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West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Reports during pre-season on expected 1st team Line-Ups for clubs in the English Premier League
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FootballWriter2
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West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by FootballWriter2 »

Report below written 2 August. Further updates to come in the run-up to West Ham's opening match away to Chelsea on Monday 15 August.

Last Season Stats

It was a great first season in charge for Slaven Bilic taking over from the now England manager Sam Allardyce. In a season which began with a 2-1 win over Arsenal the West Ham team exceeded all expectations and finished the season deservedly in 7th place and qualified for the Europa league as well, due to Manchester United winning the FA Cup. In a season where they constantly overcame more illustrious opponents a lot of fantasy managers had one or two of their players in their lineups.

Manager

The ex-West Ham player Slaven Bilic was already well thought of before coming back to manage the team he played for so well before as a tough no nonsense centre back. Through managing international sides such as Croatia to his last club Besiktas he has shown great man management skills and the ability to pick out perhaps under-performing players that he could mold into world beaters. You get a well organised defensive unit that typically have a game plan and stick to it for each team they play. Last season his usual formation was 4-2-3-1 utilising the talents of Dimitri Payet as the number 10, but due to players' commitments at Euro 2016 and injuries in preseason they seem to be playing more of a traditional 4-4-2 at the moment.

Defence

Firstly, the goal keepers.

Adrian – The big Spanish number 1, only lack of fitness will rule him out of the team. Made 32 appearances last season.

Darren Randolph – The understudy for Adrian last season and looks set to continue that role in the upcoming season although a sparkling display for Ireland in Euro 2016 means he is pushing Adrian hard.

The Defenders include.

Aaron Creswell – A big blow as a knee injury will see Aaron Creswell miss at least 3-4 months of the new season. His marauding runs forward from full back will be missed.

Angelo Ogbonna – The big Italian Centre back will be looking to build on his good start with West Ham last season. He played in 34 games scoring 1 goal. Has had an extended rest due to Euro 2016.

Winston Reid – The vice-captain may have more responsibility at the back now that Aaron Creswell looks to be out for the first few months of the season. After suffering his own injury problems last season. He’ll be looking to get more games than last season when he made 23 appearances scoring 1 goal.

James Collins – The experienced Welsh international central defender will be looking to improve upon last season playing time notching up 25 appearances. If he can stay injury free himself, he might get a chance given the injury to Aaron Creswell. Has had an extended rest due to Euro 2016.

Reece Oxford – The young talented all round defender who can play in a number of positions. He will be looking to add to his 12 appearances this season.

Sam Byram – The former Leeds full back signed for West Ham in January. At the tail end of last season, he made 4 appearances for West Ham but had also played in 24 games scoring 3 goals for Leeds the same season.

Midfielders

Dimitri Payet – Last season’s player of the year, the French International attacking midfielder who was again in the goals at Euro 2016, will look to continue the form that saw him become part of nearly everyone’s fantasy football team. Last season he scored 12 goals and produced 15 assists. Has had an extended rest due to Euro 2016.

Mark Noble – The club captain and longest serving member of the squad in the heart of midfield. Last season the ever present Mark Noble played in 46 games scoring 7 goals.

Michail Antonio – The strong, pacey winger will be looking to add to his total appearances last season of 31 where he scored 9 goals in the process. Had to fill in at RB last season (due to Byram injury) and performed well.

Cheikhou Kouyate – The powerful central midfielder formed a solid partnership with Mark Noble last season as the screen in front of the back four. Playing in 38 games and scoring 5 goals he will look to continue that form in the new season.

Manuel Lanzini – As per Aaron Creswell he also has a knee injury that will keep him out for at least the first three games of the season.

Pedro Obiang – The Spanish under 21 midfielder will look to continue his development as a premier league midfield player. Last season he clocked up a total of 30 appearances.

Josh Cullen –The young attacking midfielder will be looking to make a proper breakthrough into the first team this season.

Havard Nordtvelt –The Norwegian defender come defensive midfield player joined West Ham in May from Borussia Monchengladbach. He made 39 appearances scoring 4 goals last season.

Sofiane Feghouli – The tricky Algerian winger joined West Ham in June from Valencia. During his last season at Valencia he played 33 games scoring 5 goals.

Gokhan Tore – On loan from Besiktas – Picked up a knee injury after the recent Europa league game. Undetermined as to the extent of the injury and how long he will be out of action for.

Forwards

Andy Carroll – The big target man is fit again after a few injury layoffs last season. If he can remain fit throughout the season he should be the first choice striker in Slaven Bilic’s preferred formation. Last season he played in a total of 32 games scoring 9 goals.

Diafra Sakho – Has a back injury which he is receiving treatment for. It doesn’t look like he’ll be available for the start of the season at the moment.

Enner Valencia – The powerful Ecuadorian striker has had his own injury problem last season as well. But fit again now and looking to vie with Andy Carroll for the starting central striker role. Last season he made 23 appearances scoring 5 goals.

Ashley Fletcher - an England U/20 international signed in July 2016 from Man Utd. A promisimh young striker who will be hoping to take his chance when given a chance. He was on loan at Barnsley for the 2nd half of last season scoring the opening goal in their play-off win.

Expected Line-ups

Once all their players are back form their extended break after the European championships the team should look like the one below. I would expect a team similar to the below to start the season (Possible alternative player marked in brackets):

4-2-3-1 formation:

Goal Keeper: Adrian

Defence: Winston Reid, Sam Byram (Reece Oxford), James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna (Havard Nordtvelt)

2 Holding Midfielders: Mark Noble, Cheikhou Kouyate

3 Attacking Midfielders: Michail Antonio, Dimitri Payet, Sofiane Feghouli, (Pedro Obiang)

Forward: Andy Carroll (Enner Valencia)

If they don’t have all their internationals from Euro 2016 back for the start of the season then they may change to a 4-4-2 system as they have been playing in preseason and the European games. This seems to really depend on when Dimitri Payet returns to the side as he is instrumental in the way that they play in Slaven Bili’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system. They also appear to have an issue at fullback with the injury to Aaron Creswell and will be looking for the best possible fit in that position. I’ve gone for young Sam Byram but it may be a more experienced head playing out of position.

Summary

With a new stadium to play in and European football a definite possibility (if they can negotiate the qualification rounds). It looks like they could have a very busy schedule next season. The squad may need some strengthening as they will undoubtedly have further injuries in the season to come. The key player to watch is obviously Dimitri Payet. During Euro 2016 he looked to continue the form that we had seen in the Premier League throughout the season. Also, if he can stay fit, Andy Carroll could therefore feel the benefit from the set pieces and general wing play of players like Michail Antonio and Sofiane Feghouli. Last season the West Ham defence was also a good place to find a bargain for fantasy managers. However, with uncertainty around the full back position it may be that Adrian is your best bet this season until it becomes clearer who the first choice defenders will be and if he gets injured, or is dropped, then look for Randolph to have an extended run in the team after his Euro 2016 exploits.

FootballWriter2
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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by FootballWriter2 »

5 July: Seattle Sounders 3-0 West Ham (Washington, USA)

12 July: Carolina RailHawks 2-2 West Ham (North Carolina, USA). Goals: Reid, Carroll

19 July: FC Slovacko 2-2 West Ham (Austria). Goals: Fletcher, Noble

20 July: Rubin Kazan 3-0 West Ham (Austria)

23 July: Karlsruher SC 0-3 West Ham (Austria). Goals: Carroll, Feghouli, Fletcher

7 August: Juventus (London Stadium)

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by admin »

Current injuries:

Cresswell - out until Nov/Dec 2016 with knee injury
Lanzini - out until Sep with knee injury
Sakho - doubt due to back problem

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by Striker »

One of the key* line up decisions hasn't been mentioned - whether Antonio will continue to be played at right back where after originally standing in for an injured Byram kept his place even after the latter returned from injury.

* key as it has implications both for the midfield and the defence personnel.

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by FootballWriter2 »

On the subject of Antonio. If Byram or other players are fit then he'll play as a midfielder. If they aren't fit he'll be drafted in to help at right back. Given European competitions and the amount of games they will have to play this season. If he is fit throughout he will probably end up playing in both positions throughout the season.

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by Striker »

FootballWriter2 wrote:On the subject of Antonio. If Byram or other players are fit then he'll play as a midfielder.
What makes you so sure of that? It certainly wasn't true at the end of last season. Bilic really rates Antonio as a RB.

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by admin »

Striker wrote:
FootballWriter2 wrote:On the subject of Antonio. If Byram or other players are fit then he'll play as a midfielder.
What makes you so sure of that? It certainly wasn't true at the end of last season. Bilic really rates Antonio as a RB.
I think we'll know more after tomorrow night when they've had their 2nd leg of the Europa qualifier at home (2-1 down after the 1st). In the 1st leg Antonio played RB & Byram LB as Cresswell is out. Apparently neither did well in that 1st leg in those positions so will see if Bilic makes any changes and how they perform in 24 hours time. P. S. Bilic is also not surprisingly in the market for a defender so expect to see one or two bought soon.

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by admin »

West Ham's 1st 10 Premier League fixtures:

Chelsea V West Ham
Mon 15 Aug 20:00
West Ham V Bournemouth
Sun 21 Aug 16:00
Man City V West Ham
Sun 28 Aug 16:00
West Ham V Watford
Sat 10 Sep 15:00
West Brom V West Ham
Sat 17 Sep 15:00
West Ham V Southampton
Sun 25 Sep 16:00
West Ham V Middlesbrough
Sat 1 Oct 15:00
Crystal Palace V West Ham
Sat 15 Oct 15:00
West Ham V Sunderland
Sat 22 Oct 15:00
Everton V West Ham
Sat 29 Oct 15:00

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by bspittles »

Any guess when Payet will be back?

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by Stocker16 »

bspittles wrote:Any guess when Payet will be back?
Returned to training today, wont start against Chelsea and likely not to be involved at all. Should be involved in some form in the Bournemouth game

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by FootballWriter2 »

Looks like Swansea's top scorer Andre Ayew will be making the switch to West Ham in a reported £20 Million deal.

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by cakedeath »

The suggested team doesn't make sense. You have Reid at right back and 3 centrebacks in a back four but appreciate all the info though. Lanzini, Feg, Payet, Tore, Obiang, do you think sure Antonio would be first choice in midfield all season with all those fit? I'd love Byram in my team but it's a pick and stick so not sure can risk him.

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by Maldini »

Where does he suggest Reid is playing right back?

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by cakedeath »

Maldini wrote:Where does he suggest Reid is playing right back?
Bottom of the first post under suggested line-up. Swap Byram with Ried and that's more like it, just an error in how it's written but still I imagine Ogbonna won't be left back too

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by FootballWriter2 »

Team versus Juventus in 3-2 loss.
Adrian; Antonio (Payet 74), Ogbonna (Oxford 45), Reid (Collins 45), Byram (Page 85); Nordtveit, Noble (Quina 60), Cullen (Browne 82); Feghouli (Burke 45), Carroll (Fletcher 54), Valencia (Samuelsen 74)

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by admin »

Arthur Masuaku: West Ham sign French left-back from Olympiakos - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37008431

That should mean when Masuaku's settled in, Byram will take back the RB slot and Antonio can return to midfield.

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by SPR »

So does Ayew go straight into the start line up or is he eased in?

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by admin »

Well he is already used to the EPL so needs less settling in.
Andre Ayew: West Ham United sign Swansea City striker for £20.5m - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37016331

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by FootballWriter2 »

The Hammers have confirmed the season long loan signing of 22 year striker Jonathan Calleri from Deportivo Maldonado. Depending on the work permit he should be available in a week or two after Argentina were knocked out of the Olympics.

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by admin »

So after the transfer activity, how are WH looking for the Monday night match at Chelsea? Maybe:

Goal Keeper: Adrian

Defence: Antonio, Collins, Ogbonna, Byram

2 Holding Midfielders: Mark Noble, Cheikhou Kouyate

2 Attacking Midfielders: Payet (fit enough for most of the match), Feghouli

Withdrawn striker: Ayew

Forward: Andy Carroll

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Re: West Ham - Expected Line-Ups 15 August 2016

Post by admin »

This is how they lined-up:

Adrian, A Masuaku, M Antonio yellow card (S Byram, 52), W Reid, J Collins yellow card, H Nordtveit (D Payet, 67), M Noble, C Kouyate, E Valencia, A Ayew - thigh injury - (G Tore, 35), A Carroll

Subs not used: R Oxford, P Obiang, A Ogbonna, D Randolph

Ayew out for 4 months to Bilic's disappointment. Calleri is a new signing (Striker) & played Thurs in Europa. The new LB (Masuaku) started so should keep his place meaning between Byram & Antonio for RB spot (but Antonio can also play RM). Payet was fit enough to come on as a sub so should start next EPL match. Noble scored from the spot in Europa 1st leg which was mainly WH's 2nd string.

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