West Ham United host AFC Bournemouth on Saturday evening, with serious Premier League points on the line. The Hammer’s are three points off safety and know they could be level on points with Nottingham Forest come the end of the weekend.
Bournemouth present a big test, the Cherries are the in form team in the division. Whilst Nuno Espirito Santo’s team are also on form, they will need a big performance to stop their free-scoring opponents from heading south with points.
Here’s who we think will start tomorrow’s game.
Mads Hermanson (GK)
The Danish shot-stopper took the goalkeeping position back having not played under Nuno until this point. The 25-year-old looked at home with a set back-four in front of him, and is expected to continue in place.
Malick Diouf (LB)
Malick Diouf didn’t have his best game against Manchester United, but the full-back has the ability to bomb forward when needed. West Ham should expect some space in behind in this game, an area where Diouf can flourish.
Jean-Clair Todibo (CB)
The wildcard pick for tomorrows game. Nuno is a fan of Jean-Clair Todibo, but whether he gets straight back in is another thing. Axel Disasi appeared in the FA Cup game so he may be rested this weekend.
Konstantinos Mavraponos (CB)
The Hammer’s most consistent defender this season, and the biggest benefiter of the change to this formation. Absolute no brainer that Dinos Mavropanos stays in the side.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka returns after an FA Cup rest-bite. The hard-tackling defender will have a key role in this game, especially if the Irons want to get the best out of those in-front of him, and Diouf on the other flank.
Freddie Potts (CDM)
Freddie Potts embodies exactly what West Ham need in their fight to stay up. His form is helping Mateus Fernandes alongside him, to control the tempo of games.
Mateus Fernandes (CDM)
Potts’s midfield partner, Fernandes has shown why he was sought after in the summer. The Portuguese playmaker is key to starting attackers for the Hammers, and connecting play.
Crysencio Summerville (LW)
West Ham’s form man starts out left. Crysencio Summerville’s form is so integral to the Irons right now. Expect him to be given a lot of freedom to attack the Bournemouth defender’s throughout the game.
Tomas Soucek (CAM)
Expecting Tomas Soucek to slot in behind the striker for this fixture. The unit midfielder was deployed their in the draw with Manchester United and managed to cause them a few problems. The goal-scorer in that game, West Ham will need his aerial ability from set pieces once again.
Jarrod Bowen (RW)
The captain stays out on the right as he looks to contribute once again. Jarrod Bowen has two goals and an assist in his last four game. The Hammers need that version of Bowen for this run in.
Valentin Castellanos (ST)
The Argentinian import, Taty Castellanos keeps his place up top. The 27-year-old looks up to pace now after two goals in his West Ham career so far. Nuno and his team still want more from him, but recent performances make him one of the best available in his position at the club.
Hermanson (GK); Diouf; Mavropanos; Todibo; Wan-Bissaka; Potts; Fernandes; Summerville; Soucek; Bowen; Castellanos
