West Ham Football Formation

Starting Lineup

A. Aréola · V. Coufal (Wan-Bissaka) · K. Mavropanos (Todibo) · M. Kilman · A. Wan-Bissaka (Emerson) · E. Álvarez (Rodríguez) · G. Rodríguez (Soler / Souček) · Lucas Paquetá · J. Bowen · M. Kudus · M. Antonio (Ings / Füllkrug)

West Ham looks to play a vertical style of football focused on quick transitions and directness in a 4-3-3. This formation is built to use the speed of the wide players to hurt teams before they can settle into a defensive block. The team looks to win the ball in the middle third and move it forward quickly to catch the opposition out of position.

A. Aréola starts between the posts to organize the back line. West Ham uses a flat back four where V. Coufal operates as a right back and A. Wan-Bissaka plays at left back. K. Mavropanos and M. Kilman form the central pairing with Mavropanos providing aerial strength and Kilman acting as a ball playing defender to start the build up. The defensive unit looks to hold a mid-block and squeeze the space between the lines to prevent passes through the center.

The midfield relies on a three man midfield with a carrier and a playmaker. E. Álvarez works to shield the defence and break up play, while G. Rodríguez helps to recycle possession and connect the lines. Lucas Paquetá operates in the advanced role behind the striker, looking to create from deep and play through the lines. This trio works to win the second ball and ensures the team stays compact when they do not have the ball.

In the attacking third, the lineup uses three attackers across the front. M. Antonio acts as a pressing centre-forward to lead the line and hold up the ball. J. Bowen plays on the right as an inverted winger who likes to cut inside, while M. Kudus operates on the left with his dribbling style to take on defenders. The team looks to attack in combinations and uses the movement of the wingers to create runs in behind.

One tactical advantage for West Ham is the ability to hit in behind on the transition using the pace of Kudus and Bowen. The midfield provides numerical superiority in the center when they press in a mid-block, which helps them win the ball back high up the pitch. They also use the width of the pitch to stretch the defence before looking to deliver a cross or a through ball to the striker.

This 4-3-3 formation relies on quick transitions and high intensity from the forward line. It is a lineup best suited for games against teams that play a high line and leave space behind their defenders.