David Moyes looked like a man who had run out of patience after West Ham United’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea last time out.
Ogbonna ‘proud’ of Noble against Chelsea despite fan criticism
West Ham fans are divided over striker Sebastien Haller.
Some feel he is lazy and lacks the pace, mobility and ultimately ability to perform in the Premier League.
Others believe he has been completely mismanaged in the lone striker role ever since signing for West Ham for a club record £45million.
Moyes loses patience with Haller
The man whose opinion matters most, though, is Moyes.
And the no-nonsense Scot has made it abundantly clear of late that his patience with Haller is wearing thin.
After the defeat at Stamford Bridge, Moyes even suggested he will have to look elsewhere in his squad for the new Marko Arnautovic or Michail Antonio – ie wide men he can turn into strikers (Evening Standard).
That has led many to suggest Andriy Yarmolenko, Jarrod Bowen or Said Benrahma could find themselves up top until Antonio is back fit.
Moyes will make a huge call for Brighton which could all but spell the end of Haller’s miserable West Ham career.
He will replace him with Yarmolenko – who has had success as a forward playing for Ukraine in the past.
Hammers boss could make two big changes for Brighton
Another player who came in for criticism after West Ham’s defeat at Chelsea was captain Mark Noble.
The skipper was making only his second start since the dismal opening day defeat to Newcastle.
And Noble’s lack of pace and mobility stuck out like a sore thumb as doubts continue to be raised over his playing future.
Noble’s inclusion from the start in West Ham’s last game was something of a surprise.
And it will be short-lived too. Moyes will go one of two ways to replace Noble for Brighton.
Benrahma start depends on Lanzini fitness
He will either move Pablo Fornals into his preferred central midfield position and start Said Benrahma wide left.
Or Manuel Lanzini will come in after a solid showing as a second half substitute in the recent draw with Crystal Palace, with Fornals out left.
Much will depend on how confident Moyes is that Lanzini is fit enough to start.
The Argentine missed the game against Chelsea – where many had expected him to start – with a hamstring niggle.
If fit he could well start in place of Noble as West Ham have seriously lacked guile of late.
Haller, Noble and Benrahma – if Lanzini is fit to start – will take their places on Moyes’s nine-man bench. Hopefully alongside the returning Antonio.
Predicted West Ham starting XI to face Brighton:
Fabianski, Cresswell, Ogbonna, Balbuena, Coufal, Soucek, Rice, Lanzini, Fornals, Bowen, Yarmolenko.
Brighton boss has great news for West Ham stars Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals
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