West Ham United will return to Premier League action on Saturday when they host Everton at the London Stadium.
The Hammers picked up a hard-fought 4-3 victory against Huddersfield Town just before the international break, and the clash against Everton is going to throw its own challenges come the weekend.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side have been strong at home of late, having won their last three games in front of their own fans. Their away form has been less than sparkling, and the fans will hope the side can keep up their good run at home going.
Pellegrini might not be able to call upon Samir Nasri from the bench this time as the Frenchman has calf injury that will be assessed late.
Defence
We don’t expect Pellegrini to make too many changes to the backline. Issa Diop should start as one of the centre-halves, and Fabian Balbuena might finally make his return to the starting lineup at the expense of Angelo Ogbonna.
Aaron Cresswell and Ryan Fredericks should feature as the two full-backs. The Everton defence might not be the strongest, but they do have some pace and power in attack, so the Hammers defence will be tested.
Lukasz Fabianski should keep his place in goal in the West Ham United lineup as usual.
Midfield
Declan Rice has been one of the best in his position in the Premier League, and should keep his place alongside Mark Noble.
Gylfi Sigurdsson is one player Rice will have to keep close tabs on as the Icelandic international seems to be Everton’s best chance of creating something or even getting on the scoresheet.
Manuel Lanzini is in line for his fourth start of the season, and he’ll hope to open his goal-scoring account after his return from a long-term injury a few weeks ago.
Attack
Javier Hernandez hasn’t been consistent, but his performance against Huddersfield deserved plaudits and he should replace Arnautovic who himself has looked lifeless of late.
Felipe Anderson and Michail Antonio should retain their place on the flanks. Anderson got a taste of international football for Brazil, and will look for his first goal in eight games for the Hammers.
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