Sport nationLopetegui to Make Three Big Changes for West Ham’s Clash with Chelsea
West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui is expected to make significant changes to his starting lineup for the upcoming Premier League match against Chelsea at the London Stadium.
After securing a 1-1 draw with Fulham last weekend, Lopetegui is poised to shake things up in search of a much-needed win. The Hammers have collected just four points from their opening four top-flight matches and sit 14th in the standings.
Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola will retain his spot between the posts, but there may be a change in the backline. Emerson’s injury has put his availability in doubt, paving the way for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to start at left-back, with Vladimir Coufal slotting in at right-back. Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos are expected to maintain their positions in central defense.
In midfield, Edson Alvarez and Guido Rodriguez are guaranteed starters. However, Tomas Soucek, who joined the club in 2020 for £18 million, may find himself axed from the starting XI after a disappointing performance against Fulham. Lucas Paqueta is likely to return to the team, partnering with Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.
Up front, Danny Ings, who scored the crucial equalizer against Fulham, may be handed his first start of the season, particularly with Niclas Fullkrug struggling with an injury.
Predicted West Ham XI vs Chelsea:
Areola; Coufal, Mavropanos, Kilman, Wan-Bissaka; Alvarez, Rodriguez; Kudus, Paqueta, Bowen; Ings
Lopetegui’s changes aim to inject new life into West Ham’s attack and shore up their defense against a Chelsea side boosted by their 1-0 win at Bournemouth.
The London Stadium clash promises to be an intense encounter, with both teams seeking vital points to kickstart their seasons.
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