Predicted 4-2-3-1 West Ham XI to face Newcastle United in the Premier League
West Ham suffered a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of league leaders Manchester City last week, slipping to 14th in the Premier League standings.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men have won only one of their last five games in the Premier League and the Hammers will be looking to climb up the table when they make the trip to the St.James’ Park on Saturday to face a resurgent Newcastle United.
Newcastle are currently high on confidence after winning their last three games in the Premier League Saturday’s clash is set to produce an exciting contest with both the teams looking to establish mid-table supremacy.
Team News
West Ham finished the game against Manchester City with ten men as Marko Arnautovic was unable to continue due to a hip injury. The Austrian is doubtful to feature against Newcastle while Jack Wilshere has been training with the first team squad following his return from an ankle injury and will be pushing for a return to the matchday squad.
Andy Carroll featured on the bench in the last game and might get a chance to come on for this one while Andriy Yarmolenko, Carlos Sanchez, Manuel Lanzini, Ryan Fredericks and Winston Reid continues to be on the sidelines as long-term absentees.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Manuel Pellegrini
Predicted XI
1. Lukasz Fabianski (GK)
Made some good saves even it that four-goal thrashing against City last week and has always been a reliable presence between the sticks.
2. Pablo Zabaleta (RB)
The veteran Argentine was undone by the pace of the City attackers at times but had a good game overall.
3. Fabian Balbuena (CB)
The Paraguayan failed to cope with the perpetual movement of David Silva in the last game but he has done quite well at the back for West Ham this season.
4. Issa Diop (CB)
He has been one of the standout figures at the back for West Ham and will need to be at the top of his game on Saturday to keep Salomon Rondon at bay.
5. Aaron Cresswell (LB)
He has looked very secure defensively and should replace Artur Masuaku who had a terrible game against City last week.
6. Declan Rice (CDM)
The youngster has arguably been the best performer for the Hammers this season. He made a number of recovery tackles against City and looked very crisp with his passing.
7. Mark Noble (CDM)
Pedro Obiang struggled to get into the game in the last outing and Pellegrini must hand the Englishman a start in central midfield.
8. Grady Diangana (RW)
He wasn’t particularly impressive in the last game but showed a lot of promise against Burnley a couple of weeks back and Pellegrini should continue to rely on him.
9. Felipe Anderson (LW)
The Brazilian has blown hot and cold in patches throughout the season and he will need to step up his game against Newcastle if West Ham are to get three points.
Read More:- West Ham would solve their midfield crisis by raiding their Premier League rivals to sign this 28-year-old powerhouse
10. Michail Antonio (CAM)
He hit the post in the last game and West Ham will need him to fire on Saturday.
11. Javier Hernandez (ST)
He has struggled to get going this season but West Ham do not have too many options in the absence of Arnautovic.
