West Ham United take on Leicester City in David Moyes’ first home match as Hammers boss on Friday night.
West Ham are deep in relegation trouble after just two wins from the first 12 games of the season.
The Hammers have picked up just nine points with a third of the campaign gone and lost Moyes’ first game in charge 2-0 to Watford last time out.
It was a performance so typical of West Ham’s season so far with the East Londoners failing to take their chances and conceding sloppy goals at the other end.
Things don’t get any easier either with rejuvenated Leicester City the visitors to the London Stadium for Moyes’ first home game as Hammers boss this Friday night.
With a run of games against Everton, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs looming large on the horizon this is a must-win for West Ham.
And Moyes looks set to make five key changes to his side for the visit of the Foxes.
Adrian in for Joe Hart
Joe Hart was awful against Watford. His kicking was all over the place and he was lucky to get away with a number of misplaced clearances which went straight to a Watford player. The England ‘keeper should have done a lot better for Richarlison’s goal in the second half and Hammers fans want to see him replaced by Adrian. It’s a big call for Moyes but he said everyone would be given their chance and Adrian should come in for Hart.
Declan Rice in for Mark Noble
Captain Mark Noble is another who has been poor all season and West Ham fans want to see a new leader in their side. Rice has been impressive when he has played so far and should come back into the side to offer more agility and youthful enthusiasm in the heart of midfield.
Arthur Masuaku in for Aaron Cresswell
Aaron Cresswell has looked a shadow of his former self this season and his performance against Watford was up there with the worst of the lot. Arthur Masuaku is unfortunate not to have played more and set up the only goal the last time West Ham won a game, at home to Swansea City at the end of September.
Michail Antonio in for Manuel Lanzini
Moyes said he was disappointed with a number of players who have big reputations at West Ham and none of them have a bigger reputation than Argentina international Manuel Lanzini. The playmaker was anonymous against Watford and with Michail Antonio returning to fitness Moyes could drop Lanzini in favour of Antonio’s pace and work rate.
Diafra Sakho in for Andy Carroll
West Ham fans have been incredibly patient with Andy Carroll during his injury ravaged time in East London. But that patience looks to be running out with no goals from nine appearances this season and his ill-judged comments about fans leaving early. Diafra Sakho has hardly endeared himself to supporters with his demands to leave in the summer but he offers so much more than Carroll including much-needed pace and a goal ratio up there with some of the best.
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