Michail Antonio starts as David Moyes makes six changes – West Ham United confirmed starting XI v Leicester City
David Moyes has named his West Ham United starting lineup for the Premier League clash against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday (28 May).
The Hammers confirmed their Premier League safety with a strong 3-1 victory over Leeds United last time out, but all eyes will be firmly set on the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina next Wednesday (7 June).
As shared via the official West Ham Twitter account (28 May), Moyes has made six changes from their victory over the Whites.
Nayef Aguerd and Thilo Kehrer come in at centre-back at the expense of Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna, while Italian international Emerson drops to the bench, with Aaron Cresswell coming into the starting lineup in his stead.
Flynn Downes is given an opportunity in central midfield for Tomas Soucek, while Said Benrahma replaces Jarrod Bowen.
Michail Antonio is Moyes’ last change, coming in for January recruit Danny Ings.
Recharge the batteries
Although Moyes will by no means be taking this game as a free hit, he will want to ensure that several of his big-name players are fresh and ready to hit the ground running against Fiorentina next week.
After reaching 40 points with a victory last time out, West Ham United have next-to-no worries in the Premier League and can solely focus on this upcoming Europa Conference League clash.
If the likes of Declan Rice, Kurt Zouma or Lucas Paqueata were to sustain injuries, these would be critical blows to the club’s hopes next week.
The chance to win the club’s first silverware since 1980 will trump this clash against the Foxes, even though the outcome of this match could have a huge impact on the Premier League relegation battle.
Dean Smith will certainly be hoping that West Ham United are ‘on the beach’ for this clash and that this, in turn, could help them pull off a miraculous escapology act.