Flynn Downes in, Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen out – West Ham predicted XI vs Brentford
West Ham take a much needed break from Premier League action when they face off against high-flying Brentford in the FA Cup third round at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The Hammers are winless in six games in the English top flight and they take on a side unbeaten over the same period as a huge gap of 11 points currently separates the two teams in the league table.
David Moyes’ will be wanting to forget about their poor league exploits for a weekend, and a FA Cup triumph this weekend could certainly boost confidence and camaraderie around the club, especially after the sad passing of co-owner David Gold [4 January].
As a result of the short turnaround, Moyes may be tempted to freshen things up in terms of personnel and that will certainly be seen in attack. Michail Antonio will be poised to start despite Scamacca’s goal-scoring performance during the week against Leeds United.
Also, Jarrod Bowen could well be axed for Said Benrahma to play against his former club. Bowen has undergone an underwhelming campaign so far, failing to find the net in his last ten starts in all competitions – a dreadful run for a gifted player who could do with a rest. However, some may argue, keeping his place will be the only way he tries to find some confidence.
Another player who could be benched is Tomas Soucek. He too is underperforming so far this season, whilst his midfield partner Declan Rice continues to lead by example.
Flynn Downes should be given an opportunity to make an impression against Brentford and force himself into Moyes’ thinking. Also, the Hammers definitely need more midfield balance and security which could see Moyes utilise a 4-3-3 shape with Rice at the base behind Downes and Lucas Paqueta.
Second-choice goalkeeper Alphonse Areola should feature between the sticks, while Ben Johnson, Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell could return to the Xi in place of the injured Coufal, who sustained a knee injury against Leeds, Aguerd who needs rest after an injury-ravaged World Cup and Thilo Kehrer.
With fixtures against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton to follow in the league, Moyes knows that the upcoming triple-header could make or break whether he remains in the West Ham dugout in the long run.
Predicted West Ham United XI vs Brentford: Areola; Johnson, Dawson, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Rice, Downes, Paqueta; Fornals, Antonio, Benrahma