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There’s no question that West Ham United has struggled this season. With the club expecting to be fighting for a European spot, they are now in a relegation battle. Manager Slaven Bilic has fiddled with the lineup a few times this season. Some of that has to do with injuries to the squad, but it mostly has to do with players underperforming. So what lineup should Bilic go to to make sure that West Ham can safely avoid relegation?
It starts in goal. Adrian came into the year as the disputed number one goalkeeper, but a variety of mistakes and questionable choices has lead to some doubt on who should start in goal. I still think Adrian is a better goalkeeper than Irishman Darren Randolph, but as of right now, Randolph deserves his spot between the posts.
Another big issue with the Hammers this year is the identity of the midfield. Cheikhou Kouyate came into the season expecting to be the stud defensive midfielder, and so far this season he has found himself caught up in the play too much leaving the team vulnerable for attack. On the same front, Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet have struggled as well, and I believe that’s because they’re playing in a role that doesn’t let them strive offensively.
At striker, there are a whole bunch of problems. At this point, it seems like Diafra Sakho is the best option, and so it’s nice to see him back in the lineup. Andy Carroll would be nice to have too, except he’ll probably just shatter into a million pieces the next time we see him on the pitch.
To me, the ideal formation is a 4-2-3-1.
Randolph
Byram Reid Ogbonna Cresswell
Obiang Kouyate
Antonio Lanzini Payet
Sakho
Putting Kouyate in a sole defensive midfield role with three attacking midfielders would make sure he doesn’t track too much into the attack and would prevent the counter attack. At the same front, having Lanzini, Payet and Antonio in a strong offensive role would help with the attack, and might possibly get West Ham a goal from a striker this year.
Hey, miracles can happen.
What do you think the Irons ideal formation should be? Let us know what you think down below.