West Ham United travel to Elland Road for tomorrow’s Premier League clash against Leeds United.
The Hammers have made a good start to the season with eight points from five league games. Their only defeat came against Manchester United last weekend after Mark Noble squandered a late penalty.
They avenged the loss immediately in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday night. Manuel Lanzini’s eighth-minute goal proved the match-winner against the Red Devils at Old Trafford.
David Moyes’ side did the double over Leeds in their first season back in the Premier League last term. They will fancy another win with Leeds looking out of sync with the vulnerability in defence.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Alphonse Areola had an eventful club debut against United in midweek. He was initially poor with his distribution but made amends with crucial saves, including one late on with his right foot to deny Mason Greenwood.
Despite his impressive showing, Moyes is likely to revert to Fabianski between the sticks. The Poland international has been ever-present for the club in the league and European games this season.
Ryan Fredericks created the winner against United on Wednesday with a powerful run against Alex Telles. However, he picked up a late groin injury. Vladimir Coufal looks set to return at right-back.
Craig Dawson and Issa Diop put in a good shift in central defence in midweek, but they are likely to make way for Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna. Diop has stood out recently, but Moyes may prefer a left-footed option in Ogbonna.
At left-back, it should be a straightforward decision with Ben Johnson being replaced by Aaron Cresswell.
It may be the same in midfield. Captain Noble and Alex Kral are expected to drop to the bench. Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek will renew their partnership in the centre of the park.
Further forward, Moyes should revert to his regular attackers in the Premier League. Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals could be swapped between the left-wing and number 10 roles.
Jarrod Bowen appears an automatic start on the right flank ahead of Andriy Yarmolenko. Michail Antonio is expected to lead the line after being rested for the Carabao Cup tie.
Antonio served a one-game domestic suspension last week. Moyes continued to leave him out of the squad for the midweek game. Antonio should be fresh and raring to go tomorrow.
The Jamaica international has been in stellar form this season, bagging five goals and three assists from just five appearances across all competitions.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
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