Tinker Time For David Moyes As West Ham Chase Three Points: Predicted XI
After tasting defeat to Manchester City last time out, David Moyes may want to make a couple of changes to his West Ham team. The Hammers were edged out by the probable Champions, though they did put in a very good performance.
West Ham’s players have had plenty of time to recuperate after their visit to Manchester. Moyes has no new injury concerns and instead is likely to welcome back Lukasz Fabianski and Ryan Fredericks back into the matchday squad.
Moyes, however, will still be without Angelo Ogbonna, Arthur Masuaku and Andriy Yarmolenko. The two defenders should be getting closer to their returns, whereas Yarmolenko could be out for the rest of the season.
A win against Leeds will be crucial to West Ham as three points could help their push for Champions League qualification.
While it would be harsh to drop anyone from the team that did so well against the Citizens. Having said that, Leeds present a different challenge to Manchester City and also have different weaknesses that can be exploited.
It would not be surprising to see Moyes make a couple of attacking changes to his lineup as he will be fully expecting three points against the Yorkshire side.
GOALKEEPER AND DEFENCE
GK: Lukas Fabianski
After pulling out of the match against Manchester City, Lukas Fabianski should be back to 100 per cent when selection for Leeds starts. The goalkeeper has been back to his best form this season. The 35-year-old has already kept eight clean sheets this season. The keeper will be hopeful of making it ten shut-outs before the end of the season.
LB: Aaron Cresswell
As there is no one else that can play at left-back due to Arthur Masuaku’s injury, Cresswell will resume in his position. The full-back is no downgrade. However, the 31-year-old has been in fine form this season, and his crossing will be key against Leeds.
CBs: Issa Diop & Craig Dawson
With Angelo Ogbonna out injured, Diop and Dawson have formed a solid partnership in the Italian’s absence. Both defenders had question marks over them at the start of the season, Diop looked inconsistent and error-prone, and Dawson was an underwhelming loan signing from Watford.
The duo, however, have proved their doubters wrong and are playing some of their best football to date. Diop and Dawson should be strong and quick enough to deal with the threat of Patrick Bamford.
RB: Vladimir Coufal
Coufal is first-choice at right-back for an excellent reason. The Czech defender combines the perfect mixture of defensive solidity and offensive prowess. Coufal will have the task of trying to marshall Ralphinia, but after keeping om of the best attackers in the league quiet, he should have no problems.