After a strong spell, West Ham United came back to earth with a bump this weekend having lost 2-0 to Everton on Sunday afternoon.
Their fans here in the Tavern weren’t all that pleased with the result but we don’t think they should be worrying as much as the possibly are.
The Hammers will play worse than that this season and pick up points- it was one of those games where either teams could have won, especially after a scrappy first-half.
But armed with a bold prediction from our pub landlord, we think the Hammers will pick up three points this coming weekend, as they welcome Stoke City to the London Stadium.
It’s not been the happiest of times for the Irons at their new home, though a win over a resurgent Stoke side without any problems would certainly go some way into helping further smooth the transition.
They certainly have the players to do it, as they proved with a recent win over Chelsea in the EFL Cup.
The Potters have hardly been flying themselves, so with that in mind, here’s our West Ham XI we think will beat Mark Hughes’ team on Saturday…
Adrian
After leaving cup duties to Darren Randolph in the EFL win over Chelsea last week,
Adrian has come back into the first-team fold for Premier League action.
In fine form against Everton, pulling off a stunning save.
Winston Reid
The Hammers did little wrong in defence against Everton and little blame should be placed on the shoulders of Winston Reid, who has been a big part of West Ham’s success this season.
He’s scored last-gasp goals and made last-ditch tackles. He should start the game against Stoke City for sure.
Angelo Ogbonna
Former Juventus man Ogbonna had a wonderful chance to open the scoring his side in the first-half but as a centre-back, the chance probably fell to the wrong man.
He’s been solid enough at the back this season but will need to play well against Stoke, who boast a wealth of attacking talent in their forward line.
Cheikhou Kouyate
Cheikhou Kouyate has been moved into the Hammers’ back-three after some poor early form and the decision to play him at centre-back has been a justified one.
He’s quick, strong and reads the game well.
Edimilson Fernandes
West Ham look to have unearthed a real gem in former Sion man Edimilson Fernandes.
He’s played well as both an attacking full-back and as a centre-midfielder but for this one, we’d like to see him running at the Potters backline from out wide.
Mark Noble
West Ham legend Mark Noble will have seasons like this in the past with the Hammers, and if there is anyone that can help turn the form around it’s him.
He wears his heart on his sleeve and does more than enough mucking in when called upon.
Pedro Obiang
Spanish midfielder Pedro Obiang is very much enforcer in this West Ham side and his presence has been extremely telling at times this campaign.
He’s come back into the first-team after the decision to move Kouyate back into defence proved successful but he’ll have to be on top form to stop Stoke’s lively forward line.
Michail Antonio
Always a threat going forward, attacking full-back Michail Antonio has been a big part of West Ham’s attacking threat this season.
He’s got pace to burn and at times, has looked absolutely unplayable.
Manuel Lanzini
Despite not scoring against the Hammers, Manuel Lanzini looked extremely lively throughout the game and you wonder if he might have dispatched if he had more help going forward.
He’s a skilful, pacy and creative forward who is more than capable of making things happen.
Andre Ayew
Andrew Ayew is back in the first-team after a disastrous start to his West Ham career.
He picked up an injury which kept him out for two months but upon his return, he’ll hope to help turn West Ham’s form around in the long-run.
Dimitri Payet
Even West Ham aren’t playing too well, Dimitri Payet continues to shine.
He was involved in all of West Ham’s good attacking work in the game against Everton last weekend and he’ll looking to be on top form to help his team to victory over the Potters.
