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West Ham expected XI v Crystal Palace

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West Ham United welcome Crystal Palace to the London Stadium in a Premier League clash on Saturday, and Manuel Pellegrini is expected to make two changes to his starting XI.

The Hammers are in good form ahead of this London derby with Pellegrini’s men having secured two consecutive wins for the first time this season, against Newcastle and Cardiff.

The Eagles on the other hand are not in such a good place, with Roy Hodgson’s side having lost a fierce derby against Brighton 3-1 on Tuesday.

In goal, Lukasz Fabianski is expected to retain his place.

In defence, Issa Diop and Arthur Masuaku are expected to keep their spots, while Fabian Balbuena is likely to replace Angelo Ogbonna, with Pablo Zabaleta expected to come into the side at right-back.

A holding midfield duo of captain Mark Noble and youngster Declan Rice is expected to remain in place, with Robert Snodgrass and Felipe Anderson holding their positions on the flanks.

An injury to £100,000-a-week striker Marko Arnautovic [Spotrac] is expected to see 5’11” ace Michail Antonio handed a new role at centre-forward after he played at right-back on Tuesday, with Javier Hernandez retaining his place alongside.

Pellegrini may opt to play Lucas Perez instead of Antonio in attack, with the Spaniard having netted a double in midweek, but it is expected he will remain on the bench as an impact substitute once again.

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