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West Ham team news vs Watford: Predicted line up – Arnautovic update, Carroll shock start
WEST HAM manager Manuel Pellegrini has a selection headache to deal with ahead of the Hammers' Premier League clash with Watford on Saturday (3pm).
West Ham vs Watford: Pellegrini previews Premier League clash
West Ham take on Watford this weekend looking to extend their four-match winning streak as Manuel Pellegrini’s side climb up the Premier League table.
The Hammers have been plagued by injuries recently but have coped admirably with star duo Felipe Anderson and Robert Snodgrass stepping up in Marko Arnautovic’s absence.
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The Austrian picked up a hamstring injury in the 3-1 win over Cardiff at the start of the month and is expected to be out until the New Year.
However, there is good news for West Ham fans as the 29-year-old looks set to return to training next week.
“I think that next week Marko will start working with the team,” Pellegrini said.
“For the other injuries, we are exactly the same [as last week], except we’ll see tomorrow [Friday] if Lucas Perez is able to be on the squad list.”
Perez scored twice having stepped off the bench to replace Arnautovic but is doubtful to face the Hornets due to a foot problem.
With the Spaniard sidelined, Javier Hernandez was partnered by Michail Antonio in attack last time out against Fulham.
The versatile ace scored in the 2-0 win but could be moved to right-back this weekend if Pablo Zabaleta is rested.
Pellegrini has already revealed the veteran Argentinian will not play every match this month and Watford offers an opportune time to rest the 33-year-old.
This squad shuffle could hand the chance of a rare start to Andy Carroll, who is yet to play 90 minutes since his first appearance of the season against Cardiff.
Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere remains sidelined and could require surgery while Ryan Fredericks, Manuel Lanzini, Andriy Yarmolenko, Winston Reid and Carlos Sanchez are all out.
West Ham United predicted line-up vs Watford – Premier League
(4-4-2): Fabianski; Antonio, Balbuena, Diop, Masuaku; Snodgrass, Noble, Rice, Anderson; Hernandez, Carroll