West Ham United boss David Moyes likes to keep his cards close to his chest when it comes to injuries ahead of games.
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So it was something of a surprise when he admitted in his press conference ahead of West Ham’s match against Crystal Palace tonight that he had one or two doubts (whufc.com).
West Ham have enjoyed their best start to a season for five years.
Continuity has been key for West Ham but squad starting to be tested
Much of their success has come down to a continuity that has been rare for a club so often plagued by injuries over the years.
The squad is just starting to be tested, though, with Michail Antonio out until January and Arthur Masuaku until March according to the latest update from reliable insider ExWHUemployee.
Moyes told whufc.com he also has another ‘niggles’ ahead of the game against Roy Hodgson’s Eagles at the London Stadium on Wednesday night.
But as yet there have been no hints or leaks as to who that might be.
Moyes reveals Hammers have some doubts
Training ground pictures posted on social by the club’s media team this week suggest the majority of the team that started the win over Leeds last time out will be available.
So working on the assumption it is squad players who are doubtful it seems Moyes could name an unchanged West Ham side for the visit of Palace.
There seems likely to be changes to the squad at the very least.
Whether that translates to the starting XI remains to be seen. The continued absence of Masuaku could mean Moyes continues with four at the back.
Stick with four or revert to wingbacks, alternative West Ham line-ups predicted
If he does and none of the niggles he has hinted at impact the starters from Elland Road then West Ham will likely be unchanged.
If Moyes decides to switch back to the wingback formation that has served the Hammers so well this season then there will be one change as Ben Johnson comes in for Pablo Fornals.
Predicted West Ham starting XI to face Palace based on FOUR at the back:
Fabianski, Cresswell, Ogbonna, Balbuena, Coufal, Rice, Soucek, Fornals, Bowen, Benrahma, Haller.
Predicted West Ham starting XI to face Palace based on WINBACK formation:
Fabianski, Johnson, Cresswell, Ogbonna, Balbuena, Coufal, Rice, Soucek, Benrahma, Bowen, Haller.
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