David Moyes’s Hammers can topple Chelsea in the Premier League standings today.
If West Ham defeat Leicester and Chelsea lose to Eddie Howe’s rampant Newcastle, then the Hammers could finish higher. The league switch would also require a three goal swing on goal difference, but anything is possible.
I suspect that Moyes will deploy something resembling his strongest team against The Foxes. Leicester need to win but are also relying on favourable results elsewhere to retain their league status. Everton entertain Bournemouth and if they win that game Leicester are relegated.
David Moyes Hammers can topple Chelsea in the Premier League
There is a question of Premier League integrity, but I believe that will not be an issue. I think Moyes will select his strongest eleven in preparation for the Europa Conference League final.
I might be wrong, but I find it difficult to envisage the manager handing out debuts to youngsters. I’m not even convinced he’ll play squad players such as Flynn Downes and Maxwel Cornet.
I believe we’ll see Declan Rice & Lucas Paqueta start the game as Moyes looks to fine-tune his team. Personally I’d rest Kurt Zouma and possibly limit Michail Antonio to 45 minutes.
There’s a fine balancing act between injury prevention and match sharpness ahead of Prague. However that game is 10 days away so some level of fitness will need to be maintained.
I fancy a strong West Ham team for this fixture. If Newcastle are anything close to their best and beat Chelsea I can see us finishing on top of our London rivals.
COYI