West Ham’s winless streak must come to an end on Wednesday, or Slaven Bilic’s sides fantastic season is in danger of fizzling out. Some dodgy decisions and unfortunate results have left us in 6th, but under pressure from Liverpool and Southampton for the remaining Europa League spots. A disappointing performance in the FA Cup replay against Manchester United last week didn’t help the slump, but we should have taken 3 points at Leicester and are looking like a win isn’t far away.
So who should start against Watford? I have posted my starting XI below for one of the final midweek games at The Boleyn Ground.
Sam Byram should be back at right back, meaning that we get to see Michail Antonio in a forward position. The worst aspect of playing Antonio at right back is that it has limited his attacking play. He was scoring goals and creating chances, and was quickly becoming one of the most dangerous wingers in the league before Byram’s injury. While it was necessary for him to fill in at right back, it will be great to see him in his favourite position tormenting defences once again.
Reid played well at the weekend, meaning it was between Collins and Ogbonna for the other centre back spot. Deeney is always a handful and is so powerful, so I decided Collins may be better suited in this game. Besides, before his injury he was our best defender this season and he deserves another chance.
Kouyate and Noble have played a lot of minutes in recent games. It was a tough decision to drop either of them, but resting Kouyate seemed the better choice because of what Noble brings as captain. Obiang deserves more playing time, he is underrated and was harshly withdrawn at half time at the weekend against Leicester. We also need the cover at the back that Obiang brings, because we have been leaking too many goals in recent weeks.
The other front men pick themselves. There are rumours that Sakho will be in the squad, but it’s unlikely that he will start over Carroll and hopefully we should be seeing him for the last half hour.
Do you agree with the starting XI? Who would you want to see starting against Watford?
