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West Ham predicted XI: In-form midfield should keep Jack Wilshere benched for Aston Villa game
West Ham United have well and truly hit the ground running after their 2-0 victory over Norwich City saw them record their third straight victory of the season. This means the Hammers are now unbeaten since their 5-0 drubbing on opening weekend to Manchester City.
Against the Canaries, Sebastien Haller scored once again for his new club, making it three in four for the Frenchman, whilst Andriy Yarmolenko netted his first goal for West Ham since his double against Everton almost a year ago (as per Transfermarkt).
Indeed, it does seem that Manuel Pellegrini has accumulated a squad that could well challenge the top half of the Premier League this season, and the ex-City boss will hope to build on their great form at Villa Park tonight.
So, how will the Chilean line up against Aston Villa?
As mentioned, both Haller and Yarmolenko are in great goalscoring form right now and both should keep their spot. Alongside the Ukrainian in midfield should be captain Mark Noble, whose average of three tackles per game and his one goal so far proves he is still the Hammers’ go-to man (as per WhoScored).
Fresh from signing his new deal, Manuel Lanzini should start ahead of Jack Wilshere as the Argentine’s averages of 3.5 shots per game and 3.3 dribbles per game bring more of an attack-minded nature to the side. [WhoScored]
Sitting behind the midfield should be Declan Rice, who averages 3.5 tackles per game this season [WhoScored], whilst Felipe Anderson should occupy the left, as the Brazilian earned an ‘unplayable’ 9/10 (as told by Football.london).
In defence, Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop continue to build their partnership and both earned a solid 7/10 for their defensive duties in the clean sheet against Norwich City.
In the full-back slots, Ryan Fredericks and Arthur Masuaku have made that position their own. Fredericks has played every minute thus far, and by averaging 2.8 tackles per game at right-back [WhoScored], he should keep his spot.
As for Masuaku, the Congo international has averaged an almighty 4.3 tackles per game, registering an assist along the way (as per WhoScored).
How would you line up? Join the discussion by commenting below…
