West Ham vs Tottenham Prediction: West Ham line-up
Two bottom-half sides West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur face each other, at the London Stadium on Saturday.
Manuel Pellegrini’s Hammers will be keen to put an end to their six-game winless streak in the Premier League, which has seen them slip to 16th in the table.
Meanwhile, the fixture also features Portuguese Jose Mourinho’s first game in charge as Tottenham manager, after former boss Mauricio Pochettino was sacked on Tuesday.
A string of poor displays this season has left last year’s European runners-up Spurs sitting at 14th on the table. Till now, they have won just 3 from 12 games.
West Ham and Pellegrini last tasted victory against Manchester United in September, and have hit rock bottom since then.
Meanwhile, Spurs, who visit their East London rivals have not won an away fixture in the league since January, according to Football.London.
Team news
First-choice keeper Lukasz Fabianski is not expected to be back until December, as he recovers from a thigh injury.
West Ham suffered a huge blow, as Manuel Lanzini underwent surgery for a collarbone fracture, which he picked up in their last league game against Burnley. A return date has not been specified yet.
Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that captain Mark Noble and Michail Antonio will be available to play.
Winston Reid is back into the fray after a long injury lay off while Jack Wilshere could make the squad as well.
Predicted West Ham XI
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Roberto (GK)
With Fabianski out, Pellegrini might once again stick to Roberto. The Spaniard has been in poor form and has not managed a single clean sheet in the 5 games he has played until now.
Ryan Fredericks (RB)
With 10 games to his name, Fredericks has established his spot as a right-back under Pellegrini.
Issa Diop (CB)
The young defender is a definite pick. He has started all the 12 games for the Hammers. However, Diop is one booking away from suspension.
Fabian Balbuena (CB)
The Paraguayan has been a regular presence at the back alongside Diop in the last four games and is once again sure to start.
Aaron Creswell (LB)
One position that has clearly troubled Pellegrini the most this season. However, Creswell, who has started the last 3 league matches, might get the nod ahead of Arthur Masuaku.
Declan Rice (CDM)
The Englishman is another player like Diop, who has started all the games. His intelligent reading of the game makes him a key member of Pellegrini’s side.
Mark Noble (RCM)
The skipper is sure to feature when fit. Age has slowed him down, but he still remains Pellegrini’s best bet in the midfield ahead of Wilshere.
Robert Snodgrass (LCM)
With Lanzini out and Pablo Fornals in poor form, Snodgrass could feature in the middle. With two goals in seven games, Snodgrass has put up some decent displays this season.
Andriy Yarmolenko (RW)
Their second-highest goalscorer, Yarmolenko did not feature against Burnley, but could once again be back to offer them more threat on the flank.
Felipe Anderson (LW)
The fiery winger has not been in the best of forms this year. However, the Brazilian has still chipped in with 3 assists in 11 games.
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Sebastian Haller (ST)
Brought in to add more firepower to the attack by Pellegrini, Haller has not been able to repay his manager’s faith in him. The Frenchman, who has four goals to his credit, last scored in August.
