West Ham predicted lineup vs Aston Villa - Premier League
By Max Parsons
West Ham face a tough test to overturn a current lull when they host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
David Moyes' men are currently enduring a very tough time, having lost their previous three matches across all competitions. Following a 3-1 defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup, the Hammers have fallen to 1-0 losses against Liverpool in the Premier League and most recently Sevilla in the Europa League.
Their visitors on Sunday are in splendid form, having won each of their previous three. Here's how Moyes could set out his West Ham side.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Lukasz Fabianski (GK) - Set for his 28th Premier League appearance term, having missed just one game thus far.
Ben Johnson (RB) - Vladimir Coufal looks to be out of contention once again, so Johnson should start.
Craig Dawson (CB) - Has been an excellent stand-in for long-term absentee Angelo Ogbonna and is in line for an 18th consecutive league start.
Kurt Zouma (CB) - Recent controversies haven't really affected his standing at the club, having started five of his side's last six league games.
Aaron Cresswell (LB) - A stalwart when available, Cresswell has been a fantastic servant to the club.
2. Midfielders
Tomas Soucek (CM) - This season hasn't been as glorious for the Czech when compared to the first season-and-a-half of his Hammers career, but he remains consistent and vitally important to the side.
Declan Rice (CM) - Returned from illness to play the full 90 in midweek, and should continue here.
Manuel Lanzini (AM) - Firmly back in favour, the Argentine has started all but three of West Ham's previous 14 league outings.
3. Forwards
Said Benrahma (RW) - Should return to the first XI in place of Nikola Vlasic, who started in Seville in midweek.
Michail Antonio (ST) - Currently on 15 Premier League goal involvements for the season, although has failed to hit the back of the net in his previous eight in the competition.
Pablo Fornals (LW) - Capable of so much, the Spaniard is a firm favourite at the club and is set for a ninth successive start in the league.