West Ham United entertain Everton in the late kick-off as the Premier League resumes on Saturday.
The Hammers could go seventh with a victory depending on results elsewhere.
Finishing in the best of the rest position as it has been dubbed could be rewarded with a Europa League place depending who wins the FA Cup.
West Ham’s 3-1 win in the reverse fixture at Goodison Park was Manuel Pellegrini’S first victory in charge.
It sparked a turnaround which set the Hammers on their way for a comfortable season.
Everton under Marco Silva blow hot and cold.
Two hot and cold teams collide
The Toffees have so often been West Ham’s bogey side over the years.
But West Ham have had their number in recent seasons.
Pellegrini goes into the game looking to protect the best home record outside the top six.
And he will make three big calls for the 5.30pm kick-off.
Zabaleta over Fredericks
The first of the three calls comes at right-back. Pellegrini will stick with Pablo Zabaleta over Ryan Fredericks. What Zabaleta gives away in pace to Fredericks he more than makes up for with experience.
Everton have clever attacking players and Zabaleta’s knowhow and discipline, particularly defensively will be crucial. Fredericks has been caught out too often and has failed to establish himself since joining on a free from Fulham.
Nasri over Noble
Classy Samir Nasri changed the game in West Ham’s favour when 3-1 down to Huddersfield last time out. His impact was huge and he helped the Hammers win 4-3.
While nobody can question Mark Noble’s quality and consistency for West Ham, Nasri helped the East Londoners play through central midfield. Pellegrini has stated previously he sees Nasri playing in Noble’s role. The captain may have to settle for a place on the bench for this one.
Arnautovic over Hernandez
This is the biggest call of all for the Chilean tactician. Hernandez is in fine form. He came on a sub and scored two goals to win the game for West Ham against Huddersfield. He also scored his 51st goal for Mexico during the international break. Many feel he deserves a starting berth as a result.
But Marko Arnautovic was amongst the goals during the international break too, scoring a brace for Austria. When his head is in the game Arnautovic is the better all round player and offers West Ham a lot more as the lone striker. A lot could hinge on the fact Hernandez has done a lot more air miles and Arnautovic will be fresher.
Predicted West Ham XI to face Everton
Fabianski, Zabaleta, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Rice, Nasri, Lanzini, Antonio, Anderson, Arnautovic.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
