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TBR View: How West Ham can line up defensively to stop ‘unplayable’ Newcastle attacker
David Moyes needs to seriously consider his defensive lineup ahead of the game against Newcastle this weekend.
Although there are 12 places and 20 points separating the two sides, the result of this game is by no means a forgone conclusion. The Magpies are a different side to the one that lost 4-2 to the Hammers on the opening day of the season. And there are a number of players in the Newcastle side that can cause West Ham problems.
Chris Wood has seven goals in his last nine appearances against the Hammers, and Jonjo Shelvey also enjoys a goal against the team he supported growing up. Kieran Trippier’s foot injury will come as a massive blow for the Magpies while also being a sigh of relief for the East London side.
However, Allan Saint-Maximin could be the catalyst that prevents West Ham from picking up a priceless three points. Frank Lampard recently described the winger as ‘unplayable’ [] following his Everton sides 3-1 loss at St James’ Park. Therefore it is vital that Moyes bears that in mind when it comes to his squad selection ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
Coufal struggles
Vladimir Coufal has proved to be an inspired signing for just £5 million ahead of the 2020/21 season. He excelled in right-back as West Ham finished sixth, and was rewarded with the Hammers ‘signing of the season’ award.
However, this campaign hasn’t been so successful for the former Slavia-Prague defender. He frequently struggles against opponents who he remained unfazed by last season, and he was subbed before the 70th minute against Leicester after Harvey Barnes continuously got the better of him.
It could be another tough afternoon for Coufal if Saint-Maximin performs at his best.
Perhaps it is, therefore, time to reintroduce Ben Johnson to the starting lineup. The 22-year-old enjoyed a successful spell in the Hammers defence while Coufal was injured. So much so that the youngster kept the Czech defender on the bench when he initially returned to full fitness.
The Englishman is yet to play a full 90 minutes in a Premier League game in 2022. He started the New Years Day clash at Selhurst Park and has been on the bench for the remaining five games. During his spell in the starting lineup earlier this season Johnson coped well against the likes of Heung-min Son and Richarlison as West Ham picked up back-to-back clean sheets and three points. And he even got on the score sheet in a 4-1 away win against Aston Villa.
How West Ham handled Jack Grealish last season
Twelve months ago West Ham travelled to Villa Park to face an in-form Aston Villa side. The night may have belonged to Jesse Lingard, who scored twice on his West Ham debut in a 3-1 win. However, how the club handled Jack Grealish that night played a huge role in picking up three points.
David Moyes lined up with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Coufal was the starting right-back while Ryan Fredericks was a surprise inclusion as the right-winger. The former Fulham defender’s pace was crucial in getting up and down the flanks to assist Coufal in dealing with Grealish, while also contributing to the attack.
The former Villa captain has since made a £100m move to Champions Manchester City. Yet, that night at Villa Park he hardly had a sniff down the left-hand side. His only key involvement in the game was an assist for Ollie Watkins, for which he switched to the right flank to catch the Hammers out.
Fredericks has struggled with injury throughout his time at West Ham, including this season. However, he is currently match fit and ready to help the team.
He : “Everyone wants to play, and when I’ve played this season, I feel like I’ve done well.
‘Obviously, I always want to play more games, but all you can do is come in and try and play well when your opportunity arrives.’
‘It’s always incredible to play for West Ham. I think you get caught up in things sometimes.”
West Ham vs Newcastle
Thankfully for Moyes and West Ham, they aren’t short of options when it comes to the right side of their defence. However, one thing is for certain, they will have to do something.
The Hammers have conceded eight goals in their last six games, keeping only two clean sheets. They are also coming up against a Newcastle side who have won their last three, scoring five goals. Meaning there is a high chance they will have momentum on their side.