The predicted West Ham lineup is plug-and-play for Moyes as the formation and tactics should stay the same with only one starting player substitution.
Now confirmed by the West Ham manager, Sebastien Haller will start for the Hammers atop, hopefully, a slightly changed formation to face Liverpool. The change comes from Michail Antonio‘s hamstring injury which conflicting reports suggest he’ll be out from one week up to six.
The pressure will mount on Haller as the £45m striker stacks up against Premier League new boy Rhys Williams. Williams, who replaced Fabinho in Liverpool’s win over Ajax, will need to contest with Haller’s aerial skills, and Haller will need to show that he can bully an inexperienced opponent.
Since he’s been benched behind Antonio, rumours of Haller’s work-rate have emerged suggesting that the manager hasn’t picked him due to a lack of effort on the training ground. While this is just hearsay, Haller can put these rumours to bed with a strong showing at Anfield.
Here is the predicted team to support the French striker for West Ham:
Fabianski
Coufal – Balbuena – Ogbonna – Cresswell – Masuaku
Rice – Soucek
Bowen – Haller – Fornals
Bench: Randolph, Diop, Noble, Snodgrass, Lanzini, Yarmolenko, Benrahma
Unfortunately, Moyes’ managerial MO doesn’t suggest that he’ll be walking Benrahma right into the team and he is justified in that sentiment because of how well Pablo Fornals has been playing as of late. The Spanish playmaker has made the left-mid position his own and has been a contributing factor in the Hammers’ strong run of form.
The formation will stay the same, too, as expected. Moyes has had success against heavy possession teams with his fullback, double defensive midfield set up, and that defensive stoutness will be needed against a strong Liverpool attack and midfield.
Benrahma is the obvious substitution to make, as well as Lanzini who didn’t feature against Manchester City this past week. The late-game hero shows up well against the Reds and could be a late-game injection of attacking spirit for Moyes.
This team is strong enough to beat Liverpool even with Michail Antonio missing out on the match. This needs to be Haller’s day but the potential debut of Benrahma could steal the show. Regardless, points (or a point) are there to be taken for West Ham, they just need to continue their form.