Hammers duo unlikey for return at Brighton

By Hughie Southon

David Moyes seems unlikely to play either Kurt Zouma or Maxwel Cornet in the match at Brighton tomorrow despite them both having been in training.

We have learned that both players are “technically ” fit but after such lengthy lay offs it seems impossible  the manager will launch them into action at this point.

Ings set to play at Brighton

David Moyes looks set to stay with Areola in goal given Fab’s injury, and Nayef Aguerd and Oggy at central defence despite the Moroccan’s awful game against Manchester United in the FA Cup.

Vladimir Coufal is hoping for a return at right back which would see Ben Johnson on the left side unless Moyes breaks with his defensive formation in difficult away games and goes with attacking wing back Emerson down that side.

It seems that the middle three of Declan, Tomas and Lucas Paqueta will sit behind Bowen if fit and  Benrahma.

Danny Ings look set to play the lone striker role.

Possible team: Areola; Coufal, Aguerd, Oggy, Johnson; Rice, Soucek, Paqueta, Benrahma, Bowen, Ings.