Slaven Bilic keeps sights on European place
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic knows his team need to keep the pressure on if they are to remain in the race for a top-four finish.
The Hammers are seven points behind fourth-placed Arsenal and three shy of Manchester United in fifth.
On Sunday Watford head to Wembley for their FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace, and Bilic said: "On one hand they will probably think a bit about the game at the weekend, and maybe they will rest some players.
"But they brought a lot of players, experienced players, in the summer and in January.
"They have a big squad and a certain way of playing, and players who maybe start on Wednesday will have some fresh legs which is good for them.
"No matter which team they put out we need a win. The gap (to fourth place) is big, but the gap can be reduced.
"We have to win games. We are still in a big race for Europe and we are going to do everything we can."
Diafra Sakho could return to the West Ham squad.
The Senegal striker has recovered from the knee injury which forced him to miss Premier League draws with Arsenal and Leicester, as well as the midweek FA Cup defeat by Manchester United.
Bilic therefore has a full-strength squad and could hand starts to Sam Byram, Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll, who climbed off the bench to score a penalty at Leicester on Sunday.
Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores says he will make a number of changes against West Ham.
Goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is the only player confirmed to be in the starting XI for the game but Flores has a full squad to chose from with no injuries.
The Hornets boss does not believe his side will be weakened because of the changes.
Flores said: "We will respect the shape, we are not going to change a lot because we have been playing with the same system, or very similar, for some time but in terms of the players they know we will change a lot.
"We will use a lot of new players (against West Ham).
"I am completely confident in the first XI I will pick tomorrow, I am really curious how we can develop, and the characteristics of the players.
"I think it will be very interesting to know.
"We respect West Ham, they are very good, they are one of the best in the Premier League but I trust a lot in my players and I think we can give a very good performance."
Despite not being mathematically safe from the drop, Watford look a good bet to retain their top-flight status and Flores is keen to finish on a high as well as progress in the FA Cup so they can develop next season.
He said: "The most important game is the next one. It is impossible to think that it is not a difficult one (against West Ham).
"We would play at risk if we think about the weekend so it is very important to focus on West Ham.
"Our objective was always the points, to go up in the league and try and improve every time but there are a lot of teams trying to do their best.
"I think we are in a position where we can finish in a really good position in the league.
"Forty one points is really good in the first year you are promoted and we are happy but we can do more.
"We are not going to change the idea, we are working how we want with our philosophy so we will keep working.
"Our confidence is (great) and we are really excited to see how they players do."
Source: PAR
