West Ham’s Best Starting Eleven: How Should the Hammers Line Up Next Season?

West Ham’s Best Starting Eleven: How Should the Hammers Line Up Next Season?

Following the signing of Sebastien Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt, West Ham are unlikely to make any more new additions unless they are funded by more sales.

With that being the case, it’s a good time to assess the squad ahead of the new season, which is just 23 days away. So, who would be in Manuel Pellegrini’s best starting eleven right now?

Goalkeeper

Despite the arrival of Roberto and David Martin, Lukasz Fabianski will be the undisputed number one this campaign. The Polish international was the club’s player of the year last season and is unlikely to be displaced any time soon.



Right-Back

After finishing the season strongly, Ryan Fredericks is likely to be given the nod ahead of Pablo Zabaleta to start. The Argentinian has already announced that this will be his final campaign in England, and he is expected to only play a bit-part role.

Centre-Backs

Issa Diop

Issa Diop is already a top-class defender but he may improve further still this season. Pellegrini does have a bit of a decision to make in terms of who his partner will be though.

If Winston Reid can return to his best form, he would be the favoured partner for Diop but Fabian Balbuena may get the call early on in the campaign. Angelo Ogbonna may have limited chances to impress.

Left-Back

An area which, surprisingly, Pellegrini has opted not to upgrade this summer. Neither Aaron Cresswell nor Arthur Masuaku have particularly convinced the manager, and there’s likely to be more rotation once again this season.

Right Wing

There are a whole host of options who can play this position, including Robert Snodgrass, Andriy Yarmolenko and Michail Antonio. However, by the looks of things, new signing Pablo Fornals could be the number one choice for this role.

Central Midfield

Declan Rice and Mark Noble nailed down their places last campaign and you can’t see anyone, apart from possibly Jack Wilshere if he stays fit, breaking up this partnership in the middle of the park.

Left-Wing

Felipe Anderson is a cast-iron favourite to continue as Pellegrini’s first choice here. Fornals and Manuel Lanzini may be asked to play from the left on occasion but the Brazilian is unlikely to be moved from his favoured position.

Number 10

Pellegrini may yet opt for two upfront in some matches, but I think it’s safe to say that the Chilean will have a number 10. Lanzini and Fornals are the two likeliest but the Argentine will probably be given the chance to start the season in a central role.

Striker

After having spent £45m, Haller is almost guaranteed to start every week. Javier Hernandez will have to wait for his chance in the cup competitions this campaign.

West Ham’s Predicted XI To Face Manchester City On 10th August (Barring Injuries)

Fabianski, Fredericks, Diop, Balbuena, Cresswell, Fornals, Rice, Noble, Anderson, Lanzini, Haller