Dimitri Payet is doubtful for the trip to Stoke this afternoon, with rumours claiming that he has either picked up a knock or is actually attending to his son who is ill at home.
Whatever the reason, it looks as if the Hammers will have to cope without their man man this afternoon. This is clearly unfortunate as the Frenchman has single-handedly guided West Ham to important results at times this season. Despite this, the Hammers still have a number of game-changers that will face the Potters.
Payet’s absence makes you wonder whether Slaven Bilic will choose to push Michail Antonio further up the pitch. The Hammers will need Antonio’s goal threat going forward and playing him in an advanced position will give the winger more freedom to attack. Also, the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Marko Arnautovic and Bojan Krkic are big threats to the Hammers so it would be good to have a committed defender like James Tomkins dealing with the attacking midfielders.
There will be more of an impetus on Manuel Lanzini to make things happen in Payet’s absence. The Argentinian performed very well in the first half against Manchester United and Bilic will be hoping that the tricky midfielder produces a similar performance against Mark Hughes’ side.
Pedro Obiang was another positive in the Manchester United game, coming on to defend the lead against Van Gaal’s side. His presence from the start could also be a shrewd move from Bilic as Stoke are often reliant on counter-attacking football to break through opponents. With that in mind, having a committed defensive midfielder like Obiang will provide that defensive insurance that West Ham may lack if he doesn’t make it into the starting eleven.
Diafra Sakho should start after his typically-committed effort against United. The striker will also work hard to get back and defend for the team as well so his inclusion is another positive. Andy Carroll will relish the physicality of playing against a Stoke City back four so that will be an intriguing battle as well.
The Hammers need this win to keep alive hopes of claiming a fifth-placed finish. A lot depends on what happens in the United game but the Hammers just need to make sure they get the job done against a difficult Stoke side.
Forever West Ham’s team to play Stoke:
