After a mediocre start to their Premier League campaign, West Ham United managed to pick themselves up into the top half of the table with some consistent results. However, they seem to have lost their mojo in the last few games as they have now picked up just two points from their last five games including three back to back losses in their last three games. They have now slipped into the bottom half, standing at the 12th place in the points table going into this weekend.
They are fresh off a loss to the Foxes in the previous round at home and face a tricky trip to the KCOM this weekend to face Marco Silva’s Hull City side currently struggling in the drop zone. The Tigers have picked up four points from their last four games and need to accumulate points quickly if they are to keep themselves safe this season. A victory in this game can potentially lift the Hammers into the top half while Hull City have a chance to close the gap over Swansea City at the bottom of the table. Here is the team news and predicted lineup for the Hammers for this tie:
Gokhan Tore, Diafra Sakho, Angelo Ogbonna and Pedro Obiang have been on the injury list for the Hammers while the likes of Michail Antonio and Winston Reid have joined them as absentees for this game against Hull City. However, midfielder Mark Noble is expected to be back in action for the weekend.
Defence:
Darren Randolph has done a decent job in between the sticks this season and should retain his place in the side. With Reid absent, Bilic will be forced to use a four-man defence and might use Sam Byram and Aaron Cresswell on either flank. Jose Fonte has been solid in recent games and should lead the defensive line while forgotten defender James Collins will get his chance to partner Fonte at the back for the Hammers in this tie.
Midfield:
Mark Noble is expected to be fit for this tie after he picked up a niggle recently. He should make his 500th league appearance in this game against the Tigers. Senegalese international Chiekhou Kouyate had a decent time with the national side and should partner the English midfielder in the middle of the park for the travelling side. The duo will have their hands full against a Hull City side that can make things happen in a flash.
Attack:
The loss of Michail Antonio will surely be felt by the Hammers but they have the likes of Andre Ayew and Manuel Lanzini to call on to for creating the chances in the final third. Lanzini has been in decent form and should start on the right wing while Ayew can hold on to his place on the left flank.
Robert Snodgrass has also been in decent form and Bilic can use him as the furthest of the attacking midfielders, adding numbers to their attack. English star Andy Carroll should lead the attack for the side as he will look to get the better of the likes of Ranocchia and Craig Dawson in this tie.
