Sunderland legend Kevin Ball selects his ones to watch within the West Ham United ranks ahead of Saturday’s game at the Stadium of Light.
Injured: Michail Antonio, Sam Byram (doubt), Aaron Cresswell (doubt), Winston Reid, Pedro Obiang, Angelo Ogbonna, Gokhan Tore.
Andy Carroll
We all know what Andy Carroll will bring to the table this weekend, he’s a real handful and if we fail to shackle him he could run riot. There’s very few better players in the air – not just in the Premier League but in the world – and that’s backed up by the fact he’s won 157 aerial battles this season. He’s had his fitness troubles but when available he’s a real talent and he’s produced the goods in big games for the Hammers this season, scoring against Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough, Southampton and Hull City since the turn of the year.
Manuel Lanzini
Manuel Lanzini has blown hot and cold this season but on his day he’s a fine player who could have a big impact. Only Michail Antonio has scored more Premier League goals for the Hammers this season, netting nine to Lanzini’s seven, with the little Argentinian also contributing two assists. He’s started the last three games and completed 90 minutes in each of them, so he’ll have the platform to perform at the Stadium of Light and we’ll need to keep an eye on him.
Robert Snodgrass
I’ve opted for another attacking player next, but Robert Snodgrass is a player I’m really looking forward to watching. I thought he was a standout performer for Norwich City and he continued that form with Hull City, but now he has a real chance to prove his worth at an established Premier League club. He’s yet to find the net in claret and blue but his delivery from set pieces can be exceptional, so he could have a big say in the way this game turns out and the potential return of John O'Shea could be key.
Cheikhou Kouyate
Cheikhou Kouyate came up with a massive goal for West Ham last weekend as they overcame Swansea City and edged closer to safety, but it’s what he does at the opposite end of thet pitch that’ll have a real bearing on this weekend’s match. With 35 appearances already this season, Kouyate is the mainstay of the Hammers’ midfield and he’ll have a real battle with Lee Cattermole – the winner of that could decide the tempo of the game and which side gains the momentum. Only Mark Noble and Lanzini have completed more passes, with Kouyate making more tackles and more interceptions than any other West Ham player.
Winston Reid
Winston Reid’s last-minute winner earlier in the season was a bitter blow, but there’s good news this weekend as he’s expected to miss out due to a groin strain. He’s the heartbeat of West Ham’s defence and, even though it’s been a frustrating season for the New Zealand international, he’ll be a massive miss. He tops their charts for clearances (218) – more than double runner up Kouyate – while also making 71 interceptions and winning 50 aerial battles, so his absence could open the door for Jermain Defoe.