West Ham will be without Aaron Cresswell and have also been hit with another injury concern ahead of the Tuesday night visit of Cardiff City.
There is a doubt over highly impressive central defender Fabian Balbuena who has a dead leg after the exertions of the match against Newcastle yesterday afternoon and looks set to be replaced by Aneglo Ogbonna.
And with Pablo Zabaleta – in all probability taking a rest – it means that the team will include Michail Antonio in the right back spot.
ClaretandHugh has learned from our senior source by text message that Cresswell faces a scan on a hamstring this week and that it’s a wait and see situation as far as Balbuena is concerned over the next 48 hours.
It’s a pity for Cresswell in particular as he was enjoying one of his best games for a long while before being forced off in the second half to be replaced by Arthur Masuaku who looks booked to continue against Neil Warnock’s outfit.
Likely team: Fabianski; Antonio, Ogbonna/Balbuena, Diop, Masuaku; Noble, Rice, Snodgrass, Anderson, Arnautovic, Chicharito
If Winston Reid was fit, he’d be perfect to play at right back as he signed for West Ham to play in that role. However, I’d rather play Declan Rice or possibly Reece Oxford there, than ask Mikhail Antonio to step in. Alternatively, Antonio and Masuaku playing as wing-backs would work if Pellegrini played three at the back. (Three from Rice, Diop, Ogbonna and Balbuena)
Hopefully Cressie’s injury is not so bad if it is play Ogbonna at left back, at right back we are in a hole agree with Trevor would rather see Rice or Oxford at right back than Antonio pr even a PL2 player, Antonio is poor as a defender as much as Masuaku is poor as an LB.
I’d rather see Reece Oxford at right back than Antonio. Oxford has the advantage of being able to drop into the centre back role mindset when the other defenders venture forward. Whereas Antonio is more likely to forget his defensive duties.