Swansea are next up for West Ham and this is a must-win game for the Hammers. Swansea are a team that West Ham have to beat at home and we cannot let our fragile confidence affect us in this fixture. Michail Antonio’s absence is a huge blow for West Ham, his directness and forcefulness will be missed. I will stick with Carroll from the start and keep Hernandez on the bench despite his goal against Tottenham last week. Carroll can be unplayable but when things become desperate we need to be aware of not just taking the easy option of a long ball towards him.
Noble will need to provide calmness and leadership in the centre of the pitch and I would keep the wing backs the same despite Masuaku’s positive contribution on Saturday. Andre Ayew will play in place of Antonio, the Ghanian has a happy knack of being in the right place at the right time and will be desperate to get one over his brother Jordan who will be turning out for the Swans.
I think playing as part of a three man defence really suits Fonte and he is starting to show why we signed him and I really want Declan Rice to start to establish himself as a first team regular, he has the talent and just needs people to believe in him. Pablo Zabaleta’s leadership skills make him a vital member of the team.
Kouyate will provide the athleticism and drive from midfield, it’s absolutely vital West Ham state their intent early just as they did against Huddersfield. Swansea are equally brittle from a confidence perspective so to get them on the back foot early and keep them there is the way to ensure a positive result.
GK Hart
RWB Zabaleta
CB Fonte
CB Reid
CB Rice
LWB Cresswell
CM Kouyate
CM Noble
LSF Arnautovic
ST – Carroll
RSF – Ayew
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