Slaven Bilic’s West Ham put in a decent second half performance against table toppers Chelsea at home in the league last weekend. However, they fell to a 2-1 defeat and moved out of the top half of the table for the first time this year. The Hammers have a good chance to regain their place in the top half when they travel to the Vitality Stadium this weekend for the Premier League game against AFC Bournemouth.
Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth side picked up a point from their trip to Old Trafford in the previous round and are sure to make life difficult for West Ham to run away with all three points. However, the visitors on the night have a decent chance of grabbing three points and Bilic will hope that his side can move closer to a place in Europe with just 10 games left to play in the season after this game. The Hammers are expected to play their strongest XI for this fixture and here is the predicted lineup that the manager might field for this tie:
West Ham Team News:
Bilic is still without star trio Angelo Ogbonna, Diafra Sakho and Gokhan Tore who are both nursing long term injuries. However, Stijn Vandenbroucke, the Head of Medical and Sports Science at West Ham, issued a statement regarding the progress of the players and there was good news regarding their recovery.
Centre-back Winston Reid limped off in the loss to Chelsea and Stijn has said that they are working hard to get him fit in time for Saturday’s game. This means that he is still a doubt for this weekend. Top goalscorer Michail Antonio was suspended for the previous game but he is back with the team and should start this game.
West Ham Expected Line-Up:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Darren Randolph (GK):
The first choice shot-stopper for West Ham this season, Randolph has been superb in front of goal and after a decent outing against Chelsea, he should be the number 1 for his side.
Chiekhou Kouyate (RB):
The versatile defender has been used as a full-back to good effect and in absence of key players, Bilic should stick with him at right-back like he did against Chelsea.
Jose Fonte (CB):
Had a decent outing against Chelsea but will hope to have a better game at the heart of the defence for the Hammers this weekend.
James Collins (CB):
The experienced centre-half is the most likely candidate to replace the doubtful Reid at the back and he might start ahead of Sam Byram.
Aaron Cresswell (LB):
One of the most consistent defenders for West Ham this season. Cresswell has been influential at both ends of the field and should start at left-back for West Ham.
Mark Noble (CM):
Though not at his best this season, Noble has been integral to the plans of the manager of the club and he is expected to start this game in the midfield for the Hammers.
Pedro Obiang (CM):
Obiang has been growing in confidence by the game and has been an able partner for Noble in the midfield for West Ham and should keep his place in the side for this game.
Michail Antonio (RW):
Back from a suspension, West Ham’s highest goal scorer should replace Feghouli in the first team and should start on the right wing.
Manuel Lanzini (CAM):
The playmaker has not been able to find consistency this season but he will have a great chance to get back to his best in the game against the Cherries.
Robert Snodgrass (LW):
After a decent game against Chelsea, Snodgrass is fast becoming an important player for Slaven Bilic and is expected to keep his place in the side for this tie.
Andy Carroll (ST):
A constant menace for most defenders, Carroll will have to be at his best in this game if West Ham are to take all three points from this trip to the Dean Court.