West Ham United are back in action in the Premier League on Tuesday when they host relegation-threatened Watford at the London Stadium.
The Hammers have lost their last two league games, including a last-gasp 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford before the mid-season break. This has seen them drop down to fifth on the table, one point behind Manchester United having played a game more.
Having managed to avoid an upset against Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup fourth round last weekend, David Moyes will expect a much better performance from his side against a struggling Watford team.
West Ham United Team News
David Moyes will look to welcome Michail Antonio back to the starting lineup following his late return from international duty. Lukasz Fabianski has been absent for the last couple of weeks after testing positive for Covid-19 but he has fully recovered and is raring to go again for the club.
Meanwhile, the West Ham boss is hopeful defender Kurt Zouma did not suffer a serious injury in their 2-1 win FA Cup fourth-round win over Kidderminster Harriers.
Predicted West Ham Lineup vs Watford (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Lukasz Fabianski is due to return to first-team action after recovering from his bout with Covid-19. The Pole will displace Alphonse Areola in goal against Watford at the London Stadium.
Defence
Right-back Vladimir Coufal was an unused substitute in West Ham’s FA Cup victory over Kidderminster Harriers. So, he’ll be fresh to face Roy Hodgson’s side. Aaron Cresswell will return to the West Ham United lineup at left-back, while Kurt Zouma will partner Craig Dawson at the heart of the West Ham backline.
Predicted West Ham United Lineup vs Watford
The Hammers’ defence will hope to keep things tight and give very little space for the Watford attackers to create opportunities on Tuesday.
Midfield
Due to his passing ability, ball-winning qualities and leadership skills, Declan Rice is one of the first names on the West Ham United lineup. He has been fantastic again this season and will be keen on continuing his good run of form.
Partnering Rice in the Hammers’ engine room will be Tomas Soucek, whose aerial ability and physicality make him an asset for Moyes’ side. Manuel Lanzini will once again act as the link between the midfield and attack from his favoured No.10 position.
Attack
Michail Antonio will return to the West Ham United lineup as the focal point of attack, with Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen operating on either side of the Jamaican international. With the attacking trio’s pace, power and physicality, West Ham can make life difficult for the shaky Watford backline in east London.
