After a less than impressive start to the Premier League campaign, Slaven Bilic’s West Ham United have found some decent form of late and have managed to move into the top half of the points table this season. They have little chance of qualifying for Europe but they will have to be at their best to consolidate their place in the points table. Their travel to the Vicarage road in the previous round ended in a 1-1 draw but they have now taken 5 points from the last 3 games and are slowly building up to the business end of the season.
They have a decent chance to move up the points table if they keep up the good work but they will face a tough test this weekend when they face Champions elect Chelsea at home this weekend. Antonio Conte’s side are on a rampage at the moment and there are very few teams who can stop them. But in a London Derby, away from home, West Ham might stand a shot at a point or even more.
West Ham predicted line-up to face Chelsea:
Team News:
The Hammers will still be without the services of Gokhan Tore, Simone Zaza, Diafra Sakho, and Angelo Ogbonna all injured. However, Bilic will welcome back Andy Carroll from injury who is expected to start this game.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Darren Randolph (GK):
The first choice shot-stopper for Bilic this season, Randolph has been decent in the last few games and should keep his place in the side.
Chiekhou Kouyate (RB):
The makeshift full-back has done a decent job there in the last couple of outings and he should start this game as well at right back for West Ham.
Winston Reid (CB):
The skipper of the side has also been solid in recent games but he will be up against the best in Diego Costa and will hope to have a decent game.
Jose Fonte (CB):
The former Southampton man has settled into life in London and has formed a decent partnership with Reid which might be hard to break for the visitors on the night.
Aaron Cresswell (LB):
The left-back for West Ham is also among the most consistent in the league and he should keep his place in the side for this game at the weekend.
Mark Noble (CM):
The English midfielder is slowly finding his rhythm but he has been below par so far this season and needs to be at his best for West Ham to take anything from this game.
Pedro Obiang (CM):
An able partner for Noble in midfield, Obiang has been a consistent player for West Ham this season and he should start this game against Chelsea.
Manuel Lanzini (CAM):
The Argentine playmaker has been crucial to the turn of fortunes at the club and Bilic should stick with him for this tie.
Robert Snodgrass (LW):
Snodgrass has made West Ham a more dangerous side and has already had his effect on the squad. Could be a danger man for Antonio Conte’s side in this game.
Michail Antonio (RW):
The versatile winger played as a false-9 in the previous game against Watford but he should be back on the wing for this crunch London derby
Andy Carroll (ST):
Just coming back from an injury, Carroll, will be up against some of the best defenders in the league in David Luiz and co but will hope to have a productive game.