Edson Alvarez
West Ham United midfielder Edson Alvarez
Daniel Lewis
Fri 29 November 2024 22:03, UK
Martin Allen hopes Julen Lopetegui decides against recalling Edson Alvarez when West Ham United host Arsenal.
The Irons welcome city rivals Arsenal to the London Stadium on Saturday (30 November) on the back of beating Newcastle United 2-0 earlier in the week.
That was West Ham’s best performance under Lopetegui and came with Alvarez not in the squad, but he is now back available to feature against Arsenal if selected.
Taking to X on Friday (29 November), however, former Irons midfielder Allen said: “Will Alvarez play tomorrow? And change the winning team?
“Mmmm I hope not. [Lopetegui] needs to be patient after a great team performance at Newcastle.”
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Julen Lopetegui should stick with same West Ham XI v Arsenal
West Ham’s display against Newcastle was near enough the perfect away performance. United took their chances and kept their opponents relatively quiet at the other end.
Lopetegui was said to be a couple of games away from the sack, but he has bought himself some time with that victory – and rightly so.
The hope now is that it is the first of a few wins in a row, albeit that is a massive ask as title-chasers Arsenal are up next.
If Lopetegui has any sense he will stick with the midfield pivot of Lucas Paqueta and Tomas Soucek against the Gunners.
Carlos Soler, Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville should the roam in the final third, playing just off Michail Antonio up top.
Tomas Soucek, West Ham United badge, Manchester City badge
West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek [Credit: Imago]
Having Alvarez back in the squad is a massive positive, though, and he will likely be needed at some point.
It’s all about strength in depth, and right now Lopetegui may well have stumbled upon his winning formula at last.
In other West Ham news, Shearer singled out a “superb” Hammers player as he predicted the Arsenal result.
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