Moyes to make three changes: Predicted West Ham starting XI v Sheffield United
It’s been so far so good for David Moyes in his second stint as West Ham United manager, with two wins from two matches to date.
However, he will face undoubtedly his toughest task since returning to the club when he takes his team to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United on Friday.
Chris Wilder’s team has acclimatised superbly to the Premier League and, on their own patch, they will surely make life much more difficult for Moyes’ team than either Bournemouth or Gillingham did.
The Irons have a few injury issues, with right back Ryan Fredericks ruled out until February. Left back Aaron Cresswell and captain Mark Noble missed the Gills clash, but they are both expected to be back fit for this one.
With that said, Moyes looks likely to make three changes from the FA Cup win on Sunday. Cresswell, Noble and Pablo Zabaleta can all expect to replace Arthur Masuaku, Robert Snodgrass and Fredericks.
Lukasz Fabianski is almost certain to start in goal once again after passing a late fitness test to play on Sunday.
Meanwhile, it would be a massive surprise if Zabaleta didn’t get the nod at right wing back in place of Fredericks. Cresswell will surely come in for Masuaku on the opposite side if he is truly back to full fitness.
The centre back trio looks almost nailed on to remain the same. Issa Diop, Fabian Balbuena and Angelo Ogbonna are all likely to start.
Declan Rice can expect to keep his place in defensive midfield, while Noble and Manuel Lanzini will surely start ahead of him in the middle of the park.
Up front, Felipe Anderson will likely start in support of lone frontman Sebastien Haller once again.
In other West Ham news, a 24-year-old Hammers star could be on his way out of the club in short order.