High were the hopes for West Ham United ahead of the season but it has turned out to be an utterly disappointing campaign for the Hammers so far. With just four points from seven games, the Hammers are placed 18th right now. Things need to improve and that has to happen really soon or else Slaven Bilic’s position at the club will be in jeopardy. The Hammers have already been ousted of the Europa League from the playoffs and are yet to show their last season’s colours this term.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, are flying high this season sitting eighth on the table with 11 points from seven games. Both sides had 1-1 stalemates prior to the international break. Crystal Palace have been impressive lately and are on the back of a five-game unbeaten streak while West Ham ended their losing streak with a 1-1 draw against Boro.
No one expected West Ham to be anywhere near the danger zone this season but after seven game weeks, Bilic has serious things to address in order to pick the side up from the drop zone. Here is the predicted West Ham lineup against Crystal Palace.
Defence
Adrian will definitely keep his place under the bar. West Ham have conceded as many as 15 goals in their last five Premier League games which means that Slaven Bilic desperately needs to address things at the back. However, due to a serious injury crisis so early this season, he does not have too many options.
Arthur Masuaku, Sam Byram and Aaron Cresswell are all out with injuries. Alvaro Arbeloa is likely to start in the right-back position. The central defence pair is likely to be Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna.
With both left-backs injured and Sam Byram, who can also fill in that position, also out with injury, Michail Antonio is likely to slot into the left-back position.
Midfield
Pedro Obiang is likely to get another start at the base of midfield. The Spaniard’s key job will be to protect his back four. With Obiang offering the defence a screen, Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyaté will have the license to burst forward as they start in the middle of the park.
Attack
Sofiane Feghouli should get a place in the starting XI on the right flank. Manuel Lanzini is likely to start as the false nine. West Ham have been dismal as a unit but Dimitri Payet has still managed to keep impressing. The Frenchman should keep his place on the left flank.
