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Let’s try our best to predict West Ham’s team to face Leicester City

By Adam Smith

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Samir Nasri of West Ham United reacts during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Huddersfield Town at London Stadium on March 16, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Samir Nasri of West Ham United reacts during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Huddersfield Town at London Stadium on March 16, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) /
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It seems like a fruitless endeavor with surprise players each week jumping into the starting XI, but with a few more injuries and some stellar performances, predicting West Ham’s starting XI may actually be do-able this week.

Lanzini Out, Wilshere In?

Just a few weeks after returning from his ACL injury, Manuel Lanzini has picked up another injury. He made it through most of West Ham’s impressive game against Manchester United but pulled up lame with a groin injury. Initial scans were negative for tears, but it appears that Lanzini may be out for a minimum of two weeks.

light. Trending. West Ham must play kids to prepare for the future

With the playmaking jewel out there are two players who could step up: Samir Nasri and Jack Wilshere. Both players missed the most recent games with injury (with Wilshere being out long term), but both should be nearing match fitness for the Leicester City match. My prediction – a healthy dose of both.

Nasri strained his calf warming up at halftime during the Everton debacle. It would have been great to have his expertise and skill in for the second half of that game, but the strain ended up being serious enough to rule him out of the squad for the Manchester game too. He should be back and ready to go for the foxes. I peg him as the starter with a 45-60 minute leash.

That leaves Jack Wilshere, West Ham’s losing gamble signing in the summer. Wilshere’s been out for months following an ankle injury but did play with the U23 team last week. The plan was to have him play another match, but he wasn’t in the team for the Monday night match. Could he be called up early for the Leicester game? I say yes, with some solid minutes to close out the game.

Predicted Team

Pellegrini saw the light against Manchester United, as the Hammers’ stacked midfield supported the striker and wingers well. I look for him to continue this trend with his 4-2-3-1 formation:

Fabianski

Zabaleta – Balbuena – Ogbonna – Masuaku

Noble – Rice

Antonio – Nasri – Anderson

Chicharito

Next. West Ham’s short transfer budget could cause Rice problems. dark

A couple of points of clarity:

  • Zabaleta played well, he should retain his spot and will likely be subbed off for Fredericks in the second half
  • Masuaku keeps his spot after a great game
  • Both centre-backs played well enough for another run-out
  • Antonio earned the start after a great sub appearance
  • Chicharito over Arnautovic after his illness