Beating Newcastle United 2-0 kept West Ham as close as possible to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Watford, but who should retain their place in the starting XI for Saturday’s trip to Cardiff?
That is a question that was raised on Twitter by West Ham Fan Zone, who caused quite a stir with his suggested line-up.
From last weekend’s winning squad, a change to a more attacking focused formation should be the first port of call for Manuel Pellegrini, who should ditch the 4-1-4-1 that served us well at the London Stadium for an out-and-out 4-3-3.
There’s no place in the side for Robert Snodgrass, either, as far as West Ham Fan Zone is concerned, even though the 31-year-old assisted Declan Rice’s second goal in Claret and Blue.
However, Javier Hernandez does retain his place in the suggested XI over Marko Arnautovic, who returned to action on Saturday as a second-half substitute for the former Manchester United man that has one goal in his past nine games in all competitions.
Going for a more offensive formation would not be the worst thing for Pellegrini to consider, given the Bluebirds recent results and the loss of key centre-back Sol Bamba for the remainder of the season after rupturing his cruciate knee ligament.
When other members of the London Stadium faithful spotted the suggested team on Twitter, these supporters were quick to join the debate…
Hernandez deserves to continue starting despite Arnautovic returning back to full fitness.Performed well in recent weeks without getting the goals that he has warranted for his efforts. Hernandez fully deserves to start and hopefully score against a poor Cardiff team this weekend
— Josh Verrills (@WestHamJoshV) March 5, 2019
I think dropping snoggy is the bigger problem. His set plays have been on point. ⚒️
— ToneHammer (@tone_hammer) March 5, 2019
Would like to see Lanzini and Nasri ahead of Rice – would be tempted to have Arnie ahead of them and go for it. Nothing to lose and they just lost their best defender. Pace from the full backs supporting Anderson and Antonio + technical creative players in the middle of the park.
— John Powell (@leTeeps) March 5, 2019
Nasri & Yarnie in there and that’s probably our strongest team.
— JWA (@jwasp21) March 5, 2019
MP often played 4222 when at Malaga and City. I’d like to see us go for it and play this set up. Plus it satisfies everyone with both Arnie and Chicha (who when played together look lively) pic.twitter.com/XxdcGBEMKQ
— IronsmanJP (@IronsManJP) March 5, 2019
Agreed unless hernandez offers no contribution and Arnie scores will stay as is , unless a tactical change which prob not needed against cardif or Huddersfield
— FI_Fpl Addict⚒ (@FplAddict123) March 5, 2019
Got to stay unchanged for me so Snods in for Antonio. Set up Rice’s goal and all in all had a fairly good game.
— JL ⚒ (@JakeLoadman) March 5, 2019
Arnie back in for me, best striker at the club. Yes Hernandez has done ok last couple of games but Arnie is much more of a threat
— AndyWHU1987 ⚒ (@AndyWHU1987) March 5, 2019
Wouldn’t start Antonio over Snodgrass, purely because I don’t think the team should be changed from such a great win on Saturday night. Harsh on Antonio but just my opinion
— Ben Hick (@MrBenHick) March 5, 2019
Yes?
Arnautovic is a player who can win games on his own. A complete opposite of Hernandez who needs to be fed by other players as he can’t create chances.
— Alan (@_AlanWHUAlan_) March 5, 2019
Idk about l Cresswell if he’s 100% Fit then start him .I would happily play masuaku vs Cardiff and Huddersfield
— . (@EthxnFtbl) March 5, 2019