OPINION
Manuel Pellegrini is expected to make two changes to the West Ham side that suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of struggling Burnley on Sunday.
Into the side should come 6’3″Andy Carroll for his first start since returning from ankle surgery, while experienced full-back Pablo Zabaleta will make the cut after missing the match at Turf Moor through illness.
Lucas Perez and Michail Antonio will drop out of the starting 11.
Mexican striker Javier Hernandez also missed that game, and will probably not be deemed fit enough to be included in the starting lineup.
At the back, Lukasz Fabianski will play behind a four of Aaron Cresswell, Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna, and Zabaleta.
No return date as yet been set for injured Paraguayan Fabian Balbuena.
In front of them, Mark Noble and Declan Rice will feature in midfield, with Felipe Anderson and Robert Snodgrass out on the flanks.
Marko Arnautovic, who himself has just returned from a hamstring injury will partner Carroll in attack, although it is likely the Austrian will be given licence to roam in an advanced number 10 role, as opposed that of a traditional centre forward.
