West Ham’s misery have gone from bad to worse with a 4-2 loss to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday which stretches their losing streak to four games in all competitions now. Slaven Bilic looks under a considerable pressure right now but the Croat has a golden chance to take his side back to winning ways as the Hammers face League Two side Accrington Stanley in the third round of the League Cup on Wednesday.
Having won just one game in the Premier League this season and losing the other four and having failed to reach the group stages of the Europa League, Bilic’s position at the club could be in jeopardy if things do not improve soon. Accrington Stanley, on paper, are a clear mismatch for West Ham but with the kind of form the East Londoners are in, Bilic cannot allow any complacency from his side.
The visitors are unbeaten in their last three League Two games and beat Premier League side Burnley in the previous round. So, West Ham must be careful while approaching the game.
Here is the predicted West Ham Lineup against Accrington Stanley.
Defence
Cup keeper Darren Randolph is likely to start under the bar ahead of Adrian and Bilic will hope that a change in personnel will bring a change in luck. Alvaro Arbeloa is likely to start his first game for West Ham in the right-back position. Winston Reid is out with an injury which means Havard Nordtveit is likely to start in central defence alongside Angelo Ogbonna. Arthur Masuaku is likely to continue in the left-back position.
Midfield
Skipper Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate will start as the two box to box midfielders. Kouyate is yet to show his true colours this season but a good game will be expected of him against the minnows.
Manuel Lanzini had a good game against West Brom and was on the scoresheet. The Argentine is likely to start as the number ten. Dimitri Payet set up both goals against the Baggies on Saturday and will definitely keep his place on the left flank. Michail Antonio has scored three goals in his last two games now and will continue on the right flank.
Attack
Simone Zaza was horrible against West Brom on Saturday and subbed off at half-time. The Italian is likely to be benched for highly-rated Argentine forward Jonathan Calleri.
