You've got to give West Ham United some real credit- after an awful start, it seems they're finally beginning to turn their season around.

The Hammers have now picked up seven points from their last three Premier League games and the last-minute win over Sunderland provided another three much-needed points.

Slaven Bilic will hope recent results will allude to a brighter future ahead and it will definitely give his side confidence going into their EFL Cup fourth-round tie against Chelsea in the week.

Whilst cup tournaments won't be at the forefront of Bilic's thinking going forward, it's a welcome break from a Premier League schedule that has often proved difficult this term.

But standing in the way on Wednesday evening is Chelsea, who will be no tough nut to crack, especially after their win over Manchester United this weekend.

However, we think the Hammers could be on for a cup upset in this one, especially if they pick this starting XI.

GK: Darren Randolph

Former Birmingham City goalkeeper Darren Randolph will be looking forward to some much-needed minutes in this EFL Cup tie.

He played in the previous win over Accrington Stanley and is likely to take the berth ahead of regular number one Adrian.

RB: Álvaro Arbeloa

Real Madrid and Liverpool favourite Alvaro Arbeloa also featured against Accrington and looks set to be West Ham's right-back option for cup competitions.

He's got bags of experience from playing in top divisions all over Europe an will look to stop the threat of Eden Hazard on Wednesday evening.

CB: Reece Oxford

We'd love to see young starlet Reece Oxford get the nod for this fourth-round fixture and see just how good he is on the big stage.

Chelsea may elect to play a second-string side, but they have strength in their reserves and we think Oxford will be truly tested if he's given the nod.

CB: Angelo Ogbonna

Angelo Ogbonna has finally ousted James Collins from the first-team and he's one of the Hammers' most important players.

We think some first-team seniority will be important for the game against Chelsea, where West Ham will be on the back-foot. Ogbonna's experience will be crucial in any home victory.

LB: Aaron Cresswell

 

 

Aaron Cresswell's only just returned from injury but after missing Saturday's clash with Sunderland through suspension, he should be fresh enough for the Chelsea game - and needs chances to regain his match sharpness anyway.

Both defensively and offensively, the left-back has been sorely missed by the Hammers. His left-footed deliveries add another element to West Ham's attack, whilst the backline's lack of familiarity in his absence has cost them dearly.

His biggest test against the Blues will be defending against their 'inside forwards', most likely Pedro or Willian, as part of Antonio Conte's 3-4-3 formation.

CM: Pedro Obiang

Obiang had a fantastic game in West Ham's 1-0 win over Sunderland this weekend and we'd like to see him keep his place in the side for this clash too.

At times, the Hammers midfield has been a little tepid, but the Spaniard has really stepped up in recent weeks to help his side to some much-needed points.

CM: Håvard Nordtveit

Havard Nordtveit is probably the more defensive in this midfield trio and he'll be looking to protect the back four when Chelsea's forward's come knocking on Wednesday evening.

The former Borussia Mönchengladbach man has a real chance to stake his claim for a first-team place this season and a good performance against Antonio Conte's team will help him no end.

CM: Edimilson Fernandes

Former FC Sion midfielder Edimilson Fernandes gave an extremely impressive performance for the Hammers against Sunderland this weekend and it's the type of gutsy showing we'd like to see from him again against Chelsea.

The relatively unknown midfielder was slick, energetic and full-of-running as his side gained another three points and he's the type of player who could do Chelsea some damage too.

ST: Ashley Fletcher

Former Manchester United youngster Ashley Fletcher made the move to the Olympic Stadium this summer and his potential is clear for all to see.

But he'll need first-team minutes to really fulfil the potential some are tipping for him and if he gets the nod for this one, he'll be desperate to impress.

RW: Sofiane Feghouli

A summer signing from Valencia, Sofiane Feghouli definitely has the quality to help West Ham in both league and cup matters this season.

The Algerian international is having to bide his time for a first-team call-up and it could come against Chelsea. Like we said, he's got what it takes to make it at this level, it's just showing that when given the opportunity to do so.

LW: Dimitri Payet

Everyone's favourite French forward was dazzling the crowd with more chewing gum antics before the game against Sunderland but on Wednesday night, he'll have to be at his best if West Ham are to progress.

We've elected to start him quite simply because this is a game West Ham will want to win to keep that momentum going. He was the star of the 1-0 win over Accrington in the last round - so can he help his side to victory again this time out?