West Ham Set To Name Changes In Starting XI?
West Ham’s collapse at the hands of Watford last week has prompted many fans to call for changes. There were many targets for attack last week, so we take a look at those changes Bilic could make.
Adrian To Randolph
BELGRADE, SERBIA – SEPTEMBER 05: Goalkeeper Darren Randolph in action during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Serbia and Ireland at stadium Rajko Mitic on September 5, 2016 in Belgrade. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
If you read the site often, you’ll know how much I love Adrian. His passion for the club is first rate, and he’s a good shot stopper. He also has a great penalty record. He just makes mistakes.
If he wants to be regularly considered for the Spain squad he has to wipe them out, because right now they seem to come out of the blue and are not that rare, you cannot have a keeper in the Premier League you do not trust.
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Randolph is the definition of a solid keeper. He won’t do too much spectacular but he will keep out the shots you expect. He will claim the ball well if he goes to claim a cross. He’s still yet to kick Jamie Vardy in the chest.
I wouldn’t mind this switch, even if it is just to remind Adrian he can be dropped. Competition is healthy and Randolph will relish extra matched since the Europa exit. Could we see Ireland’s number one in goal?
Byram to Arbeloa?
STRATFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Alvaro Arbeloa is unveiled as West Ham United’s latest signing on August 31, 2016 in Stratford, England. (Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)
Arbeloa could make his West Ham debut, after manager Bilic pointed out in the pre-match press conference that he was here to play, not to be part of the coaching team. The only negative could be the downside on Byram.
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Byram was defended by Bilic, with his youth used as a shield to the performance. Bilic rightly pointed out that a young right back against an experienced striker is never a great idea. It should have fallen to the experienced defenders to make sure that didn’t happen too often.
Byram is also a little more dynamic than Arbeloa, given their ages, but Bilic may be willing to concede that. He will be confident that we have a better team than West Brom, and over exposing our defence is foolish. With Masuaku on the other side, maybe Arbeloa will come in to balance the defence?
Or will the defensive mindset changes come in further up? Will the Defensive Midfielders change their tack?
Collins to Ogbonna?
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 13: Angelo Ogbonna of West Ham United during training at London Stadium on September 13, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Avril Husband/West Ham United via Getty Images)
The change I think most likely would be that in central defence. Ogbonna was a strange person to drop in the first place for many fans. In my opinion he is our best centre back, and the fact he is left footed is a massive asset
Collins was all at sea last week, which made me feel a bit stupid for stating he didn’t make as many mistakes as Reid on a normal match, and I would expect him to be dropped for today’s match. Collins isn’t quick enough to cover back for the attacking full backs, and that won’t improve with age.
Reid did Ok last week, but his organisation of the back four was poor. As our most regular defender, and sometimes captain, it should fall to him to sort out errors. Team errors are almost always avoidable by good organisation, and that was lacking last week.
I would expect Reid and Ogbonna to start today, and that is the most solid combination we have. Reid can help cover Byram (if he plays) and Ogbonna is better all round than Collins. They are also physical enough to deal with Rondon and won’t be caught out by Berahino.
Noble To Nordtveit
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 13: Havard Nordtveit of West Ham United during training at London Stadium on September 13, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Avril Husband/West Ham United via Getty Images)
Defensive midfield was a position I pointed out at being critical midweek, and a change could be incoming. Nordtveit is more defensive than both Kouyate or Noble, and that could allow the attackers to focus on their forward roles more without being concerned about tracking back too often.
I raised the point midweek that Noble could be dropped because he’s getting ahead of the ball too often, and if rumour is to be believed then we could be without him today, despite it not being a voluntary drop.
Noble picked up an injury midweek, and was expected to be OK for the squad. However rumour today is that he is only fit enough for the bench, giving Obiang or Nordtveit a chance.
I would expect Nordtveit given his chance, because of his experience and defensive mindset. Bilic will be looking to come out of today with a clean sheet, given West Brom’s scoring issues. Part of that will be the right men behind the ball, and this could be a good way to do it.