David Moyes has certainly turned things around at the London Stadium as his West Ham side have climbed up to the 15th place in the points table, picking up seven points from their last three games. They are back in action this mid-week, as they face a stern test at the Emirates, in the quarterfinals of the EFL Cup this season.
Arsenal beat Norwich in the previous round and will look to make light work of the Hammers but Moyes’ side, who got the better of Spurs, away from home, will hope for similar performance. Here is the predicted lineup West Ham might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, Jose Fonte and Sam Byram are both ruled out for this tie. Pablo Zabaleta, Marko Arnautovic and Chiekhou Kouyate could all be back in action after picking knocks recently but midfielder Mark Noble, who was subbed off the in the previous game, might also not make this trip. Midfielder Manuel Lanzini, however, is suspended for this game and one more.
Expected lineup (3-4-3):
Defense:
Adrian has done a superb job on goal for the Hammers recently, displacing Joe Hart from the first team. However, the Englishman might get a chance to start on goal, in this cup tie. Winston Reid was suspended for the previous game but is available for selection and should start as a part of the backline against Arsenal.
Angelo Ogbonna has also been solid recently for West Ham and should keep his place at the heart of the defence. Aaron Cresswell has been impressive in a make-shift position at the back but could be pushed into a wing-back role, giving James Collins, who had a splendid night at the weekend, a second consecutive start.
Midfield:
With Mark Noble injured, Moyes has to stick with Pedro Obiang, to add some stability to the midfield. Declan Rice has done a decent job whenever called upon and the youngster could get a chance to play in the midfield, adding extra cover to the backline.
Michail Antonio was effective when used as a wing-back and could start in that role on the right wing, giving Pablo Zabaleta a break. He will have his work cut out, keeping the likes of Welbeck and Sanchez quite on the wing. Arthur Masuaku could be given a rest, which could see Cresswell get a chance in a more natural, wing-back role for this game.
Attack:
Marko Arnautovic complained of a knock in the win over Stoke City but is fit to start this game. He is expected to keep his place on the left-wing while Andre Ayew, struggling to get into the first team, is expected to start on the right-wing.
Javier Hernandez came off the bench in the last two games but to get him back to speed, Moyes could use him to lead the line against Arsenal.
Here is how they might line up:
