The West Ham Lineup That Should Start Against Leicester
By Michael Lee
In a season that has already been full of surprises, West Ham pulled off perhaps the most shocking result of all with a 4-0 thrashing of Wolves last Sunday.
Having seemed set to go into Bonfire Night pointless, the Hammers rose above expectations to achieve a much needed victory. Despite being sidelined by COVID-19, the decision of David Moyes to field a five-man defence with wing backs proved a masterstroke and befuddled a Wolves side who have been outwitting opponents with the very same tactics.
The key will be to prove that performance was not just a flash-in-the-plan, so here's the side that West Ham should line-up to achieve just that.
1. Goalkeeper and Defenders
Lukasz Fabianski (GK) - Having spent time sidelined with injury last season, Fabianski has started each of his team's league matches this year. The experience with Roberto demonstrates just how crucial the Pole is to his club.
Ben Johnson (RWB) - The youngster has a chance to establish his claim for a first-team spot with the injury to Ryan Fredericks. Rated highly by youth coaches at West Ham, the pacy full-back will have his hands full dealing with Harvey Barnes.
Issa Diop (CB) - Despite often charging about the field with the enthusiasm of a Tommy at the Battle of the Somme, Diop is a centre back with clear potential. Is cleared to play after testing positive for COVID-19 and should dislodge Fabian Balbuena.
Angelo Ogbonna (CB) - Probably the most improved West Ham player over the past 12 months, Ogbonna has become the bedrock of the Hammers defence. Will be tasked with keeping Jamie Vardy quiet on Sunday.
Aaron Cresswell (CB) - Moyes's decision to switch the Liverpudlian to centre back has been beneficial for the whole team. Increasingly exposed on the left flank, Cresswell is able to use his experience to keep things tight at the back.
Arthur Masuaku (LWB) - Masuaku has been much maligned during his time in east London, but seems to found his best position at wing-back. His driving runs, unpredictability and crossing delivery will cause Leicester problems.
2. Midfielders
Jarrod Bowen (RM) - Fresh from scoring two goals against Wolves last time out, Bowen will be looking to build on a promising start to his West Ham career. Has the air of a man who can quote entire episodes of The Inbetweeners.
Declan Rice (CM) - Looking likely to end the transfer window still at the club, Rice has assumed captain's duties since Mark Noble was placed on the bench. His positioning and tough-tackling are befitting of a greater stage than another relegation battle.
Tomas Soucek (CM) - The gangly Czech has been a revelation at West Ham and is fast becoming a fan's favourite. No preview can fail to mention his aerial presence from set pieces, a dimension that gives West Ham an edge over their opponents.
Pablo Fornals (LM) - Some West Ham fans don't quite appreciate Fornals and there's certainly been no rabonas like he executed in the 2019 Under-21 Euros. However, he is hard-working and is currently keeping out more vaunted colleagues out of the team.
3. Attacker
Michail Antonio (ST) - West Ham's current goalscorer and talisman. Antonio has been another beneficiary of Moyes's flexibility and has transformed into one of the league's leading solo forwards. Will need support from the midfield if he is to trouble Leicester.