West Ham’s squad is looking dangerously thin heading into this one, with key names ruled out or unavailable long‑term. Niclas Fullkrug is set to miss weeks of action with a hamstring injury after yet another setback, leaving the Hammers short of firepower up front. Łukasz Fabiański remains sidelined with a persistent back problem, while centre‑back Jean‑Clair Todibo is suspended and can’t feature. The absence of these starters — combined with limited attacking options — has left the squad severely weakened. 

With so many frontline players out, it feels like West Ham’s fate was sealed before the whistle even blows.