West Ham face a tough challenge as Sheffield United visit on Saturday, but if Manuel Pellegrini the necessary changes to his team then they could return to winning ways.
The Blades have adjusted well to the Premier League and their 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Monday put them above the Hammers in the table.
Chris Wilder has organised his team very effectively and made them difficult to break down, as evidenced by their four clean sheets from nine games – the joint-most of any team in the league.
That could be a problem for the East London outfit, who have found the target just 11 times in nine games, and despite four goals in eight league games Haller’s lack of movement has been singled out by Pellegrini as a problem.
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Some fans feel that is harsh, blaming a lack of service and support for the German as the real reason behind their poor attack.
In particular, Lanzini has underwhelmed this term, with zero goals and just two assists, and therefore he should make way against the Blades, as he could be crowded out by the combination of their three centre-backs and the deep-lying centre-midfielders, such as Oli Norwood.
To counter that, here is how West Ham should line-up.
The inclusion of Jack Wilshere could surprise a few and please others in equal measure, as although he is yet to prove himself in West Ham colours on a regular basis, he could help breathe fresh life into the team.
Lanzini has disappointed some fans with his recent displays. Not only does he have just the one assist in the league, but he has failed to make a pass into the box in each of his last five league appearances, so it is little surprise that Pellegrini’s side haven’t been scoring.
By contrast, the England international should retain possession more efficiently, as well as providing that crucial support Haller relies upon, with an average of 4.2 passes to the final third from the four matches he has started this campaign.
The other decision which Pellegrini has to make is whether Aaron Cresswell comes back into the starting line-up, but if he is deemed fit enough to play – which he should be after training all week – then he should replace Arthur Masuaku.
The Congo international managed just a 5/10-rated performance against Everton as per Football London, with the opening goal coming down his side. By contrast, the former Ipswich man has scored two goals in four league games so far, though his manager will likely want more from him in regards to crosses and key passes, as he is yet to record any of either.
