Manuel Pellegrini has opted to change tact in his bid to outwit his former employers and Premier League champions, Manchester City.
The Chilean has cast aside the midfield three which turned the tide of West Ham's season in favour of a counter-attacking line up, as Michail Antonio is recalled to partner Marko Arnautovic up front.
The Austrian will be keen to put on a good show after two weeks of good training and talk of a move in January, rumours he has denied.
Antonio makes his first start since September, while captain Mark Noble will have to wait for his return from suspension, with his place in the midfield alongside Pedro Obiang and Declan Rice sacrificed for pace.
Arthur Masuaku, second choice in the last two Premier League matches, also returns from the off.
For Pep Guardiola's side, who have scored 13 goals in their last three visits to London Stadium, begin a three month spell without Benjamin Mendy following knee surgery.
West Ham team to face Man City: Fabianski; Zabaleta, Balbuena, Diop, Masuaku; Diangana, Rice, Obiang, Anderson, Antonio, Arnautovic
Subs: Adrian, Cresswell, Ogbonna, Noble, Carroll, Hernandez, Lucas
Man City team to face West Ham: Ederson, Walker, Sterling, Gundogan, Aguero, Laporte, Delph, Sane, Silva, Fernandinho, Otamendi
Subs: Muric, Kompany, Stones, Mahrez, Jesus, Zinchenko, Foden
