West Ham United take on Stoke City in a relegation six-pointer on Monday night in a game which could go some way to deciding the club and David Moyes’ fate.
West Ham have turned a corner of late with a 3-0 win over Southampton and a draw at Chelsea giving them a six point gap over the bottom three with six games to go – and seven points above Stoke.
David Moyes was only handed a six month contract when he first took over after Slaven Bilic’s sacking in November.
But reports claim he will be offered a longer-term deal should he keep the Hammers up.
A win over Stoke on Monday night would more or less secure survival for West Ham with 37 points widely recognised as being enough given the points, goal differences and remaining fixtures of the bottom seven.
There is so much riding on Monday night’s game, it is crucial Moyes gets it right against Paul Lambert’s side.
And the Scot looks set to make three changes to the side which drew at Chelsea.
Patrice Evra in for Aaron Cresswell
Aaron Cresswell has been getting back to his best but picking up a knock during the match against Chelsea and have to be replaced by Patrice Evra.
The French full back impressed when he came on and West Ham will need every ounce of the 37-year-old’s experience in what is the club’s biggest game for several years.
Cresswell is a quick healer but Evra looks set to replace the injured star from the start.
Manuel Lanzini in for Joao Mario
Star playmaker Manuel Lanzini was expected to be back for the game against Chelsea but just missed out. Another week of recovery and training should see the little Argentine come back into the side at the perfect time.
Portuguese midfielder Joao Mario will drop out after flattering to deceive against Chelsea, although he was crucial in the win over Southampton with a goal and assist.
Javier Hernandez in for Edimilson Fernandes
Like Mario Edimilson Fernandes was excellent against Saints on his return from a long-term injury but struggled against Chelsea for long periods.
With Lanzini back West Ham will want to set up differently to be more on the front foot and after his goal at Stamford Bridge Hernandez will come back into the side with Marko Arnautovic dropping back to form a quality front three.
Back on the bench
Andy Carroll could be a surprise inclusion in the squad after spending most of the season on the sidelines through injury.
Predicted West Ham XI to face Stoke
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