Given the return of a crucial player, David Moyes is expected to make two changes to the West Ham lineup for Fulham in addition to a formation adjustment.
On Sunday, West Ham will welcome Fulham to the London Stadium with a keen awareness of the outcome of their previous meeting.
The Cottagers thrashed West Ham 5-0 at the beginning of December.
And that was even before the Hammers were scheduled to compete in the Europa League, much less following an exhausting away match against one of the world’s top clubs.
But if David Moyes needs a little pick-me to reenergize his tired and undermanned team, the Premier League’s top six provide it.
When Fulham visits east London, West Ham has a big carrot hanging in front of them.
With five games remaining, a victory would move Moyes’ team up to sixth place, past both Newcastle and Manchester United.
That will be sufficient for a spot in the Europa League and a fourth season of involvement in Europe.
The Hammers have recently faced the most critical period of injury and suspension.
And that will factor into the manager’s decision to choose the team once more.
Edson Alvarez, who has missed three of West Ham’s past four games due to suspension, is back after being suspended for the Bayer Leverkusen loss.
There have been rumors that Moyes would make big adjustments to rest his players for the second leg against Leverkusen.
But that top six or seven is well within grasp, so there’s just too much to be gained.
Therefore, when a big star returns, we expect Moyes makes two West Ham changes for Fulham.
Mavropanos will be replaced by Nayef Aguerd in the first alteration.
And Moyes will go back to using four at the defense with Alvarez taking Aaron Cresswell’s place.
One may argue that Moyes ought to stick with the wingback configuration.
After arduous nights in Europe, players like Maxwel Cornet, Ben Johnson, and Danny Ings need to be striving to participate in these matches.
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