West Ham United have just one injury concern heading into Sunday’s massive Premier League showdown with Leeds United at the London Stadium, with Adama Traore facing a race against time to be fit.
The winger remains a serious doubt after missing last weekend’s 3-1 loss to Newcastle United due to a muscle issue. Even if he is cleared to play, he is unlikely to be included in the starting XI against Leeds.
With West Ham needing all three points to keep their survival hopes alive, head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is expected to field his strongest available side — and that could include January arrival Valentin Castellanos from the outset.
The Argentine forward made an immediate impact off the bench at St James’ Park, scoring an excellent second-half consolation goal less than 30 minutes after coming on. If handed a start on Sunday, he could replace Callum Wilson in attack.
Skipper Jarrod Bowen, who has registered assists for eight of West Ham’s last 12 Premier League goals, is set to continue in the frontline alongside former Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville. Tomas Soucek and highly-rated Mateus Fernandes are also expected to keep their places in midfield.
Nuno must decide whether to stick with a five-man defence or switch back to a back four. A change in shape could see Jean-Clair Todibo drop out, with either Pablo or Soungoutou Magassa potentially earning a starting role.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf are expected to feature either as full-backs or wing-backs, while Chelsea loanee Axel Disasi — preparing for his final appearance for the Hammers — should partner Konstantinos Mavropanos in central defence.
Predicted West Ham XI: Hermansen; Wan-Bissaka, Disasi, Mavropanos, Diouf; Soucek, Fernandes; Bowen, Pablo, Summerville; Castellanos.
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