West Ham ended their four-game losing streak last week with a 3-1 victory over Everton and followed it up with another gritty and resolute display as they held Chelsea to a goalless draw at home on Sunday.
The two positive results show that the Hammers are finally moving in the right direction after a horrible start to the season and Manuel Pellegrini’s side must aim to continue their winning run when they face Macclesfield Town in the third round of the League Cup on Thursday.
Marko Arnautovic will not be available for selection due to a knee injury he picked up last weekend and Javier Hernandez continues to recover from a viral infection.
Jack Wilshere should be out for at least three months due to an ankle injury and he won’t be available for selection.
Adrian (GK)
The Spaniard started the last League Cup game and Pellegrini should hand him another start to rest Fabianski.
Ryan Fredericks (RB)
The Englishman started a few games in the Premier League but failed to make an impact. However, Pellegrini should hand him an opportunity and rest Pablo Zabaleta.
Issa Diop (CB)
The new signing has slowly grown in confidence and has looked much more assured at the back. He should be starting on Thursday.
Angelo Ogbonna (CB)
The Italian lost his place due to some poor performances in the earlier games but this could be a good chance for him to make a comeback.
Aaron Cresswell (LB)
Arthur Masuaku has done well as West Ham’s first-choice left-back but Pellegrini should rotate his squad and provide Cresswell with some play time.
Carlos Sanchez (RCM)
The Colombian has blown hot and cold in patches this season but must start ahead of the veteran Mark Noble, as West Ham would need him fresh for the weekend game.
Declan Rice (CDM)
The youngster has played a major role in getting West Ham back to the right path in the Premier League. Should start on Thursday.
Josh Cullen (LCM)
The Irish U21 international should receive a chance to prove his mettle in place of Pedro Obiang, who will play a big role when the Hammers take on Manchester United next weekend.
Michail Antonio (RW)
The Englishman had a good game against Chelsea and showed a lot of energy with the ball at his feet. He should start in the League Cup tie.
Felipe Anderson (LW)
The Brazilian has been one of West Ham’s brightest sparks this season and Pellegrini must not bench him.
Lucas Perez (ST)
Given that Arnautovic and Hernandez are injured, the former Arsenal man is Pellegrini’s only option, provided he chooses to go in with Antonio as a right-winger to give Yarmolenko a break.
