After a mediocre start to the season, Slaven Bilic’s West Ham, have found their way to mid-table, as they have now picked up 7 points from the last 4 games, to get within 9 points of a shot at European football. They were held at home by the Baggies in the previous round and will face a similarly tough task this weekend when they travel to Vicarage Road to face Walter Mazzari’s side. Watford are not too far away from West Ham in the points table and though they lost to Manchester United in the previous league game, they have put in some decent performances, which gives them confidence going into this tie. Bilic might go for the kill with his strongest XI.
Here’s the predicted West Ham line-up to face Watford:
Team News:
The manager will welcome star striker Andy Carroll back, who missed the last game through injury. Fullback Aaron Cresswell is also expected to be back after being subbed off against the Baggies for a dead leg. Defenders Havard Nordtveit, Sam Byram, and Alvaro Arbeloa are also available again while Diafra Sakho and Masuaku are also back in training but may not feature in this tie.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Darren Randolph (GK)
The first choice shot-stopper for Slaven Bilic, Randolph has been decent this season and should start in front of goal for West Ham.
Chiekhou Kouyate (RB)
Kouyate has been one of the most consistent defenders for West Ham and will have a huge role to play to keep the Watford attack away on Saturday.
Jose Fonte (CB)
The former Southampton man is yet to make an impact on the squad at the Olympic stadium and this game is a perfect chance for him to prove his worth.
Winston Reid (CB)
The senior defender in the side will hope to help his side to a clean sheet this weekend. Almost a certain starter.
Aaron Cresswell (LB)
Though he could not last the entire game last time out, Cresswell is back fit and should take his place at left-back for West Ham.
Mark Noble (CM)
The English midfielder has not been at his best this season but Bilic has stuck with him for most of the games and he should start in the midfield for the Hammers this weekend.
Pedro Obiang (CM)
Obiang will be full of confidence and will hope to put in a good performance alongside Noble in the middle of the park for West Ham.
Sofiane Feghouli (LW)
Feghouli has been one of the most influential players for West Ham in recent games and will play a huge role if West Ham are to take all three points from this tie.
Manuel Lanzini (CAM)
The playmaker has also been an important player for West Ham this season and Watford should keep him away from danger to take something from this game.
Robert Snodgrass (RW)
Snodgrass has adjusted well to life at the Olympic stadium after his move in January and he will hope to help West Ham to a victory against the Hornets.
Andy Carroll (ST)
Though missed the last game, Carroll has been in sublime form of late and he will hope to pick it up from where he left off before sitting out of the last game.
Here’s how they may line-up on the field.
What do you reckon?