West Ham recorded perhaps their most important win yet at the London Stadium a fortnight ago as they beat relegation rivals Swansea 1-0 to lift themselves closer to safety with just five games to play until the end of the season.
Senegal international Cheikhou Kouyate found the net with a fine strike just before the half time whistle much to the joy of the 56,000 strong crowd to give the Hammers their first win in eight games.
In had been a miserable run that saw Slaven Bilic’s side sink from mid-table obsecurity into a relegation dog fight and fighting for their Premier League lives. After a record points total and seventh placed finish last season, this year has been hugely disappointing for the Hammers, especially after moving in to their new stadium.
Last week saw West Ham pick up another point against a resilient Sunderland, but should really have left the Stadium of Light with three points.
The next challenge in the path of Bilic and co. is that of Ronald Koeman’s Everton, who have been in terrific form since the turn of the year. The Toffees are struggling on the road at the minute though, and hence the fixture could be a good opportunity for the Hammers to pick up another crucial victory.
So here is the starting XI we think Slaven Bilic is likely to name in order to try and topple the Toffees…
GK – Darren Randolph
Randolph was excellent at the back-part of last season and early into this season when he was being used as a number two behind the then first choice keeper Adrian, but the Irishman has struggled since becoming the Hammers’ number one.
Admittedly, not helped by a woeful defensive back-line, Randolph has only kept six clean sheets all season and has lost well over half the games he has started. Will need to get back to his best to deny Lukaku.
RB – Havard Nordtveit
Bought into the club last summer as a central midfielder after an impressive year with former club Borussia Monchengladbach, Nordtveit has failed to make the impression many thought he would.
Used as a make shift right back in the absences of both Michail Antonio and Sam Byram, he has struggled there too and has conceded a handful of penalties whilst playing as a full-back. Kevin Mirallas is likely to cause him problems.
CB – Jose Fonte
Another Hammers signing who has failed to live up to the hype. Jose Fonte was linked with a big money move to Manchester United before he ended up at the London Stadium, and given his performances since, United will be counting their lucky stars they didn’t part way with their cash.
Will have a mammoth task marking Lukaku but certainly has the ability to keep him quiet if he can find his form again in time for the weekend.
CB – Winston Reid
The big, combative Kiwi might make his return to the side this weekend after a stint out with injury, and his presence will help deal with the physicality of Romelu Lukaku and Everton’s aerial threat from set pieces.
The club Captain has been a much missed figure at the heart of the Hammers defence and will be welcomed back with open arms.
LB – Arthur Masuaku
One of West Ham’s better signings of last summer, Masuaku took a little time to adjust to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, but has found his feet in recent months and is looking a solid acquisition in the left-back position.
The Frenchman took the place of Aaron Creswell upon injury and has since claimed the position for himself.
CDM – Cheikhou Kouyate
The hero of a fortnight ago has been more useful than he was excellent this season. While his performances haven’t been bad, the Senegal international’s versatility have made him a key figure in the Hammers squad this season, especially when injury has struck elsewhere. Having been used as a right-back and a centre-half, Kouyate finds himself back in his favoured position in the centre of midfield.
CDM – Edimilson Fernandes
The second of West Ham’s respectable transfers of last summer, young Swiss Edimilson Fernandes has been an ever-present figure in the heart of the Hammers midfield, especially since after Christmas. His lanky physique makes him a nightmare to play against, but is yet to add a final product to his play having scored only one goal all season. If he can add goals, as well as some assists to his game, he could turn out to be fantastic player.
LAM – Manuel Lanzini
Besides the injured Michail Antonio, Lanzini – who signed for the club permanently in the summer after spending last season on loan at the Boleyn Ground – has been West Ham’s stand-out performer.
The tricky Argentine midfielder has plenty of ability and has continued to thrive despite the absence of his partner in crime from last season, Dimitri Payet. Excellent from the dead ball too, Lanzini will be one of West Ham’s biggest threats at the weekend.
CAM – Robert Snodgrass
Yet to find the sort of form he showed at Hull in the first half of the season since his £10.2 million move to London in the January transfer window, Snodgrass’ ability is undoubted and the former Norwich City midfielder may need the summer to settle into his new club.
A goal would do him the world of good and should get his confidence back.
RAM – Andre Ayew
What is it with West Ham signings and not being able to replicate the form they showed at their previous clubs? That is certainly true of former Swansea man Andre Ayew who has scored only five goals for the Hammers in comparison to his 12 for Swansea last year.
Signs of improvement are visible, but the Ghanian needs to up his game if he is to keep his place in the squad.
ST – Diafra Sakho
Andy Carroll is set to miss out through injury, so West Ham fans can look forward to welcoming back Senegal international Diafra Sakho to the starting line-up after he has spent much of the season on the sidelines with injury. T
he big centre-forward has shown he has the ability to lead the line for the Hammers but his struggles with fitness mean he was too often been an absentee.
