The West Ham United Lineup That Should Start Against Wolves
By Jake Purvis
West Ham make their return to football with a trip up to the midlands to face Wolves on Saturday evening.
Ahead of their return to competitive football, the Hammers sit just outside of the relegation zone on goal difference, and will been keenly aware that the meeting with Wolves is a must-win one.
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Here's how the Hammers should lineup on Saturday.
Goalkeepers & Defenders
Łukasz Fabiański (GK) - Has only played 16 times in the league this season for the Hammers due to a hip injury keeping him out for a while, but the Polish international is first choice and will certainly be getting the nod from Moyes.
Jeremy Ngakia (RB) - The 19-year-old was in fine form before the break, establishing himself in the starting XI ahead of Pablo Zabaleta and Ryan Fredericks. Carried on his excellent form in the friendly against Crystal Palace, netting the winning goal too.
Issa Diop (CB) - Diop has cemented his place at the heart of the Hammers' defence with some commanding performances this season and is a hugely important player for the club. He can pop up with the odd goal too.
Fabián Balbuena (CB) - The Paraguayan defender takes the place of injured Angelo Ogbonna, who has barely trained lately. Balbuena has picked up four clean sheets in his 13 Premier League starts this season.
Aaron Cresswell (LB) - West Ham loyal Cresswell will take up his trusty left-back position. The 30-year-old scored in consecutive games for the first time his career this season - a 25-yard free kick against Manchester United and then the final goal in a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
Midfielders
Pablo Fornals (RCM) - The Spaniard comes into the team in place of Mark Noble, who has missed both friendlies and is touch-and-go for the Wolves game. Fornals has been utilised as a sub for the majority of the season but has contributed with some important assists.
Declan Rice (CM) - A rare ever-present in a season riddled with injuries for West Ham. Protecting the Hammers back-four and dictating the play is all so natural for Rice, and he will play a big role in their search for survival.
Tomáš Souček (LCM) - Souček extending his loan for the rest of the season is a huge boost for the Hammers' survival hopes.
Forwards
Jarrod Bowen (RW) - Signed from Hull City in January for £18m and has only featured four times. The restart will be seen as Bowen as a chance to prove his worth to Hammers' fans.
Sébastien Haller (ST) - Signed for a club record £45m last summer but has been rather underwhelming, despite scoring seven league goals. Time to step up to the plate, Sébastien.
Michail Antonio (LW) - Had a good run of performances leading up to the break - scoring and assisting in the Southampton game. Could be influential in West Ham's survival if he performs to his best.