David Moyes looks set to make one West Ham change for the Premier League clash with Spurs but sickness may dictate more.
West Ham welcome bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a very important Premier League clash.
It’s always a massive game for both the Hammers and Spurs.
But with both clubs harbouring European aspirations, there’s even more riding on the match.
David Moyes says he will be without number one goalkeeper Alphonse Areola for at least the Tottenham game.
West Ham will also be missing key midfielder Edson Alvarez due to suspension.
Sickness in West Ham camp could dictate changes
But there’s another potential issue which may influence selection ahead of the 8.15pm kick-off at the London Stadium.
That being sickness in the camp.
It was reported on The West Ham Way earlier today that there may be some sickness and niggles in squad.
Now a source close to the West Ham owners has confirmed that might possibly effect selection ahead of the crunch clash with Tottenham.
‘Decisions to be made nearer kick-off’
“Possible sickness but final decisions will be made nearer kick-off time,” the source told Hammers News.
We predict Moyes makes one West Ham change for Spurs but sickness may mean more.
We believe – unless sickness dictates – Moyes will only make one change from the side which started the defeat to Newcastle.
That being Lukasz Fabianski coming in for Areola in goal.
There has been some talk the manager might switch to five at the back with Nayef Aguerd returning to the team.
Suggestions have also been made that Emerson Palmieri may have picked up a niggle which could see Aaron Cresswell or Ben Johnson come in from the start.
But at the time of writing, three-and-a-half hours before kick, we think the West Ham’s starting XI will look something like this for Spurs.
Predicted West Ham starting XI for Spurs:
Fabianski, Coufal, Mavropanos, Zouma, Emerson, Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta, Kudus, Bowen, Antonio.
If Tottenham win by two goals they will leapfrog Villa into fourth place in the Premier League table.
Should the Hammers win, they could go within a point of Man United – but the Red Devils will have two games in hand.
Only victory will keep West Ham in seventh spot if teams below them win this week.