Defence:
Right back: Seamus Coleman
Seamus Coleman should return to the starting lineup after missing almost a month of action, having last played the Burnley game. The Irishman will help in taming the West Ham attack better while also supporting Andros Townsend on the right flank.
Centre back: Michael Keane
Michael Keane has played every minute of the Premier League so far and this international break came as a breather for the former Burnley man where he could recuperate and also continue his improvement under Rafa Benitez. After early struggles, Keane has now enforced himself as a leader in the rearguard. His battle against Antonio will be one to watch out for.
Centre back: Ben Godfrey
Yerry Mina has usually been Keane’s preferred partner this season but with the Colombian playing three games for Colombia in a span of seven days and travelling 10000+ miles, there are big doubts on his match fitness. With Mina arriving back at Finch Farm only a couple of days before the game, Benitez will likely rest the towering defender and go with Godfrey.
Left back: Lucas Digne
Lucas Digne had an injury scare on international duty as he returned from France duty earlier with a hamstring strain. Rafa Benitez revealed that the Frenchman is fit and training well. Digne has worked on his defensive fine tuning under Benitez which is why we haven’t seen a lot from him on the attacking front. The 28 year old is one of the finest left backs in the Premier League and he is going from strength to strength.