West Ham’s team predictions are usually a fool’s errand. Injuries, illnesses, failed last-minute fitness tests, all cloudy the waters around team selection. Now, as the season comes to an end, it appears choice could overwhelm the West Ham central midfield.
Let’s start with what we know. It’s likely that the formation we will see from Pellegrini is his usual 4-1-4-1 or something of that structure. That leaves three central midfielders filling two roles, one holding and two more attacking minded.
Another given is that if he’s recovered from illness, Declan Rice will be filling that holding midfield position. His absence was a shock to almost everyone last week after it was revealed that he and Anderson would miss the Saint’s match with illness. Despite the void without Rice in the defensive midfield West Ham held up okay but will need him back if he’s able to play.
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Pedro Obiang is the natural replacement for Rice in that position. His tackling and physicality allow him to be effective, but inconsistencies in his play this season will make it his last in England. A swan-song could be in the cards if Rice is rested.
That leaves two central attacking or box-to-box midfield positions to fill for the Hammers and five players available to fill them. The line up looks as follows and is extremely difficult to choose from: Noble, Nasri, Wilshere, Snodgrass, and Lanzini.
If the idea is to overwhelm with attacking play, the natural selection is Nasri and Lanzini. Nasri has enough top level experience which has provided him the skills to pick a pass and tear through defenses. Lanzini, on the other hand, is a dynamic playmaker who uses flash and dash dribbles to get open and create space for himself and his teammates.
If the gaffer wants a more balanced squad, it could be a combination of Noble, Snodgrass, and Lanzini that fill out the midfield. Noble will bring leadership and organization that matches his intensity on the pitch. Wilshere tends to be more attacking but can play the box-to-box style of football Pellegrini wants. Snodgrass is a solid balance between both, a drilled physical player who can create offensively, too.
If I had to choose I think the midfield trio would be Rice, Noble, and Wilshere for the match. Rice is an obvious choice and to be fair after recent performances so is Noble. That leaves one central/attacking position available. In his pre-match interview, Pellegrini said that Wilshere is ready to start after his minutes in the last match which does suggest he could get a run out from the opening whistle.
Lanzini and Snodgrass have applicability on the wings which allows for some versatile options off the bench for the manager. Nasri would be the last central midfielder left on the bench available for a straight swap in the second half.
It would be interesting to see a midfield three of Rice, Wilshere, and Lanzini. It’s probably West Ham’s most exciting and talented midfield core and one that would scare most other Premier League teams. We’ll have to wait, though, as Mr. West Ham is a must-start for the Hammers.