Last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Everton signified that there is still much work for West Ham United to do.
Prior to the game at Goodison Park, the Hammers were on a three-game unbeaten run including back-to-back victories over Crystal Palace and Sunderland.
The upturn in form was partly down to Slaven Bilic’s formation change to a three-man defence, with Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell taking up the wide roles.
While the move has undoubtedly bolstered a leaky backline – the Hammers have conceded two in their last three as opposed to more than two goals-per-game previously – it has meant that Antonio’s goalscoring has taken a severe hit.
The 26-year-old has started at a striker and a right wing-back but failed to add to the five goals he managed from the wing.
In order to get the best out of him but keep some defensive solidity, we think Bilic should return to the 4-3-3 he favoured last season.
GK – ADRIAN
Adrian is the club’s undisputed number one and should hold the jersey for Stoke’s visit at the weekend.
The Spaniard has performed reasonably considering how poor the defence was at the start of the season and is capable of keeping any attack at bay if he’s on form.
RB – EDMILSON FERNANDES
Despite arriving at the club as an attacking midfielder, Edmilson Fernandes have proven himself adaptable and performed well in different positions.
He impressed on his first start as a left wing-back and put in a decent shift even when the Hammers lost to Everton last week.
There are still question marks over how well the Swiss utility-man can defend, but is certainly good going forward and could potentially become a very good full-back given time.
CB – JAMES COLLINS
With Winston Reid suspended, James Collins will probably be given the chance in his place.
The New Zealander’s absence could be a blessing in disguise, however, with Collins physically-equipped to deal with Wilfred Bony.
The Ivorian bullied Swansea’s defenders on Monday night but Collins should have the strength and aerial presence to keep him quiet – having won three aerial duels per game to date.
CB – ANGELO OGBONNA
Angelo Ogbonna has become a mainstay in the West Ham starting eleven this season.
The Italian has made seven appearances this season and improved his form as the left-sided centre-back in the three-man defence.
We’re backing him in a defensive pair this time, so he’ll have to step up and take his share of the responsibility to keep the Potters out.
LB – AARON CRESSWELL
Aaron Cresswell is one of the best defenders in the league going forward.
The left-back ranked third in the league for key passes last season and has averaged three crosses each game so far this term.
Cresswell will need to get forward and overlap and could be rewarded with an assist should Bilic opt with the aerial threats of Michail Antonio and Andre Ayew.
CDM – PEDRO OBIANG
A big part of the Hammers’ improved form recently has been the reintroduction of Pedro Obiang to the starting lineup.
Obiang provides some much needed defensive stability in midfield that the previous pairing of Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate couldn’t provide, having averaged 1.6 interceptions and two clearance per game.
He has also been good in possession and boasts 82% pass accuracy.
CM – CHEIKHOU KOUYATE
This role in the side was a straight battle between Cheikhou Kouyate and Manuel Lanzini.
With Stoke’s recent shift in focus to more of a technical passing side, we think Kouyate’s mobility and willingness to battle could be more beneficial than the Argentine’s craft.
But if the Hammers need a goal late on, he will probably be the man sacrificed for the more creative Lanzini.
CM – MARK NOBLE
Only a month ago there were calls for Mark Noble to be dropped from the West Ham starting eleven.
The club captain was seemingly neglecting his defensive duties while not offering a lot going forward.
The introduction of a three-man defence and installation of Pedro Obiang next to him seems to have freed the 29-year-old to use his attacking abilities. Hopefully having Obiang and Kouyate partnering him will allow him to join the attack more.
RW – MICHAIL ANTONIO
Without a doubt, the right-wing slot is Antonio’s best position.
Playing him at right wing-back stifles the 26-year-old’s attacking threat while a having to lead the line as a centre-forward robs him of his unpredictable late runs into the box.
With Stoke’s defenders preoccupied by a front-man and the service of players like Aaron Cresswell and Dimitri Payet, Antonio should soon get back to scoring ways.
LW – DIMITRI PAYET
It goes without saying that Dimitri Payet is the first-name on the Hammers team sheet.
The Frenchman is the chief attacking creator for West Ham and ranks top for key passes per match despite missing the first two games of the season.
Even though we have him down as a left-winger, we expect the Frenchman to cut inside to receive the ball and dictate play, creating more space for Aaron Cresswell to bomb into.
ST – ANDRE AYEW
In order for this to work, the Hammers need Andre Ayew to lead the line.
As we’ve already outlined how Michail Antonio is wasted in a striking role, while the Hammers will have to pay £17m for disappointing loan signing Simone Zaza if he makes another appearance.
Ayew led the line well for Swansea at times last year and is a capable finisher, so we’d love to see him start if match fit.