West Ham United will travel to Stoke City on Saturday in what promises to an important game for both sides. David Moyes’ men have turned their fortunes for the better lately and are now in a position to save themselves from the dreaded relegation zone. The Hammers took on Chelsea on Saturday and secured a narrow 1-0 win against them in the derby.
They faced Arsenal in another London derby on Wednesday night and held them to a 0-0 draw. Their recent results have given them hope in their fight to save themselves from a possible relegation and now David Moyes will be hoping that his team can build on this good run and can get themselves out of trouble going into the new year.
Mark Hughes’ men have suffered back-to-back losses in the league and are in need of three crucial points against the Hammers on Saturday. A loss to West Ham United would see them being overtaken by the London club in the league standings. That’s a possibility that will strike fear in the heart of any Stoke City fan.
The recent history of this fixture doesn’t make a good reading for the Hammers as Stoke City are unbeaten in their last eight league encounters against West Ham United. David Moyes is expected to name an unchanged line-up and might opt for a 3-4-2-1 formation.
3-4-2-1 West Ham United Predicted Lineup Vs Stoke City
Defence
Adrian will once again start in goal for the Hammers ahead of Joe Hart after his impressive performances in recent matches. The Spanish goalkeeper will be protected by a back three of Aaron Creswell, Angelo Ogbonna and Winston Reid.
David Moyes will be hoping that his back line will keep up their incredible form after securing back-to-back clean sheets against Chelsea and Arsenal respectively.
Midfield
Pedro Obiang and Mark Noble will line up to anchor the West Ham midfield with Arthur Masuaku operating on the left flank while Pablo Zabaleta plays on the right-hand side of the midfield.
Masuaku put in a man of the match display against Chelsea so David Moyes will be hoping that the French winger can continue his good form against the Potters on Saturday.
Attack
Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini are expected to line up behind Michail Antonio as part of the Hammers’ attack. The trio has linked up well in recent times, especially in the game against Chelsea and West Ham fans will be hoping that they can score against Stoke City this weekend.
