start.
4-2-3-1 West Ham United Predicted Lineup Vs Brentford
Defence
Lukasz Fabianski will operate in between the sticks for this home encounter. The Polish international will hope to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet this time around. Angelo Ogbonna will form the customary centre-half partnership with Craig Dawson at the heart of West Ham’s backline.
Aaron Creswell should continue at the left wing-back spot, whereas Thilo Kehrer will start on the other flank as the right wing-back. The full-backs will have to get forward to stretch the opposition and remain compact defensively.
Vladimir Coufal and Ben Johnson will take a spot on the bench to provide defensive cover for the backline.
Midfield
Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice will continue in the holding midfield positions, with the latter being assigned more of a defensive role to shield the back four and proficiently distribute possession in the central areas.
Lucas Paqueta will slot in the attacking midfield position to complete the midfield trio. The Brazil international will be determined to engineer some clear-cut goal-scoring chances for the frontmen.
Manuel Lanzini will have to settle for a place on the bench but might come in the latter stages of the game if needed.
Attack
Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals are expected to take up the wide positions, playing on the left and right wing respectively.
Jarod Bowen is expected to lead the line for the visitors for this encounter. The Englishman will hope to make the most of his chances and get his name on the scoresheet.
Michail Antonio will have to wait for his chance to impress in the final third as he takes a spot on the bench.
