West Ham United’s starting XI has been confirmed for this afternoon’s crunch clash with Everton at the London Stadium.
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Confirmed West Ham starting XI to face Everton:
Fabianski, Coufal, Diop, Dawson, Cresswell, Soucek, Fornals, Lanzini, Benrahma, Lingard, Antonio
West Ham boss David Moyes has resisted making any changes to the side from Monday’s 2-1 victory over Burnley.
The fact that fit-again Angelo Ogbonna does not replace Issa Diop in central defence is perhaps a surprise to many.
Moyes had said prior to the match that he would make a late decision on Declan Rice’s return for the game against the Toffees.
Manuel Lanzini impressed in central midfield last time out. The Argentine keeps his place as Rice is held back until next week’s game against Brighton.
Lanzini would have been unfortunate to miss out after a man of the match display against Burnley in that deeper role.
It appears the game came too soon for the central midfield ace to be risked.
Said Benrahma also keeps his place after a superb performance against Burnley.
Mark Noble is absent again but Ogbonna returns to the bench.
West Ham know a win over Everton will put them within two points of fourth-placed Leicester with three games to play.
Many feel that would then give the Hammers an advantage over the Foxes and their other rivals for a place in the Champions League.
Because while West Ham play three of the bottom six in their final games, Leicester face Man United and Chelsea away either side of the FA Cup final before finishing off against a Tottenham side that will also be looking to secure some form of European football.
West Ham are looking to do the double over Everton having beaten Moyes’s old side 1-0 at Goodison Park on New Year’s Day.
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