Unfortunately, West Ham’s latest group of injuries includes probable starters Marko Arnautovic, Samir Nasri and possibly Aaron Cresswell. Although the latter has been training with the club. As a result, Manuel Pellegrini may not be able to choose the XI he prefers to face Liverpool.
In my view, Pellegrini has also had made some mistakes regarding the West Ham squad and his usage of subs over the past month that did not properly position his side to garner a result. The players’ effort in those matches can also be called into question. But the Manager has to find a way to get the best out of the best XI he can in any given match.
Here is look at which way the Gaffer should go when picking his starting XI and how to eliminate those recent mistakes when bringing on his subs during the match. This week’s fixture, against top of the table Liverpool notwithstanding, as it appears to be a tough matchup for West Ham even if everyone was healthy and in top form.
Andy Carroll and Robert Snodgrass
West Ham’s best dead-ball specialist and largest target both have to be on the pitch at the same time. Carroll is the Club’s only striker with the proven ability to get on the end of those Snodgrass balls.
In the match versus Bournemouth, Andy Carroll got the start but Robert Snodgrass was on the bench. And when Carroll went off, Snodgrass came on. That makes no sense to me.
In the Wolves match, the opposite was true: Snodgrass got the start in Midfield but was taken off when Carroll came on.
In my mind, these two player’s styles and skill sets compliment each other and they need to be on the pitch at the same time.
Javier Hernandez
During the club’s best run of form in December, Chicharito was used as part of striker duo first with Marko Arnautovic, and then Antonio and Perez. When paired with Arnie, the club scored 3, 3, and 2 goals.
Pellegrini has shown his faith in Little Pea all season long. But he has been a much more effective player when starting, rather than as a sub when he fails to make an impact in the game.
He needs to get back into the Starting XI; especially with Arnautovic out (again) with a bruised foot.
Michael Antonio
It’s no secret that I have had a love-hate relationship with Antonio over the past two seasons.
While many think that his best position is up front, myself included at times, the fact remains going back to that same December run of form—Antonio was best at RB rampaging down the side with the ball at his feet.
He did score against Fulham when he started the match as a Striker paired with Chicharito.
The eye test shows Antonio to be a one trick pony. His touch, especially in the final third, is lacking. He shooting ability is comical at times, and his selfishness in missing his teammates when he should pass is frustrating.
He should assume the “super sub” role that Andy Carroll used to occupy. Antonio can come onto the pitch when the opponents are tired and he can use his one trick to overpower defenders and create chances.
Grady Diangana
I am not sure if its age, experience, mistakes or something else entirely that has regularly kept this young bright spot out of the starting XI since November.
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His skill and creativity are desperately needed in the side that doesn’t have Nasri or the still-recovering Manuel Lanzini available at the moment.
Even when brought on as a sub, Diangana always makes a noticeable impact. Now is the time to get him back into the starting XI and playing bigger minutes. This would also afford the move to the bench for Antonio.
Aaron Cresswell
He really has come into form nailing down West Ham’s LB position since late December. Then he picked up a knock and gave way to Arthur Masuaku who by all accounts was dreadful both in the cup match vs Wimbledon and against Wolves.
The fact that Cressie is training with the club ahead of the Liverpool match is a good sign, as he needs to get back on the pitch.
Not only was he being effective in the attack along the flank, pairing with Felipe Anderson, but he is also much better defensive cover than Masuaku for both Anderson and Angelo Ogbonna playing on Cresswell’s side at CB.
My West Ham starting XI vs Liverpool: 4-4-2
Chicharito – Perez
Anderson-Noble-Rice-Diangana
Cresswell-Ogbonna-Diop-Zabaleta
Fabianski
Subs
- Carroll
- Snodgrass
- Antonio
- Masuaku
- Obiang
- Fredericks
- Adrian