Predicted line-up: Major dilemma forces Manuel Pellegrini into two changes to West Ham side for Bournemouth trip

Photo by Marc Atkins Getty Images

West Ham United travel to Bournemouth on Saturday knowing a win could push the club up to seventh place.

West Ham go into the game against the Cherries off the back of a superb 1-0 win over Arsenal.

While the Hammers are flying, Bournemouth have lost four of their last five games.

The trip to the seaside is set against the backdrop of January transfer unrest for Manuel Pellegrini, though.

The future of striker Marko Arnautovic is uncertain after his agent and brother Danijel told talkSPORT that the West Ham talisman has made his mind up and wants to leave.

It comes after Arnautovic was the subject of a £35million bid from a Chinese club – believed to be Shanghai SIPG (Sky Sports).

Photo by IAN KINGTON AFP Getty Images

West Ham serious about three strikers as Arnie nears exit

The Hammers have taken a hardline stance and issued a short statement insisting their talisman is not for sale.

Arnautovic played in West Ham’s win over Arsenal last time out and appeared to wave goodbye to fans when substituted late on.

Since then Pellegrini has been linked with three top class strikers in Edin Dzeko, Krzysztof Piatek and Maxi Gomez.

Indeed the club have reportedly had a £35 million bid for Polish striker Piatek accepted – full report here.

That would almost certainly point to a deal being agreed for Arnautovic.

And if that is the case then Pellegrini faces a major dilemma over his team selection for the Bournemouth game.

Photo by Avril Husband West Ham United via Getty Images

Carroll in for Arnautovic

Should he risk Arnautovic and the player gets injured both deals could fall through lumbering Pellegrini with unhappy player.

Andy Carroll would come into the side which would change the dynamic of West Ham.

The big striker has not scored in the Premier League since returning from injury in November.

But he is looking sharper with each game.

Photo by James Griffiths West Ham United via Getty Images

Snodgrass in for Antonio

They say never change a winning team. But leaving Arnautovic out would force Pellegrini into a second change too.

Michail Antonio has been improving of late. But with Carroll in the side West Ham will need to make the most of every set piece and crossing opportunity.

Robert Snodgrass will come back in to provide quality from those scenarios as well as his usual relentless workrate which is so important away from home.

Predicted West Ham team to face Bournemouth:

Fabianski, Zabaleta, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Snodgrass, Noble, Rice, Nasri, Anderson, Carroll.

Tactics

Predicted line-up: Major dilemma forces Manuel Pellegrini into two changes to West Ham side for Bournemouth trip

West Ham serious about three strikers as Arnie nears exit

Carroll in for Arnautovic

Snodgrass in for Antonio