With head coach [Nuno Espírito Santo](https://www.claretandhugh.info/a-bad-start-but-nuno-hasnt-written-him-off-west-ham-news/) just two games into his Hammers tenure, making predictions as to his likely line up is tricky indeed: having played a practise game with wing-backs during the international break there is the theory that the Hammers will revert to a back three with wing backs. However the improvements Nuno made in the two games – Everton and Arsenal – with a back four suggest he’s likely to persevere a little longer.
Here we get to guess the Portuguese head coach’s starting eleven : it isn’t our ideal, just a guess as to how the Irons are likely to be set up. And there’s a whole load of guesswork tonight!
We’re plumping for 4 at the back with Wan Bissaka getting the nod over Walker Peters simply as he offers more in an aerial bombardment from long throws which is likely coming West Ham’s way. A midfield recall for Tomas Soucek solely for his aerial prowess assisting in the defence against set-pieces with no Niclas Fullkrug, and Lucas Paquetá gets to reprise his ‘false nine’ role and the Hammers play without a traditional striker – at least at the start.
West Ham United: Claret and Hugh’s starting XI prediction:
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Areola | Wan Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Diouf | Fernandes , Magassa, Soucek | Summerville, Paquetá, Bowen (c)
Score predictions:
Martin West Ham 2-1. three points but no clean sheet
Sean 1- 0 West Ham
Gonzo 0 – 0 two points lost?
Andy 0 – 0 twin parked buses
Matt 1 – 1 but just can’t see where the goals are coming from!
**Check back with us at 6.45 for confirmation of West Ham’s starting XI as soon as it is live.**