Wan-Bissaka in new role, exit-linked pair start – West Ham predicted XI v Man United
West Ham’s pre-season campaign is well underway, and they have travelled to the USA for their tour.
The Hammers will face Manchester United, Everton and Bournemouth in the United States as Graham Potter prepares his squad for the upcoming season.
West Ham have made just two first-team signings so far, and with a number of players departing, the squad currently looks threadbare.
Potter will now hope that he can get the best out of the options he has available before the start of the season, but they will face a tricky test in Man United.
West Ham predicted XI v Man United
Potter looks likely to go with a three at the back formation, and this could see both new signings Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadji Malick Diouf start.
With the new boys set to play at wing-back, this could mean Aaron Wan-Bissaka is trialled as a right centre-back in the three, a role he occasionally appeared in for Man United.
Midfielders Tomas Soucek and James Ward-Prowse have both been linked with exits, but with limited senior options available, both are set to start.
Edson Alvarez is yet to join the side after duties with the Mexico national team, and there are few other senior midfielders who can step in.
Jarrod Bowen is set to captain the side, but with Lucas Paqueta’s hearing set to be resolved, he could be left out of the side.
Niclas Fullkrug is set to start upfront, with young winger Luis Guilherme supporting him in attack, in a lineup which shows just how thin the squad currently is.
West Ham predicted XI v Man United: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman; Walker-Peters, Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Diouf; Bowen, Fullkrug, Guilherme.
West Ham need more reinforcements
The lack of options available in midfield and attack are a huge concern with the Premier League season just weeks away, and this needs to be addressed urgently.
While youngsters such as Freddie Potts could supplement the squad, West Ham need to sign at least one midfielder and one attacker before the season begins, with a lack of both depth and quality on full display right now.
For now, Potter will have to hope he can get players such as Fullkrug into form before the season starts, otherwise there will be a real concern over where the goals will come from.
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