The 2-0 victory over Leicester City at the weekend lifted West Ham United to the 15th place in the points table, mathematically confirming their top-flight status for the next season. But the season is not done yet as The Hammers welcome Manchester United to the London Stadium this week, in a crunch clash. United have also secured a place in the Champions League next season and have very little to play for but Jose Mourinho will want his side to be on top and steal all three points.
They are smarting from a loss to Brighton and will be pumped up to get back to winning ways but David Moyes will have a point to prove against his former side and will want West Ham to put in a committed performance on Wednesday. United remain firm favourites to win this game but The Hammers have enough quality to take a result. Here is the predicted lineup Moyes might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, Michail Antonio, Javier Hernandez, Winston Reid and Sam Byram are all ruled out for the rest of the season. Pedro Obiang and James Collins are back in light training but will not be risked for this game while Marko Arnautovic picked up a niggle at the weekend and is doubtful for this clash. Joe Hart is suffering from an illness but should be fit enough to take the field against The Red Devils.
Expected lineup (3-4-3):
Defence:
Adrian was used in the last game, pushing Joe Hart out of the firing line. But the English international is fighting to be a part of the national squad travelling to Russia and might be given a chance to prove a point against United.
Angelo Ogbonna has been the best defender for West Ham this season and will start at the heart of the backline while Declan Rice will keep his place to his right. Aaron Creswell has been effective in the last couple of games in different roles but will start as a part of the three-man backline for this game.
Midfield:
Mark Noble, who scored against Leicester and Chiekhou Kouyate add balance and stability to the midfield and will be crucial for West Ham’s chances in this game.
Arthur Masuaku might be replaced by Patrice Evra as a wing-back on the left flank while Pablo Zabaleta will add some experience to the midfield on the right flank.
Attack:
Joao Mario scored the other goal against The Foxes at the weekend and might keep his place in the side on the left flank in attack. With Arnautovic (potentially) and Hernandez absent, Andy Carroll, who came off the bench at King Power, will lead the attack while Edimilson Fernandes might replace Manuel Lanzini on the right side of the attack.
Here is how they might line up:
