Said Benrahma and Gianluca Scamacca in, Antonio out – West Ham predicted XI vs Wolves
West Ham United return to Premier League action after their FA Cup antics last weekend when they take on fellow Premier League strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
The Hammers will be looking to build on their hard-fought FA Cup win over Brentford last weekend taking on a Wolves side also looking to take some encouragement of their own, following an impressive performance against Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.
David Moyes’ men are without a Premier League win in their last seven games, a 2-0 win over Bournemouth back in October. Also, over the timeframe, they’ve only scored four goals along with their 15 goals all campaign in the English top flight.
A poor record in front of goal, one which Moyes will be looking to correct when they take on a rejuvenated Wolves side looking much better under new boss Julen Lopetegui after their early-season struggles.
While Moyes will be hoping for attacking reinforcements this month, there is one player currently arousing interest from elsewhere, and that’s key man Michail Antonio.
Reports have emerged [Alex Crook, talkSPORT, 11 January] stating that the Jamaican international is seeking a January exit from the London Stadium, and Saturday’s opponents are the side looking to secure his wantaway services.
Aside from all that, the 32-year-old has been in dreadful form for a long while now, and he’s played second-fiddle to summer signing Gianluca Scamacca all season.
And that may well continue in the Midlands with the Italian international looking to come back into the XI from the off. Antonio started the win over Brentford but rarely threatened which comes as a continued worry for Moyes.
Nonetheless, Said Benrahma should come be rewarded for his substitute heroics against the Bees last weekend, bagging the game’s winning goal. The Algerian has provided plenty of encouragement in recent weeks and Moyes should reward him with a start this weekend.
What Moyes will have to figure out, is whether he sticks with his rigid and organised 3-5-2 shape or go back to a 4-man defence which the Hammers have struggled to play in conceding 24 goals so far this campaign.
If it is the 3-man shape, then the line-up could see Benrahma partner Scamcca in attack, with Bowen and Antonio sitting out due to their current poor form.
Emerson could continue at LWB after impressing against Brentford, while Johnson could also continue at RWB with Coufal out injured.
The back three should also remain the same. Aguerd, Ogbonna and Dawson certainly put in a solid shift against the Bees and Moyes should look to continue with that setup against a dangerous-looking Lopetegui attack.
The Hammers desperately need the points this weekend, and this is the shape that could allow them to strike the perfect balance in attack and defence.
Predicted West Ham United XI vs Wolves: Fabianski (GK), Dawson, Ogbonna, Aguerd; Johnson, Paqueta, Rice, Soucek, Emerson; Benrahma, Scamacca