West Ham United will look to continue their brilliant run in the league when they host a resilient West Bromwich Albion side this Saturday. A win here will help the Hammers close the gap on the teams around the Europa League qualification spots.
DEFENCE
Darren Randolph is expected to start under the bar. Despite starting the season as the second-choice goalie, the Irish international has established himself as their most reliable man between the sticks.
Four at the back has been quite successful of late for Bilic after the Croat experimented hugely with his defence for the most part of the season. Aaron Creswell has been a utility player, quite effective both as a wing-back and in an advanced role. The other flank should be taken by Sam Byram. The young full-back is expected to return from his hamstring injury for the game.
The centre-half duo should be new recruit Jose Fonte with Winston Reid. The centre-back position has been in crisis for quite some time and West Ham’s back line was almost non-functional. The buy of Fonte from Southampton has really sorted it out. The Portugal international has brought in strength and stability to the backline and is already turning out to be a great buy.
MIDFIELD
As fate would have it, West Ham United have found their best form after their best player decided to leave the club to move away to France. Payet’s negative mentality was affecting the overall morale of the team and Bilic had an uphill task in replacing him. Robert Snodgrass’ buy was a huge gamble but given his impressive form in the first half of the season, he could be a season-changer for them.
Bilic has an experienced duo sitting in the deep midfield with Pedro Obiang and Mark Noble in the anchor position. The right wing is currently taken by Sofiane Feghouli, who has shown great fight after being left out from the AFCON, but his inconsistency will be a cause for concern. The manager always has the reliable Michail Antonio to take the position if and when such a situation arises.
ATTACK
Andy Carroll has been on fire for the Hammers of late and Bilic expects him to hold the mast until the end. Although he suffered a minor groin injury in their last win against Southampton, we expect him to start the game. Michail Antonio will start alongside Carroll up front.
