West Ham United are set to face Chelsea in the London Stadium and will try to unsettle the table toppers. This will be the West Londoners’ second visit to this stadium after their 2-1 EFL Cup defeat at the hand of the Hammers and the Blues will be very keen to avenge their defeat.
Eden Hazard, Pedro and Diego Costa weren’t in the starting lineup that day but will be available for this match. After a brilliant last season, the Hammers were expected to start this season on a positive note. But things got severely off-track as they crashed out in the Europa League qualification stage after defeats to Astra Giurgiu.
They were languishing at the bottom of the table but a sudden turnaround has saved their season for the time being. Last season’s hero Dimitri Payet had left the club and it would be hard for Bilic to replace him as of now. Bilic also has a few injury concerns to deal with as Angelo Ogbonna and Gokhan Tore are both out for the rest of the season while Andy Carroll might get fit in time to feature in the big match.
The Hammers are currently in ninth place and would try to gain maximum points from the next matches to rise further up in the table.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 West Ham Lineup To Stop Chelsea’s Winning Run
Defence: Darren Randolph is set to retain his place in the Hammers’ goal. The 29-year-old wasn’t the first choice keeper but Adrian has been very error prone this season which led Bilic to reinstate the Ireland international.
Winston Reid will partner newly signed Jose Fonte as the centre-back pairing. Fonte’s inclusion has given the necessary depth to the Hammers defence which they were lacking.
Bilic has been using midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate in the right back position but would prefer a proper right back and Sam Byram is expected to get a call-up.
Aaron Creswell should start in the left back position.
Midfield: Bilic will use a double pivot of Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang to break up Chelsea’s attack.
Manuel Lanzini will be deployed in the no. 10 position. The 24 year’s slick passing and movement around the box could prove to be a handful for the Chelsea defenders.
Attack: Andre Ayew is set to get the nod ahead of Robert Snodgrass on the left wing while Sofiane Feghouli will start on the right flank.
Andy Carroll is back to training and should start as the lone striker upfront.
