Following a disappointing defeat against Burnley during the weekend, West Ham United will look to bounce back to winning ways when they host Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday.
This will be their first game after the turn of the year and the Hammers will be keen to start 2019 on a positive note as they aim to push for a Europa League place during the second half of the campaign.
West Ham United team news
Manuel Pellegrini will continue to miss out on the services of Winston Reid, Jack Wilshere, Ryan Fredericks, Manuel Lanzini, Carlos Sanchez, Andriy Yarmolenko as well as key defender Fabian Balbuena.
Javier Hernandez is also unlikely to recover from his knock while Pablo Zabaleta is a doubt.
Predicted West Ham lineup vs Brighton
Defence
No changes are expected in the defence, with Pellegrini missing on the services of some key players. Zabaleta, for one, is doubtful and will be assessed ahead of the game.
If the Argentine fails to make it in time, we could expect Michail Antonio to retain his place in the right-back position, while Aaron Cresswell could start on the opposite flank.
The absence of Balbuena, on the other hand, will once again pave the way for Angelo Ogbonna to start in central defence alongside Issa Diop.
While Diop has been rather impressive, making 83 clearances in just 18 appearances, Ogbonna needs to raise his game, especially after a disastrous showing against Burnley.
Lukasz Fabianski will be the man between the sticks for the Hammers as he looks to continue his excellent campaign so far.
Midfield
Mark Noble will make way for Pedro Obiang in the midfield. The Spaniard will offer more urgency and flair in the middle while his midfield partner Declan Rice, is expected to provide the protection for the back-four.
The 19-year-old has recently penned a contract extension with the club and has been one of the rising stars in the Premier League this season, averaging over 2 tackles and clearances per game as well as 1.4 interceptions.
Elsewhere, Grady Diangana is expected to replace Robert Snodgrass in the right midfield slot. Felipe Anderson will be deployed on the opposite flank.
Attack
Hernandez is unlikely to recover but on a positive note, Marko Arnautovic is fit once again. The Austrian international was subbed off during the final stages of the game against Burnley, but will be eager to perform this week when he starts alongside Lucaz Perez.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
