West Ham United will hope to capitalise on their last win against Swansea City when they visit Sunderland this weekend. However, the Hammers’ away form hasn’t been very positive, and with Sunderland having a last-ditch attempt in saving their dismal campaign, things will not be easy for the London club.
Team News
Sunderland- The biggest miss for David Moyes will be the absence of the experienced Sebastian Larsson. The 31-year-old Swedish international saw a red card last game and misses a crucial time for Sunderland right at the end of the season.
Brian Oviedo is a doubt for the game with his hamstring problem. He was subbed off early in the last game with Javier Manquillo taking his place. Moyes will have no new concerns apart from them. The long-term absentees include Duncan Watmore, Patrick McNair and Jan Kirchhoff.
West Ham United- Just when everyone though West ham’s season couldn’t get any worse, they saw their star player Michail Antonio out for the season. Bilic has no real replacement for his most productive player this season and one can only hope things turn out positively for the Hammers now.
Long-term injuries include Pedro Obiang, Gokhan Tore and Angelo Ogbonna, with doubtful candidates featuring Aaron Cresswell and Winston Reid.
Predicted Line-ups
Sunderland- Pickford; Jones, Kone, Denayer, Manquillo; Ndong, Cattermole, Rodwell; Borini, Defoe, Anichebe.
West Ham United- Randolph; Byram, Fonte, Collins, Masuaku; Snodgrass, Noble, Kouyate, Lanzini; Ayew, Carroll.
Key Players
Sunderland- The only player in Sunderland this season, who has been at the top level is Jermain Defoe. The 34-year-old even earned a late England call-up in his career courtesy his goal feat this season. He has netted 14 times so far and would want to end the season on a good note keeping the World Cup 2018 in sight.
Lamine Kone could be another big factor for Sunderland’s relegation survival. The centre-half has been Sunderland’s saviour previously and could replicate it again this season.
West Ham United- Andy Carroll will be Slaven Bilic’s biggest bet going into this game with Michail Antonio now out of the picture for the rest of the season. The English forward has had his moments this season, scoring seven goals in 17 appearances, and could make a significant difference in this game.
New recruit Manuel Lanzini will be another player, who could make things happen from the flank. Probably the only summer signing that has clicked for Bilic, the Argentine has shown sparks of brilliance this season with his quick feet and cool finishing. Robert Snodgrass can be another key player for the Hammers. The Scotsman hasn’t been successful in having the similar impact he had in Hull City, but he sure is capable of scoring some wonder goals.
Betting Odds
Sunderland @ 3.25
Draw @ 3.50
West Ham United @ 2.30