West Ham want to avoid four defeats from their first five Premier League games of the season tomorrow as they travel to the Hawthorns to take on a West Brom side who are also struggling.
Slaven Bilic stated that he and his playing staff held a behind-closed-doors meeting in the week to discuss first-team issues and where they go from here following last week’s 4-2 home defeat to Watford. Whether those issues are quick fixes or long-term developments remains to be seen.
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As for the squad Slaven Bilic has at his disposal, things are beginning to look brighter and brighter.
Mark Noble has overcome a gashed hand suffered against Watford. Despite having eight stitches in his hand, Nobes will be available for selection tomorrow.
Sofiane Feghouli has another weeks worth of training under his belt after making his return from a hamstring injury in an U23 match last week. He should be fit enough to make the bench we hope.
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The same can’t be said for Andy Carroll, however. Bilic notes that Carroll is progressing well and is close to a first-team return but it won’t be happening tomorrow. Carroll has been out for a month with a knee injury and could play some part against Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup next week.
Both Andre Ayew and Aaron Cresswell are coming along nicely as well from their respective thigh and knee injuries. Both resumed running this week and look to step up their recoveries.
Speaking of stepping up their recoveries, Diafra Sakho is closing in on a return to action as well. Having recovered from a back injury which saw his move to West Brom fall through, Sakho is now working on his fitness as he bids to stake his claim for a place back in the first-team.
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It’s unlikely that summer arrival from FC Sion, Edimilson Fernandes, will be involved tomorrow after impressing for the U23s. He’ll continue his development with the U23s for the immediate future but might be involved in the EFL Cup.
Someone the Hammers hope will play against Accrington is Alvaro Arbeloa. The fullback is getting fitter by the day and the club hope he can play some part in midweek.
With that in mind, here’s a last look at our predicted West Ham starting XI and bench for the trip to the Hawthorns.
