View: Aaron Cresswell call made in 4 changes – West Ham predicted XI v Norwich
West Ham prepare to face already relegated Norwich City at Carrow Road on Sunday [May 7] in an attempt to finish the season as strongly as possible.
David Moyes would have liked to have been able to rest some of his key men for the trip given the fact they played an extremely tough Europa League semi-final on Thursday night [May 5].
Having lost against Eintracht Frankfurt, their focus shifts back onto the league table as they look to see off Wolves to seventh and earn another crack at a major European tournament next season.
Cup goalkeeper Alphonse Areola will return to the bench to allow Hammers stalwart Lukasz Fabianski to return between the sticks.
Starlet Ben Johnson will return to the starting line-up having not been fit enough to start in midweek which will give Vladimir Coufal a much-needed rest upon his return from injury not so long ago.
The only two fit senior centre-backs in the squad, Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson, will be forced to go again. They have been solid when partnered together and Moyes will expect to see more of the same no-nonsense defending against the Canaries.
Having barely played following his sending off on Thursday night, Aaron Cresswell will keep his place at left-back – hopefully he has learnt from his mistake.
Mark Noble earnt himself another start as his Hammers playing career edges closer to being over. The Irons veteran will come in for Tomas Soucek and partner his apprentice Declan Rice at the heart of the midfield.
With the game a must-win, star man Jarrod Bowen will be tasked with going again on the right-wing despite his monumental effort in the Europa League.
Manuel Lanzini will also remain in the number ten role with the Argentine the most qualified man in breaking down what is expected to be a resolute Dean Smith side.
Said Benrahma will shake things up on the left wing with Pablo Fornals dropping to the bench. The Algerian’s cunning skills and ability to beat defenders one on one will be crucial in upsetting the Norwich defence.
There is no surprise to see Michail Antonio remain upfront – the only senior striker has done an immense job all season by himself and he only has a few more games to see out before this brilliant yet disappointing season is over.
In other West Ham news, a BBC pundit has urged West Ham to sign a £40million rated Chelsea wantaway, saying he would be a “great fit”.
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