West Ham's Starting XI vs Newcastle Will Pick Itself

With a player returning from suspension, one battling for full fitness, one ready to make their season debut and yet another ready to get back into the side, it would appear that Manuel Pellegrini has some decisions to make for his starting XI at Newcastle.

While that might be the case at first blush, I think the West Ham Side will actually pick itself ahead of the clash with Newcastle at St. James Park at the weekend.

MIDFIELD

West Ham’s midfield has been at its best this season when it has featured Declan Rice, Robert Snodgrass, and Mark Noble. With Noble ready to get back into the side after serving his suspension then waiting his turn, and Snodgrass having served his suspension as well, I think these three should be reunited for the match here. Declan Rice is among the first names on the team sheet week in and week out.

LEFT BACK

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West Ham is a team without a left back. Last week Masuaku and Creswell both played a half. Neither did much to distinguish themselves against Man City.

With Felipe Anderson already a defensive liability along the Hammer’s left side, I think its Cresswell that needs a run of games here, as he is the better option defensively to Masuaku. With both Anderson and Masuaku on the left, it’s an open invitation for opponents to expose that side in their attack. (See: goals vs Manchester City for examples).

FORWARDS

Credit where its due, Antonio got the start last week and was arguably the Hammers best player. He still can’t finish or show any deft skill inside the box resulting in goals, but it was his power and pace that created the chances in the first place. He forced Man City to think about someone other than Arnautovic.

No offense to the youngster Grady Diangana who has been a fine addition to the side, But players should be able to earn their spot with their play, and Antonio in my view did just that with his performance against City.

He should get another start here on the right side because of it, with Diangana ready to come on if and when Antonio has worn himself out.

CENTER FORWARD

No player is more critical to West Ham’s fortunes than Marko Arnautovic. Last week he limped off the pitch before the final whistle nursing that wonky knee. At this time, he is still a fitness question to face Newcastle although he looks likely to get the start.

Armed with this information, many pundits and supporters are already calling for Andy Carroll to get the start. I say—not so fast.

First, Pellegrini has made his pecking order clear in recent games as Javier Hernandez has been the first sub off the bench and has played significant minutes. If Arnie is unable to go then its Chicharito that should get the start, not Carroll.

Second, Carroll has yet to play a single minute this campaign. To expect him to start and get a full run even against his former club is unrealistic. So he belongs on the bench again where he can come on as a late sub to get his legs under him a bit for the final 30 minutes or so.

And finally, Pellegrini has gotten away from or at least is trying to get away from, the one-dimensional long ball tactics that use Carroll as a target man. Once he gets onto the pitch that’s what happens. The club should not abandon its style of play from the get-go to accommodate one player.

Next. Green Street Hammers Podcast Episode 12: West Ham fill in the Blanks!. dark

All of those reason’s make it clear that even if Arnautovic is able to play Carroll’s best role remains as a sub:

Expected Starting XI West Ham vs Newcastle 4-3-3

Anderson Chicharito Antonio

Noble Rice Snodgrass

Cresswell Diop Bulbuena Zabalata

Fabianski

West Ham’s Starting XI Will Pick Itself vs Newcastle; One Big Forward Won’t Be In It

By Jeff Catlin | Nov 30, 2018