West Ham face a manager-less Swansea City this afternoon and it is a game West Ham can definitely win.
No West Ham fan can argue that we haven’t suffered due to the limited attacking options, the team have not won since beating Chelsea at Upton Park. Although, despite the lack of attacking options, it is clear to see that the team have become defensively secure and we have looked solid defensively most of the season.
So despite the fact that West Ham haven’t won since Payet’s injury, we have looked decent when defending in recent matches against Everton, West Brom and Stoke. Basically, as fans it is positive from a defensive point of view, because at least the whole team is not in disarray. The only negative for the Hammers could be the Winston Reid injury because he has been integral in the defence but in the Stoke game, Ogbonna and Collins looked decent.
Another positive for West Ham is the midfield options. The midfield has become a competitive area on the pitch with the likes of Noble, Kouyate, Song, and Obiang all pushing for consistent places in the first team. Furthermore, Payet is expected to return ahead of schedule which is huge for the football club as he has been missed.
Swansea have a good team with the likes of Montero, Ayew and Sigurdsson who are all dangerous and have proven to be crucial players in the past. Hopefully West Ham can take advantage of the uncertainty which will surround the Welsh club at this point in time, I believe West Ham can take advantage of the occasion and bring a much needed 3 points back to East London.
I would assume Bilic will set the team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which is his favoured formation but he may opt for a 4-3-3. Assuming he selects one of the two formations, I feel Valencia may have a big part to play and Alex Song will probably keep his place in the starting 11 considering his impressive first half performance against Stoke. The right back position is one that has been shared by both Jenkinson and Tomkins this season.
Personally, despite his poor performances, I might opt for Jenkinson at right back and play Tomkins at centre back alongside Ogbonna. Jefferson Montero is a fast player, much faster than Tomkins, and therefore I think that Jenkinson might be better suited in this particular match.
Ultimately, considering the circumstances it is likely the Hammers will have to perform at the top of their game to beat the Swans. With the defence looking solid and Zarate playing well, I see no reason as to why West Ham cannot beat Swansea this afternoon. Although, as we know, West Ham like to make things difficult, but it is likely Swansea will provide a stern test, a test West Ham can, with a bit of luck, pass.
