West Ham’s ideal XI following the January window

Andy Carroll

There’s no surprise that West Ham’s upturn in form over the past few weeks has coincided with the return to full fitness of striker Andy Carroll.

The 28-year-old has scored five goals in his last five Premier League appearances, including a brace in a man-of-the-match display at Middlesbrough last weekend.

That adds to his sensational strike against Crystal Palace the week before, which was indicative of Carroll’s growing confidence and presence upfront for the Hammers.

If they can keep him fit for the rest of the campaign, there’s no reason why West Ham can’t record back-to-back top half finishes in the Premier League come May.