West Ham United travel to Swansea City for a crucial relegation six-pointer on Saturday.
West Ham had turned a corner under David Moyes and reached the 30 point mark with a 2-0 win over Watford last month.
But a heavy 4-1 defeat to Liverpool last time out makes things hairy again for the Hammers in the increasingly congested Premier League dogfight.
The East Londoners are now just three points off Saturday’s opponents in the relegation zone.
There are big incentives for both teams ahead of the crucial clash. Carlos Carvalhal’s resurgent side can move level on points with the Hammers going into the run-in while West Ham can put a six-point gap between the two sides ahead of back-to-back home games against Burnley and Southampton.
Moyes has faced fierce criticism from a number of pundits and a section of West Ham fans this week for what was deemed a negative team selection and setup at Anfield.
The Scot has impressed West Ham supporters since taking charge but did himself no favours with fans with his ultra cautious approach given Liverpool’s only real weakness is in defence.
Moyes won’t make the same mistake twice and knows his side will be expected to come away from Wales with a positive result in the battle for survival.
And he looks set to make three changes to the side which started against Liverpool.
Winston Reid in for James Collins
Another week of training under Reid’s belt should mean he is fit enough to start and as one of West Ham’s most crucial and experienced players they need him. West Ham’s back line lacks pace and Reid provides that. He should come back into the side in place of James Collins who came in for criticism following the performance last time out.
Michail Antonio in for Mark Noble
Antonio was a surprise omission by Moyes at Anfield where many assumed the team would rely on his pace on the counter attack given their defensive approach to the game. He duly scored with his first touch after coming on as a second half substitute and was a threat. He will come back into a side crying out for more pace and should replace captain Mark Noble who has looked tired of late.
Javier Hernandez in for Patrice Evra
Having finally found fitness and form for West Ham, supporters were hugely frustrated to see Javier Hernandez dropped for the Liverpool game. With West Ham reverting to a back four Patrice Evra is surplus and Chicharito should come back in for the Frenchman to take his place up front with Arnautovic behind him.
Predicted West Ham XI to face Swansea
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