West Ham United are travelling to DW Stadium for their fourth-round FA Cup tie against Wigan Athletic. They scraped past Shrewsbury Town in the previous round with a 1-0 win in the second leg at home. Reece Burke somehow managed a right footed shot from Antonio’s cross to slot in a late winner in the 112th minute.
David Moyes’ men were held to a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth last Saturday and are currently placed on the 12th spot of the points table. 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 delegating specific roles to each of his players. The squad is still overstacked with strikers and Moyes is trying to make a last minute signing to secure their place well away from the relegation zone.
The last time the Hammers reached the final stage of the FA Cup was in 2006 to face Liverpool. The match was later named as the Gerrard Final to see West Ham lose in the penalty shootout.
Reaching the final might be on the list of Moyes’ seasonal ambitions but will be a tough ordeal against the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool.
After a busy schedule, United might get fielded in the 4-2-3-1 formation.
Defence
Joe Hart is the second choice keeper behind Adrian and is expected to start in between the sticks for this matchup.
Reece Burke and Angelo Ogbonna are the predicted starters in the centre-back roles. Pablo Zabaleta might be given a well-deserved breather with Sam Byram starting on the right-back.
Aaron Cresswell might replace Arthur Masuaku on the left.
Midfield
Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang might get featured in the holding midfield role. Reece Oxford still needs to develop into the game and might make a substitute appearance.
With Manuel Lanzini sidelined for a month, Josh Cullen will have to take up the attacking midfield role with Andre Ayew on the right flank and Diafra Sakho on the left.
Domingos Quina can also feature in the later stages.
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.
