No time left for moral lessons or rewarding players for “good” play. No, Manuel Pellegrini needs to get West Ham’s strongest XI on the pitch in order to keep climbing the table. With Wolves excelling and Watford stuttering, West Ham can make up ground towards Europe, but not unless they field a better team.
Balbuena In, Ogbonna Out
Angelo Ogbonna has been terrific in the games Fabian Balbuena has missed, but it’s time for a change at centre-back. When Balbuena was in, he and Issa Diop formed what became one of the most underrated centre-half duos in the league.
They started off a bit rocky back in August/September but they partnership galvanized over time. The prognosis was negative when Balbuena went down; Ogbonna had been one of West Ham’s Cup defenders and boy, did he look bad.
With the past two months behind us, Ogbonna solidified himself as a Premier League defender. He always has some parts of his game that make you scratch his head, but he’s been a good soldier for Pellegrini. Now that Balbuena is back and Ogbonna has struggled again, its time for The General.
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Nasri, Lanzini, and Snodgrass – Pick Two
This is a matter of formation, but if West Ham are starting on the front foot for Huddersfield, I’d commit to a 4-1-4-1 formation. That means two attacking midfielders between your wide midfielders/wingers.
Manuel Lanzini has been extremely effective since returning from injury and needs to start. Snodgrass seems like a shoo-in due to his set-piece delivery this season and his ability to find players on corner kicks. Samir Nasri has the ability to create space in tight areas and should also be considered for an advanced midfield role.
So, pick two! I say Lanzini and Nasri for this one. Both players can play off of the striker really well and both can also make some magic themselves. If nothing else, Snodgrass gives you move positional freedom coming off the bench, too.
Antonio in, Everyone Else out
The Hammers have been missing the touch of speed and physicality Antonio brought to the starting XI in his absence. He missed the last two starting XIs after apparently picking up a knock on his shoulder against Manchester City.
He came off the bench against Cardiff City so he looks to be fit again, and if he’s fit he should start. Grady Diangana played midweek with the U23 team, where he looks to be staying for the time being with injured players returning. With Snodgrass being replaced, Antonio needs to be a starter for the first team.
Bite the Bullet, Start Arnautovic
Chicharito has been fine in Arnautovic’s benching punishment, but the Hammers can’t afford to try and teach Arnie lessons any longer. If the team is aspiring for European football, something that will be needed to attract better players to replace Arnautovic, he needs to be the starting striker.
What Arnautovic brings over Chicharito is versatility. When forced out wide, Arnautovic looks like a winger, ready to dribble inside or send a cross into the box for Antonio or Anderson. When staying central he brings in the attacking midfielders to the fold with intricate passing. In the air, he bullies his opposition and gets open with his physicality.
He’s a better player, despite his atittude, and needs to start for West Ham.