Time for a debut! West Ham predicted XI to face Gulls

Pressure mounts on West Ham, but with reinforcements brought in can the Hammers show up and get the important three points? This may be the team to do it!

West Ham inked Czech player Tomas Soucek, a defensive midfielder from Slavia Prague earlier this week in an attempt to stack their midfield and become harder to break down. The towering 6’4″ CDM promises physicality and non-stop running, as well as some solid box-to-box presence up the spine of the pitch. Surely, if all goes to plan, we’ll see the new face in the XI or on the bench!

This could liberate Declan Rice who has been a rock for the Hammers all season long. Rice, who has had to contend with Mark Noble (the good) and Carlos Sanchez (the bad) as his midfield batterymates will likely relish the chance to play with a player similar in physical prowess to him, as well as a similar age, and one who offers a higher skill level to work beside.

Outside of these two, ExWHUemployee has revealed that Michail Antonio is back and available for selection heading into this match. With new face, Jarrod Bowen not registered in time for the match, having Antonio as an option, likely off the bench, could be a game-changer!

Here is the predicted team to face Brighton:

Randolph

Ngakia – Diop – Ogbonna – Cresswell – Masuaku

Soucek – Rice

Snodgrass – Fornals

Haller

Bench: Fabianski, Balbuena, Masuaku, Noble, Antonio, Ajeti, Lanzini

First things first, I don’t know how this team will set up formation wise, but a strong shape against Liverpool will surely ensure a back-five again, it’s just down to the midfield and attack. It could be a 5-2-2-1(?) or more likely a 5-3-2 with Snodgrass sitting a little deeper. Regardless, Robert Snodgrass‘ delivery and work rate is needed!

Darren Randolph also draws in. Lukasz Fabianski played well against Liverpool but with his tender hip, it’s unlikely we see him twice in four days. The back five is unchanged in this one, with Arthur Masuaku and Jeremy Ngakia probably playing a little more advanced than against the Reds.

The bench is a lot more impressive than previously, with Manuel Lanzini earning a demotion for negative play, and Noble earning some rest after being called upon far too much in recent weeks. Michail Antonio is the first player to come off the bench and will have a field day against some tired defenders!

This team is good enough to win, and win big against Brighton. Sebastien Haller needs to do more and the addition of Soucek and Bowen should help with this, for now, he’ll need to get central, stay high, and get in the air to win some balls. It’s make-or-break time for West Ham, will they show up?