The Stratford Scout

Formations: West Ham have a wealth of options due to deadline day signings

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alex song

It’s safe to suggest that West Ham’s business on transfer deadline day has been superb. The acquisitions of Alex Song, Nikica Jelavic, Victor Moses and Michail Antonio means that Bilic now has a host of options to pick from in a healthy-looking squad.

With these new players arriving, it boosts the squad quality not only for Premier League football but also in other competitions, increasing West Ham’s chance of a cup run.

In order to get an idea of where some of the new signings will slot in, here are a number of formations that clearly show West Ham’s adaptability when it comes to tactics and personnel.

4-2-3-1

4-2-3-1

This is a formation that many Hammers fans will be excited to see. In West Ham’s home games so far this season, the side have often struggled to break teams down as the Hammers’ play was often very narrow.

Now, with the signings of Moses and Antonio, Bilic has an extra option in attack, using pace and width. Moses and Antonio are naturally wide and very quick players. Their presence will stretch the defence of opponents, allowing more freedom to break teams down. Stretching teams will result in more space through the middle, something Dimitri Payet will definitely relish.

The attacking trio of Payet, Antonio and Moses is balanced by the defensive yet creative influence of Alex Song and Pedro Obiang. The great thing about this formation is that there are players more than good enough to come in and replace the starters in the pictured line up, it really shows how far the club have come as a result of a successful transfer window.

4-1-2-2-1

4-1-2-2-1

Things become even more impressive when a strong West Ham side does not include star signing Dimitri Payet. Here, Moses and Lanzini act as attacking midfielders roaming in the space between midfield and up front.

The likes of Noble, Song and Kouyate performed well together last season, providing strength, energy and creativity in a balanced midfield.

Once again, this formation really shows West Ham’s strength in depth, with the single striker position encouraging competition for places up front.

4-1-2-1-2

4-1-2-1-2

Another exciting piece of news is the fact that Andy Carroll should return to the first team fold after the international break. Sakho and Carroll showed at times last season that a successful partnership could be formed between the pair.

The duo would certainly offer a real aerial threat and Payet has shown on a number of occasions this season that he can supply strikers with excellent delivery into the box.

Another noticeable feature regarding this line up is the fact that it doesn’t include any deadline day signings. With the Premier League as the top priority, Bilic should feel that a top half finish is certainly achievable with the quality of players now available at his disposal.

4-2-2-2

4-2-2-2

Another formation that accommodates two up front, the likes of Moses and Payet would push out wide and supply crosses into the box. West Ham have also made sure that there will be fierce competition for places in midfield when Alex Song returns from injury. This is something that can only be good news for the club.

Other players such as Zarate, Jarvis, Valencia, Jelavic, Samuelesen, Amalfitano, Tomkins and Oxford have not even featured in these line ups. There is a wealth of options now available at West Ham and it certainly shows that the club is moving in the right direction.

What is your favourite formation? Should Moses and Antonio start? Comment below

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