Sport Nation 2Danny Ings Poised for West Ham Start Against Fulham After Fullkrug Injury
Danny Ings is set to be handed a starting role for West Ham United in their upcoming Premier League clash against Fulham following an injury to Niclas Fullkrug. This potential lineup change comes as Fullkrug, West Ham’s recent signing, sustained a significant Achilles injury while on international duty with Germany. The injury could sideline Fullkrug for an extended period, opening the door for Ings to step up.
Ings, who has had limited playing time this season, now has a chance to prove himself under West Ham’s new manager, Julen Lopetegui. The striker has only featured for five minutes in the current Premier League campaign, after being handed three starts by David Moyes last season. However, with the team’s tactical shift under Lopetegui and Fullkrug’s unfortunate setback, Ings might find himself with a more prominent role.
Frank McAvennie’s Take on Ings
West Ham legend Frank McAvennie believes Danny Ings deserves the opportunity to start against Fulham, especially in light of the new developments. Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie expressed his thoughts on the situation and the potential for Ings to shine under Lopetegui’s management.
“If we go back to the way we played under David Moyes, Antonio will start. But, if we’re going the way I think Lopetegui wants to play, with wingers getting down the flanks and midfielders getting into the box, it has to be Ings,” McAvennie said.
He highlighted the stylistic differences between Moyes and Lopetegui, noting that Ings struggled to fit into Moyes’ tactical setup. “It was hard for Ings under Moyes because that wasn’t his style. This new manager, however, seems to be playing more free-flowing football. We just need to turn the good games into good results,” he added.
McAvennie also praised Ings’ determination and loyalty to the club. “I want to see him. If anyone deserves a crack at things, it’s Ings. He could’ve gone this summer, but he wanted to fight for his spot. Give him a chance.”
Ings’ Journey at West Ham
Danny Ings joined West Ham in January 2023 from Aston Villa in hopes of adding more attacking firepower to the Hammers’ lineup. However, his time at the club has been marked by inconsistency in form and limited opportunities. Under David Moyes, Ings found it difficult to break into the starting lineup, largely due to Moyes’ preference for a more physical, target-man striker, embodied by Michail Antonio.
Ings, who thrives in a more fluid, attacking system where he can capitalize on movement and creativity, often found himself on the fringes of the squad. Despite this, the 32-year-old has remained committed to West Ham, opting to stay with the club and fight for his place rather than seek a move away during the summer transfer window.
Now, with Lopetegui at the helm, West Ham’s approach has shifted to a more dynamic, attacking style of play. This transition could suit Ings perfectly, as it aligns more with his strengths as a striker who benefits from service provided by wingers and creative midfielders. Lopetegui’s tactical adjustments might be the key to unlocking Ings’ potential at the London Stadium.
Tactical Adjustments Under Lopetegui
Julen Lopetegui, who took over from David Moyes, has already made a noticeable impact on West Ham’s playing style. The team’s performances have been generally positive under the Spanish manager, even in challenging fixtures like their match against Premier League champions Manchester City.
Lopetegui’s system places a greater emphasis on ball movement, wing play, and midfield involvement in the attacking phase. This marks a departure from Moyes’ more pragmatic approach, which often relied on direct play and the physical attributes of players like Antonio.
With Fullkrug sidelined, Lopetegui will likely need to adjust his plans for the upcoming match against Fulham. While many fans may expect Michail Antonio to resume his role as the central striker, especially after his goal during international duty, there is a strong argument for Ings to start. Antonio’s involvement with the Jamaican national team could leave him fatigued, which might make Lopetegui more inclined to turn to a well-rested Danny Ings.
Ings’ Opportunity to Shine
This upcoming match against Fulham presents a crucial opportunity for Danny Ings to show his value to the team. Despite his limited playing time so far this season, Ings remains a proven goal-scorer at Premier League level, having shown his capabilities at clubs like Southampton and Aston Villa.
If given the nod to start, Ings will likely be eager to impress both his manager and the West Ham faithful. The striker is known for his intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and work rate—qualities that could benefit West Ham as they look to continue their positive run of form under Lopetegui.
Ings will be competing for a spot in the starting XI with Michail Antonio, who has been a mainstay in the West Ham attack for several years. Antonio’s versatility, physicality, and ability to hold up the ball make him a valuable asset to the team, but Ings offers a different dimension to West Ham’s forward play. His technical ability and knack for finding space in the box could be exactly what the team needs to break down Fulham’s defense.
The Importance of Ings’ Role Moving Forward
As West Ham navigates the rest of the season, the importance of squad depth and player rotation cannot be understated. Fullkrug’s injury is a significant blow, but it also serves as a reminder that injuries are inevitable in football, and having capable replacements is crucial.
Danny Ings’ experience and proven track record make him a vital option for Lopetegui, especially in a system that may better suit his strengths. Should he perform well against Fulham, Ings could find himself playing a more prominent role in the squad, offering Lopetegui the flexibility to rotate his strikers as needed.
Ings’ ability to step up in the absence of Fullkrug could also have broader implications for his future at West Ham. A strong performance could solidify his place in Lopetegui’s plans moving forward, potentially earning him more starts as the season progresses.
Conclusion
Danny Ings’ potential start against Fulham comes at a pivotal moment in West Ham’s season. With Niclas Fullkrug sidelined due to injury, Ings has the chance to step up and prove his worth to the team under a new, more attack-minded system.
Frank McAvennie and other West Ham supporters have called for Ings to be given a chance, and this match could be the perfect opportunity for the striker to reignite his career at the London Stadium. As West Ham continues to adapt to Lopetegui’s system, Ings’ contributions could play a significant role in the club’s success this season.
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