West Ham v West Brom predicted lineups: Injury crisis for Bilic

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Here is how we expect West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion to line-up for their Premier League encounter this weekend.

To be played on Saturday 11th February 2017 at 16:00. Venue: London Stadium, London

Odds: West Ham 11/10, Draw 12/5, West Brom 13/5

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic faces somewhat of a selection dilemma ahead of the Premier League clash with West Bromwich Albion – with up to ten first team players possibly unavailable due to various injury concerns.

Perhaps most significant of all the doubts is the in-form front man Andy Carroll, who has not trained since last week and may well miss out against Tony Pulis’ Baggies due to a groin issue.

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Encouragingly for Bilic, forward Andre Ayew is available after returning from African Cup of Nations duty – with another of his charges absent from training this week, left back Aaron Cresswell, looking set to defy his injury to make the starting XI.

However, this is where the positive news ends for the Hammers.

Angelo Ogbonna remains sidelined following his knee surgery and has been joined in the treatment room by Cheikou Kouyate, Sam Byram, Havard Nordtvelt, Diafra Sakho, Alvaro Arbeloa, Arthur Masuaku and Gokhan Tore.

Nevertheless, West Ham should be able to field a strong side – including Jose Fonte and Winston Reid in central defence, captain Mark Noble in the midfield engine room, and the attacking duo of Michail Antonio and the aforementioned Ayew.

Compared to West Ham, visitors West Brom have been given a contrasting injury boost ahead of their trip to the London Stadium – as Claudio Jacob and Jonny Evans both look set for consideration after recovering from appendicitis and a calf injury, respectively.

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Whether West Brom boss Pulis decides to risk Evans is another issue – as the central defender’s importance to the Baggies’ back line has proved to be hugely significant since the former Manchester United man made the switch to the Hawthorns in 2015.

Indeed, with main goal threat Carroll a questionable starter for the home side, Pulis may well opt to continue with the pairing of Gareth McAuley and Craig Dawson at the heart of his back four – thus ensuring Evans is best prepared for the remainder of the season.

Yacob, meanwhile, may have to settle for a place on the substitutes bench – considering the fine form of West Brom’s midfield in recent weeks and the immediate impact of January recruit Jake Livermore.