West Ham will have their toughest task of the season this against Manchester City. How David Moyes selects his XI will dictate the result for the Hammers. Will THIS be the team to topple Manchester City’s win streak?
A lot has been made of West Ham’s winning ways this season, especially on the back of a remarkable and palpitation-inducing win over Tottenham this past weekend. But, when a team with the players Man City has, under the manager City has, in the form that City is in, it’s hard to see a win in this scenario.
Despite options within the roster, David Moyes has no secret weapon or magical combination of West Ham players that will unlock a win. Instead, Moyes is going to be tasked with keeping his players sharp defensively, regardless of which players are selected, and poignant in attack.
Chances will be few and far between for the Hammers, so clinical finishing is an absolute must against this City team. Their defence is quick and physical, so when chances come they have to be taken. That inspires this team that Moyes should select.
Here is the best West Ham team to take on Manchester City:
Fabianski
Coufal – Diop – Dawson – Cresswell – Johnson
Rice – Soucek
Bowen – Antonio – Lingard
Bench: Martin, Alves, Balbuena, Fredericks, Noble, Lanzini, Fornals, Benrahma, Odubeko
Despite a late injury check Ryan Fredericks should be fully expected to make the bench in this match and touch the pitch later on in this match as a defensive replacement for either winger. Fredericks has been snakebitten this season but has shown his importance in recent weeks.
The five-at-the-back formation should also be expected in this match, especially after the Tottenham match. Moyes opted for a flat back four against Spurs and Sergio Reguilon had tons of space and time to make an impact against us.
Man City have much better and quicker fullbacks in comparison to Tottenham, and having extra width can help suppress the wide press from Guardiola’s defenders. Wingbacks will also allow for Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen, and Jesse Lingard to get more central in hopes of finding space against City’s defenders.
As mentioned, there is no key to unlocking a result against Manchester City. Instead, if Moyes can keep his players focused and motivated and disciplined there is an avenue for unlikely success. The key, yet again, will be taking the offensive chances when they come, if that happens, who knows!