West Ham take on Chelsea this evening in the Premier League in the first Monday night game of the season. Below are three formations Bilic could choose and some pro’s and cons for each
Expected Formation
4-3-3
The Top Flight
Bilic’s formation of choice against the big teams last season, it proved especially effective away from home. 3 Central Midfielders allow West Ham to hold their own against strong attacks, and retain possession when necessary.
With Carroll up front is is necessary to have quick wingers to exploit any space. When Carroll is the top man defenders push up in order to push him away from the box. Pacey wingers will punish defenders for pushing up and could see quite a few one one one chances.
In the midfield three it is important they all have defined roles. My guess is Kouyate will play as a Box to box midfielder, with Nordtveit as an out and out defensive midfielder. Noble will then be able to play as a Deep Playmaker, covering the defence when he’s needed.
This also allows the fullbacks some freedom because of the extra midfield cover. Given that our potential left backs would be Masuaku and Antonio, this would be necessary. I would still rather Byram, as he is more defensive minded than Antonio, but I know that Bilic rates Antonio very highly.
Aggressive Formation
4-2-3-1
West Ham’s most used formation over the entirety of last season, but usually in games we thought we’d be on the front foot. This formation is fluid and versatile going forward, but offers little defensive cover.
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When Payet and Lanzini were fit and on form last season it allowed them to change between wing and CAM easily. However given they are both unlikely to start tonight we don’t have a natural playmaker for that role. Rumour is however, that Bilic sees Ayew’s strongest position as just behind the striker. If Bilic decides to be bold he could play Ayew here and shift him wider when Payet/Lanzini return.
This defence does require full backs to be completely aware of their position or risk exposing the central defenders. I’m not sure Antonio is up to that against a top side like Chelsea. This does, however, seem to be the formation of choice among the fans.
Wildcard
5-2-2-1
Yes I know this is a bit unorthodox, but hear me out.
3 CB’s. Reid, Collins/Oxford and Ogbonna. This will give us proper shielding across the box and mean that Chelsea are unlikely to win anything in the air.
Wing backs. Antonio loves to get forward and if rumours are to be believed so does Masuaku. Playing with 3 CB’s will allow them to be a bit more adventurous and trouble Chelsea, making the most of their abilities.
2 Ceentral midfielders. This is the tricky part. You have to drop one of Nordtveit/Noble/Kouyate. Given the Europa match on Thursday I would drop Nordtveit and keep last years partnership intact.
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Two attacking midfielders/wingers. This gives us the mobility we require up top and combined with the wingbacks will make sure it’s not too defense heavy.
The target man up top giving the attacks a focal point and forcing the defenders to have to deal with multiple threats.
The only issue I can see with this is that we are not used to playing it, which could leave some huge gaps all over the place. I’m going 4-3-3, but which formation do you prefer?