West Ham United have found themselves some breathing space at the bottom as they are six points clear of the 18th spot. With five more games to go, it is expected that the Hammers will secure their survival in coming few weeks. However, nothing can be taken for granted and Moyes would want to reach the magical 40 point mark to ensure their survival.
Moyes has brought this team a long way since he took over from Slaven Bilic in November. The Hammers have also been facing a lot of turmoil within the club. In all these circumstances one needs to applaud Moyes for the job he has done. West Ham will be travelling to the Emirates to take on Arsenal this weekend and the Hammers have been poor on the road this season. In fact, they haven’t won a single away game against teams who have been placed above them in the table.
Moyes’s men have done well in the past few games as they have picked up five crucial points in their last three games. In the midweek game, they earned a valuable point against Stoke City when Andy Carroll equalised in the stoppage time to earn them a well-deserved draw. However, the tie against the Gunners isn’t going to be easy and the Hammers will need to be at their best to get something out of the game.
James Collins the centre-back will be unavailable for selection as he is out with a hamstring injury. Apart from that, there are no major injury concerns for David Moyes.
Here is the predicted lineup.
Predicted Formation: 3-4-3
Defence
Joe Hart was supposed to be the undisputed no1 at West Ham but his performance has left a lot to be desired. Hart made a costly error in the previous game as he mishandled a simple shot from Shaqiri and Peter Crouch pounced upon it to score. So Moyes has every reason to drop him and bring Adrian for this game. He will be shielded by Ogbonna, Rice and Cresswell which will complete the back three.
Midfield
The experienced Mark Noble will start in midfield. It seems that age has caught up with him as he has not been at his best this season. He will be partnered by Kouyate in the middle of the park. Zabaleta and Masuaku will play in the wingback role where they have flourished this season.
Attack
Lanzini is expected to be back in the lineup and he is expected to play from the right. Joao Mario, the Inter Milan loanee has done well down the left and will start from there. Arnautovic will start up front for the Hammers to complete the eleven. Andy Carroll scored a late goal in the previous game but will most likely be used as a substitute.
