WEST HAM PREPARE FOR LIVERPOOL FIREPOWER
The new season of the Premier League promises to be exciting with clubs having world class managers, the best players in the world and a proper structure in place. West Ham will be led by Manuel Pellegrini in their quest to reposition themselves as heavyweights in the league. They begin their campaign against the Reds at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp eager to continue from where he left off last term.
Since last term, Naby Keita had joined the Kops, Fabinho has replaced Emre Can and Xherdan Shaqiri opted to remain in the top flight rather than sink into the Championship with Stoke City. There are plans to sign Lyon’s Nabil Fekir. All these just prove how determined the 2017/2018 season Champions League finalistsare to get a title this term.
Pellegrini hired Polish shot stopper Lukasz Fabianski as Joe Hart left at the end of his loan spell. Fabianski is expected to beat Adrian to the number one spot.
In defence, Ryan Fredericks is expected to become the preferred option as Pablo Zabaleta continues to prove too mature for the right back role.At the other end, Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku would battle for the role.
While Cresswell provides real defensive cover and experience, Masuaku brings pace and innovation to the role.
In central defence Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop are expected to forge a good partnership. New club record signing Diop would have a tough task defending against the best trio in the game in Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohammed Salah. Ogbonna would be an experienced combo with Diop compared to Declan Rice, even though the Italian is quite good.
Pedro Obiang should get the nod for defensive midfield while former Arsenal man Jack Wilshere should take up central midfield functions in the setup.
Upfront Michail Antonio or new addition Felipe Andersonwould take the right wing while Andriy Yarmolenko would be hoping to have an excellent debut season in the left wing. Javier Hernandez or Marko Arnautovic would take the striker role.
This looks like a killer squad but West Ham have struggled in the past despite the quality of their players. Hopefully, Pellegrini can change things.