West Ham United were knocked out of the FA Cup this weekend as they fell to a 2-0 loss to Wigan Athletic away from home in the 4th round of the competition. Prior to that game, the Hammers were unbeaten in their last seven outings, five of them in the league, including a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth in the last round.
They are back in action this Tuesday, as they welcome Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace, who have a chance to leapfrog the hosts in the league table, with a win in this game. Palace los to Arsenal in the previous round and will look to put in a better performance but Moyes will feel that his side can take all three points from this tie. Here is the predicted lineup West Ham might field for this game:
Team News:
The Hammers have a long list of absentees ahead of this game. The likes of Pedro Obiang, Edimilson Fernandes, Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll are all ruled out for this game. Jose Fonte is back in training but might not make it to this game while Winston Reid and Andre Ayew are subject to late fitness tests. Midfield duo of Mark Noble and Chiekhou Kouyate have also complained about bruises but are expected to be fit for this game. Makeshift full-back Arthur Masuaku is now suspended for up to six games, leaving West Ham even weaker. The manager can, however, call upon his new signing Joao Mario, who is expected to start in this game.
Expected lineup (3-5-2):
Defense:
Joe Hart has completely lost his place in the first team under David Moyes, who is expected to stick with Adrain on goal against the Eagles. The lack of options should see Pablo Zabaleta start as a wing-back on the right side while the absence of Arthur Masuaku will mean that Aaron Creswell will start as a wing-back on the left flank.
Angelo Ogbonna remains an important part of the squad for West Ham and should start as a part of the backline in this game. He could be used on the left side of the back three while skipper Winston Reid is expected to hold fort on the right side of the backline. James Collins, who has been effective since coming back from injury, should keep his place at the heart of the defence.
Midfield:
With Noble and Kouyate both fit, Moyes will not want to change too many things up and could use them as a midfield pairing, alongside the new signing Joao Mario, who could be given his debut. The Portuguese international will be responsible to add some creativity to the side.
Attack:
With Antonio and Lanzini also doubtful for this game. Andre Ayew, who should be fit and Javier Hernandez are the only attacking options for Moyes and they should start as an attacking pair in this game.
Here is how they might line up:
