Hammers set to give Slav a ‘first’

Slaven Bilic should have an entirely fit squad for the trip to Burnley assuming everybody returns from international duty intact.

The manager will await the returning players before making his assessment but the latest news is that the three remaining in the treatment room should all be fit for Turf Moor but the manager may be recording a first if indeed all are fit for action.

James Collins (ankle), Pedro Obiang ( muscular injury) and Edmilson Fernandes ( ankle) are all expected to have recovered in time for the match against the sixth-placed Clarets.

Obiang is the key player of the three and could be used as Chiek Kouyate’s midfield partner in preference to mark Noble although whether he would be risked from the start after a month’s lay off is questionable.

However, Bilic will have a multitude of choices to make as the Hammers bid to continue their upward curve, hopefully with a performance which will bury memories of some recent excursions.