Slaven Bilic’s West Ham United managed to hold on to a point in their first of two encounters in the space of 4 days earlier this week. That point took them to the 16th place in the points table, with 12 points from 13 games. Though they were knocked out of the League Cup, the manager will know that his side can yet claw their way back to the top half of the table. However, they face a tough test this weekend as they welcome Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal to the new Olympic Stadium for the first time this season. The Gunners have been in decent form in the league but were also knocked out of the League Cup this week and West Ham will hope that they can take advantage of this fact and take at least a point from this game. Here is the predicted lineup that the Hammers might field for this game:
Team News:
The manager is expected to welcome back the likes of Andy Carrol and Oxford Reece back to training this week but neither player might be risked for this game. Aaron Cresswell was taken off before half-time in the League Cup but he is expected to be back in action this week against Arsenal. Diafra Sakho and Sam Byram remain long-term injury concerns for the Hammers.
Darren Randolph:
The now first-choice shot-stopper for Bilic in the Premier League, Randolph was decent in the game at Old Trafford and should keep his place in the side for this game.
Chiekhou Kouyate:
The make-shift centre back for West Ham has been working wonders at the back this season but he will have a tough time against the likes of Sanchez and Ozil this weekend against Arsenal.
James Collins:
The veteran Welsh international has been impressive at the heart of the defence for the Hammers this season and should keep his place in the side for this game.
Angelo Ogbonna:
The Italian centre-back has done a tremendous job as a part of the three-man defence for West Ham and he should start this game against Arsenal.
Michail Antonio:
Arguably one of the most impressive players for the Hammers this season, Antonio was impressive in the game against United and should start this game against Arsenal.
Pedro Obiang:
The midfield enforcer for West Ham, Obiang has not been at his best this season and he should have a good game this weekend if West Ham want to take even a point from this game.
Mark Noble:
The English midfielder has been less than impressive for the Hammers this season but he is an impact player and should keep his place in the side.
Aaron Cresswell:
Though picked up a knock in the League Cup against United, Cresswell should be back fit this weekend and should start for West Ham.
Manuel Lanzini:
Slowly catching some form in front of goal, Lanzini is an important player for West Ham and he should have an impressive day if West Ham are to have a shot at victory.
Dimitri Payet:
The French international has been the most impressive player in the final third for the Hammers this season and will be a danger man for the Gunners for their trip to the Olympic Stadium.
Andre Ayew:
Having got a few minutes under his belt at the Old Trafford, Ayew should be back into the starting XI this weekend in the absence of Diafra Sakho for West Ham.