One change Slaven Bilic must make and one he must resist for West Ham’s trip to Stoke

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West Ham United travel to face Stoke City in a crucial game which could see one club secure safety on Saturday afternoon.

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes and West Ham boss Slaven Bilic

The Hammers go into the match at the Bet 365 Stadium unbeaten in three but with only one win in their last 10 games.

Mark Hughes’ side have won just two games in their last nine and blew the relegation battle back open by losing 2-0 to Swansea City last time out.

A point for Stoke would see them all but safe while West Ham must go for the win to be truly secure.

To that end Slaven Bilic must make one crucial change to his side which performed well in the 0-0 draw with Everton last weekend but there is also one change which he must resist.

With Andy Carroll still out injured and Jonathan Calleri failing to impress, the time has come for fans’ favourite Diafra Sakho to come back into the fold after his return from long term injury.

Senegal star Sakho could form a potent partnership with fellow African Andre Ayew who has been looking sharper of late after finally overcoming the injury problems which have dogged his debut season in East London.

Diafra Sakho celebrates

There is one change many fans fear Bilic will make that he should resist, though, after it was confirmed captain Mark Noble is available again.

Noble is loved by the Hammers faithful but many have lost patience with his below par performances this term and feel Havard Nordtveit deserves to keep his place in the middle of the park after a man of the match display against the Toffees.

Mark Noble

Another change Bilic may consider is to reinstate right back Sam Byram after he served a one match suspension last week.

But that would mean the hugely impressive Edimilson Fernandes making way after he turned in a superb performance in a right wing back role against Ronald Koeman’s side.

Despite a lack of options due to injury, Bilic faces a few selection posers this weekend and it will be interesting to see how he handles the situation given what is at stake.