West Ham United are now winless in their last four games in all competitions, including an FA Cup loss to Wigan Athletic and more recently a 3-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion in the previous round of the domestic league. They have a chance to get back to winning ways this weekend though when they host Watford.
The Hornets are fresh from a 4-1 victory over Chelsea and are three points above the Hammers in the 11th place in the points table. Moyes is expected to start his strongest XI and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, the Hammers are still without the services of Pedro Obiang, Andy Carroll, Arthur Masuaku, Manuel Lanzini and Edimilson Fernandes, who are unavailable for this tie. Marko Arnautovic is getting back to fitness but is also expected to miss this tie. West Ham newbie Patrice Evra is, however, eligible for selection this weekend.
Expected lineup (3-4-2-1):
Defence:
Adrian has pushed Joe Hart to the bench and is expected to keep his place under the bar against the Hornets. Moyes has used a 3-man backline recently and could stick with it for another game.
Angelo Ogbonna has done well at the heart of the defence and will keep his place but on the right side with James Collins starting on the left. Declan Rice was not at his best in the previous game and could be replaced by Winston Reid, who is expected to start at the heart of the West Ham defence.
Midfield:
Aaron Cresswell has done well on the left flank and should retain his place as a left wing-back, even though Evra is available while Pablo Zabaleta, who played the previous game as a midfielder, is expected to retain his place at right wing-back.
Pedro Obiang’s absence has left Moyes a bit weak in the midfield. He is expected to use Mark Noble, who had a tough outing against Brighton and Chiekhou Kouyate, who played in an advanced role in that game.
Attack:
Javier Hernandez picked up a goal in a losing cause in the previous game and should lead the attack this weekend as well. He should be partnered by Michail Antonio on the right flank as West Ham’s new signing Joao Mario will keep his place on the left flank in attack.
Here is how they might line up:
