West Ham played well against Manchester United, but injuries and last looks should see a slightly changed West Ham XI to end the season vs. Aston Villa!
First, a note about the predicted XI’s this season from Green Street Hammers. Mercilessly, this comes to an end. Two managers, unpredictable teams, injuries, and a global pandemic all throwing wrenches into these predictions made it extremely difficult but so much fun. Until next, season!
Now, onto the team. Two players likely to miss out on this match due to injury are Aaron Cresswell and Jarrod Bowen. ExWHUemployee confirmed Cresswell’s likely absence, while he and Dave also believe Bowen will not be risked in a meaningless match after Brandon Williams kicked him relentlessly in the last match.
Outside of those two, I would estimate a few player assessments will adjust the rest of the team. First and foremost, Ben Johnson should start this match to give him three matches of Premier League experience this year.
Without spoiling my selections anymore, here is the final predicted XI of the season:
Fabianski
Johnson – Diop – Ogbonna – Masuaku
Yarmolenko – Rice – Soucek – Fornals
Antonio – Haller
Bench: Randolph, Balbuena, Fredericks, Coventry, Noble, Wilshere, Lanzini, Anderson, Ajeti.
The team didn’t win at Manchester United so Moyes is free from the unbreakable rule that you never change a winning team! A new formation should be used because if Moyes can get something out of Haller it is great on all fronts.
If they keep him it’ll help his confidence, if they sell him it’ll boost his value, and regardless of transfers, Haller needs to be playing more than a sub role, and a tough match against relegation-threatened Villa.
Yarmolenko draws in for Bowen and the core centre-back duo and midfield duo remain the same to anchor the team. This team is strong enough to beat Villa but it also provides opportunity all over the pitch to fringe players to possibly end their West Ham careers with a bang.
This team, or any set of players that Moyes selects, will not roll over to Aston Villa to give them safety from relegation. Points are on the line, personal gain is on the line, and millions of pounds are on the line to finish above Brighton in the table. Let’s finish strong, Hammers!