Predicted West Ham United Lineup To Face Swansea City In The Premier League
West Ham, despite being one of the many relegation stragglers, were doing just fine to stay above the drop zone until last week when they suffered a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. David Moyes now has a tough road ahead and their Saturday afternoon clash against a struggling Swansea City at Liberty Stadium will be massive in the context of top-tier survival.
Team News
The Hammers have thoroughly struggled with significant injury absentees but are now in a better state following the return of Winston Reid and Manuel Lanzini. However, they will still be without midfielders Pedro Obiang and Edimilson Fernandes, who are both ruled out for the rest of the campaign.
Andy Carroll is ruled out due to a foot injury whereas Arthur Masuaku remains suspended for the clash. Patrice Evra had a shin injury against Liverpool but is likely to be back in contention for the Swansea trip.
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Moyes has mostly relied on a ‘three-man back-line’ to bring back defensive stability and despite being exposed against Liverpool, the Hammers are still likely to take the field in a ‘back-three’ setup against Carlos Carvalhal’s men.
Probable West Ham XI
Manager: David Moyes
Adrian (GK)
The Spaniard started the season as second-fiddle to Joe Hart but has reclaimed his first-team place under the Scot and will continue to start between the sticks this weekend.
Winston Reid (RCB)
Reid might replace James Collins on the right-hand side of the Hammers’ ‘back three’ as he is now fit and ready to take charge for the remainder of the campaign.
Angelo Ogbonna (CB)
The former Juventus centre-back has regularly featured for the Hammers since his arrival and will retain his spot against the Swans in the heart of the defensive line.
Aaron Cresswell (LCB)
The left-back is now being utilised as a left-sided centre-back and the Englishman is now more concentrated on his defensive work rate rather than going forward on the flank.
Pablo Zabaleta (RWB)
The veteran Argentine had a tough time against Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson but will have a bigger role to play on Saturday afternoon. He will be retaining his right wingback slot and is expected to deliver a balanced display.
Mark Noble (CM)
Noble, hailed for his work rate, will be handed a crucial role in the middle of the park. He will be needed in order to screen the defence and combine up front with the attackers.
Cheikhou Kouyate (CM)
The Senegalese international had a better game against Liverpool than many of his teammates and is expected to lift his team by winning the possession back in midfield against a rejuvenated Swansea side.
Patrice Evra (LWB)
The former Manchester United fullback has been roped in by the Hammers and made his debut against the Reds last week. He suffered a shin injury following a tackle by Trent Alexander-Arnold but is likely to be fit for the weekend trip and should start in place of the suspended Masuaku.
Michail Antonio (RAM)
A big call probably, but the Englishman deserves a start following an impressive cameo against Liverpool. Joao Mario, the high-profile loan signing from Inter Milan, is yet to settle in. Antonio, on the other hand, is a great influence in scoring terms.
Manuel Lanzini (LAM)
The young Argentine returned from his injury last week but struggled to settle in against the mighty Reds and was taken off in the second half. He, however, is expected to start the game with the hope of a better display against the Welsh outfit.
Marko Arnautovic (ST)
The Austrian has been in sublime form and has done an outstanding job in a makeshift centre-forward role. He will be leading the line once again and Moyes will be relying on him to clinch a result.