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Will David Moyes drop West Ham United’s back-three formation?

Sunderland's Scottish manager David Moyes gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Sunderland...
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West Ham United were playing three at the back under former manager Slaven Bilic.

Sunderland's Scottish manager David Moyes gestures from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Bournemouth at the Stadium of Light in...

David Moyes takes charge of West Ham United for the first time on Sunday when they travel to Watford.

The Scotsman was appointed as Slaven Bilic’s replacement on November 7, so he’s had plenty of time to work with his new players ahead of the trip to Vicarage Road, although some of them will have been away on international duty.

One big decision that Moyes has to make is whether to stick with West Ham’s back-three formation.

Jose Fonte of West Ham United and Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Place  battle for possession during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and West Ham United at Selhurst Park on...

Bilic’s Hammers played either 3-4-3 or 3-5-1-1 for much of this season, but the extra central defender has not stopped the Irons from conceding the most goals in the Premier League – 23 in 11 matches.

Moyes has traditionally been a back-four manager. When he has experimented with a back three, it has gone badly.

According to WhoScored, Sunderland used a back three on five occasions during the 2016-17 campaign. The Black Cats lost three of those matches, winning one and drawing the other while conceding 11 goals.

David Moyes manager of Manchester United looks on prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2013 in...

The one time that Moyes went with three central defenders while managing Manchester United – Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Chris Smalling no less – the Red Devils were thrashed 4-1 by rivals Manchester City.

Judging by this track record, West Ham fans can expect Moyes to make a tactical change immediately.