EPL: West Ham v Stoke preview

West Ham v Stoke preview

West Ham will be looking to take a big step towards Premier League survival when they face relegation rivals Stoke on Monday Night.

The Hammers have taken four points from their last two games to move six points clear of the relegation zone.

Stoke, meanwhile, are four points from safety heading into the weekend and will be aiming to avoid a fifth successive defeat.

While the situation might look bleak, Potters boss Paul Lambert saw some positive signs in the 2-1 loss to Tottenham last weekend.

"The atmosphere here last weekend was incredible," he said. "I've been in the game a long time and I've not seen that reaction to a team that's lost a game.

Paul Lambert hopes Stoke will get the result their recent performances have deserved when they visit West Ham

"The fans are with us which is the most important thing and if we can keep doing what we're doing, we'll certainly win games.

"As I said before, you need a little bit of Lady Luck on your side but performance-wise I'm really happy with the way the team's played."

West Ham face a tricky finish to the season as they face Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United in their last five games.

Stoke midfielder Maxim Choupo-Moting remains a doubt, having not featured since March 17 because of groin problem.

Fellow midfielder Charlie Adam serves the final match of his three-game suspension.

Andy Carroll, Manuel Lanzini and James Collins could be added to the West Ham squad.

Carroll has been sidelined with an ankle fracture since December, Lanzini suffered a knee injury on international duty with Argentina and Collins has been out for a month with a hamstring problem.

Winston Reid, Sam Byram and Pedro Obiang remain long-term absentees.