Team News: Chicharito returns to starting XI against Crystal Palace

Chicharito

Slaven Bilic has confirmed his starting XI for West Ham United’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace and makes four changes from the win over Tottenham.

The Irons completed a fantastic comeback victory over Spurs on Wednesday and return to Premier League action this afternoon against the Eagles.

Joe Hart is back in goal, continuing his run of playing in every league contest so far this season. The England international swaps with Adrian, who is on the bench.

In defence Wednesday’s match winner Angelo Ogbonna keeps his place in the team, as does Cheikhou Kouyate, with the duo joined by Jose Fonte. Pablo Zabaleta and Aaron Cresswell operate on the defensive flanks, with the Argentinian replacing Sam Byram in the line-up.

Captain Mark Noble retains his place in the team after inspiring his side to the win on Wednesday, as does Edimilson Fernandes.

Two-goal hero Andre Ayew is also in the side again. The forward’s brace drew the Hammers level against Spurs and the 27-year-old has another chance today at Selhurst Park.

Manuel Lanzini is also retained in the starting XI after playing two assists in Wednesday’s fixture. The No10 has four goals in four matches against Crystal Palace and will be hoping to extend that run.

Chicharito returns to the team up front, replacing Andy Carroll as the lone striker. The Mexican currently has three Premier League goals this campaign.

Should Bilic need it the manager has an abundance of talent on the bench with Carroll, Adrian and Declan Rice joined by Marko Arnautovic, Michail Antonio, Arthur Masuaku and Pedro Obiang.

West Ham United: Hart; Kouyate, Fonte, Ogbonna; Zabaleta, Noble (c), Fernandes, Cresswell; Lanzini, Ayew, Chicharito

Subs: Adrian, Rice, Masuaku, Obiang, Antonio, Arnautovic, Carroll

Crystal Palace: Speroni; Ward, Tomkins, Dann, Van Aanholt; Milivojevic, Cabaye, Townsend, Loftus-Cheek, Schlupp; Zaha

Subs: Hennessey, Fosu-Mensah, Sako, Delaney, Kelly, Puncheon, Riedewald