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Rightback crisis worsens but two West Ham defenders return to fitness

By Scott Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Danny Rose of Tottenham Hotspur and Sam Byram of West Ham United battle for the ball during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Wembley Stadium on October 25, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Danny Rose of Tottenham Hotspur and Sam Byram of West Ham United battle for the ball during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Wembley Stadium on October 25, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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West Ham right back woes continue as Sam Byram and Michail Antonio are both ruled out with injury.

With Pablo Zabaleta suspended, it was already going to be an altered right back for Slaven Bilic and West Ham. However it now seems as though Sam Byram has ruptured his quad, putting him on the sideline. And with further news that Michail Antonio will be out, there are increasingly few players who can occupy that role.

On the bright side, there are some returning players in the back line. Winston Reid and Aaron Cresswell are expected to be back for the weekend match. But it will still be a big decision for Bilic, and one which could be one of the last in charge of the Hammers.

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Match Lineup

The Liverpool match is likely to see the Hammers line up with a back five, with wingbacks. However the 3 people favorite for that position on the right are either injured or suspended. My guess would be that Bilic will play young Edimilson Fernandes in that position, as he played it a couple of times last season, most notably against Chelsea in the EFL Cup.

It is re-assuring to see that Reid will be fit, because the central area was a worry as well. With the much improved Fonte also out, Reid, Ogbonna and either Kouyate or Rice will be in the centre. I think Rice deserves a chance, because he has been mature since being dropped after Newcastle. However I can see Bilic going with Kouyate in order to keep a more physical presence.

On the left I would go with Masuaku. The match is going to be an exceptionally tough one, and we need to give the Reds something to think about. Masuaku is fully fit, and very good at going forward. He is in a much better position to potentially expose the poor defence than Cresswell is.

Next: Why won't Bilic pick Toni Martinez?

I think there will be many goals at the London Stadium, and I hope the Hammers come out on top. But it could be a very tricky game for Bilic to come out of with any credit. If West Ham lose big, Bilic could be gone.