West Ham United will look to continue their rejuvenating run in the Premier League, when they host Sunderland in their new stadium on Saturday. A much needed win away at Selhurst Park for the Hammers last week relieved huge pressure from Slaven Bilic’s shoulders after a rather disappointing start to the season.
After only their 2nd win of the season, which came on the back of a quality finish by Manuel Lanzini, West Ham are placed at the 15th place ahead of Sunderland who are at the bottom with 7 points from eight games. Their work might further be easier considering Sunderland’s long injury list. Sunderland are currently without 9 of their first team players and that would keep David Moyes immensely worried.
West Ham are undefeated in their last six matches against Sunderland. Slaven Bilic himself had scored one of his two West Ham goals against Sunderland.
Defence
Slaven Bilic seems to have finally found stability at the back though he had to see some scrappy defending in their last game against Crystal Palace, but they showed composure as the match progressed.
Bilic opted for a 3-4-3 lineup with Reid, Ogbonna, and Kouyate and he is expected to continue with them against Sunderland. With Ogbonna and Kouyate successfully pulling off 4 and 3 interceptions respectively, the defense is finally falling into places at the back.
Midfield
West Ham have been quite unlucky as Aaron Cresswell was sent off after an encouraging performance just after coming back from the injury. Mark Noble, who did not seem quite himself in the match against Crystal Palace, has to up his game, although he still managed 40 successful passes out of the 51 attempted. His partnership with Pedro Obiang is looking strong with both recovering the balls for West Ham 19 times combined.
Dmitri Payet has yet to show his brilliance this season. In the last game, Bilic had no choice but to substitute the French sensation following Cresswell’s sending off in order to protect the slim lead Wets Ham had at that point of time. He will be hoping to play full time against Sunderland.
Attack
Definitely Lanzini will take his place up front after his impressive display last game. He has 1 goal in the 2 attempted shots. Simone Zaza is also expected to start for West ham although he is yet to show his true colours. The disappointing start to the season has also led to the media questioning the Italian’s early return to the Serie A.
