West Ham United Season Preview
On Monday, West Ham United will kick off their Premier League season facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Slaven Bilic’s side will go into this game full of confidence of beating the West London giants as the Hammers had an impressive record of beating the bigger sides in the league last season.
The East London side had an impressive season last time out, looking very dangerous on the counter attack and full of pace, in this article I’ll be looking at how West Ham could line up this season as well as my expectations for the Hammers.
Confirmed Transfers-
Sofiane Feghouli – Valencia (Free)
Havard Nordtveit – Borussia Monchengladbach (Free)
Manuel Lanzini – Al Jazira Club (£9,000,000)
Toni Martinez – Valencia (£2.4 million)
Gokhan Tore – Besiktas (Loan)
Ashley Fletcher – Manchester United (Compensation)
Domingos Quina – Chelsea (Compensation)
Jonathan Calleri – Deportivo Maldonado (Loan)
Arthur Masuaku – Olympiakos (£6,000,000)
Andre Ayew – Swansea (£20.5 million)
The quality of these signings shows real signs of intent from Slaven Bilic and the two David’s (Sullivan and Gold). Two other things that these signings show is that West Ham have learnt from their mistakes in Europe last season and improved their squad depth considerably, secondly it shows West Ham are keen to keep improving their squad season upon season. For the first time, West Ham have the luxury of some healthy competition within the squad.
How Will West Ham Line Up This Season?
Goalkeeper- Adrian
The Spanish shot-stopper will face strong competition from Darren Randolph who will push him for the number one spot but I think Adrian will keep his place in the West Ham line-up.
Right Back- Sam Byram
Although Slaven Bilic likes Michail Antonio at Right Back (which see Sam Byram used at Left Back) I can see Byram being used in his natural position due to the signing of French left back Arthur Masuaku.
Centre Back- Winston Reid
The 28 year old centre half will start for West Ham when fit despite very strong competition from James Collins, Reece Oxford and Reece Burke.
Centre Back- Angelo Ogbonna
West Ham’s Mr reliable at the back will definitely keep his place in the lineup.
Left Back- Arthur Masuaku
The new signing will replace Aaron Cresswell whilst he is out injured.
CDM- Mark Noble
The captain will definitely keep his place in the team despite the signing of Havard Nordtveit.
CDM- Cheikhou Kouyate
The Senegalese powerhouse will also keep his place in the team despite the signing of Nordtveit, who will partner Noble and Cheikou should Payet not be fit.
Right Midfield- Sofiane Feghouli
The Algerian winger arrived in East London in the summer on a free and netted during the first game at the London Stadium.
CAM- Dimitri Payet
One of the signings of the season last time out, Dimitri has earned cult hero status among the West Ham faithful.
Left Midfield- Andre Ayew
West Ham’s new record signing is a step up from last years left winger Victor Moses which should improve the squad thoroughly.
Striker- Andy Carroll
The 27 year old target man has had a full pre-season this time around and I tip the big man to have a very good season.
With this very strong starting XI and solid depth within the squad, West Ham fans can look forward to another exciting season with European football should they win the play off round tie on Thursday night. I think that West Ham have the strength in their squad to finish 7th or 8th despite those above them strengthening, The Hammers will need to settle into their new home quickly to make it a fortress which could be a major influence to their season.