Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham United face Brighton and Hove Albion at the London Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is at 15:00. Last Word on Football brings you a West Ham Predicted Lineup.
West Ham Predicted Lineup vs Brighton
How West Ham Have Lined up Recently
As the first-choice goalkeeper Alphonse Areola was sidelined with injury, Polish international Lukasz Fabianski has started the last seven matches for Lopetegui’s side. In their last game against Bournemouth, Fabianski produced some incredible saves, gaining fan and pundit recognition.
Lopetegui has altered the defence a few times this season but has landed with a back four consisting of Emerson, Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. This has been his most successful back line: when Lopetegui’s side plays a three at the back, they often get heavily exposed. This was the case in their defeats to Chelsea and Nottingham Forest. That being said, after a major falling out between the manager and Todibo, he has been benched for the past two games making room for Konstantinos Mavropanos. Vladimir Coufal has also replaced Emerson in a few matches this season.
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The midfield has also been consistent, with Lopetegui preferring two defensive midfielders. This has usually been between Edson Alvarez and Guido Rodriguez, with Tomas Soucek alternating between them both. Soucek scored against Wolves and has been seen as the most rational decision in midfield. Carlos Soler also plays in a more attacking role but will miss the game due to a suspension.
Mohammed Kudus returned to the starting lineup against Leicester City after serving his five-match suspension which he picked up after an away defeat to Tottenham. He replaced Crysencio Summerville who was benched for this match despite positive recent performances. Lucas Paqueta was also dropped for Edson Alvarez. In their latest matches against Wolves and Bournemouth, Jarrod Bowen started up-front, replacing the injured Michail Antonio. Niklas Fullkrug has made a few appearances since his injury.
West Ham Recent form
Lopetegui is under immense pressure to keep his job, albeit results are gradually improving. Despite West Ham losing 5-2 to Arsenal at home, in which all the goals were scored in the first half, and losing 3-1 away to struggling Leicester City, the Hammers are now unbeaten in their last two matches.
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Their last match was a 1-1 away draw to Bournemouth, who could’ve gone 5th place with a win, and would’ve overtaken Manchester City in the process. The Hammers scored through a Paqueta penalty in the 87th minute, but the Cherries equalised three minutes later through an incredible Enes Ünal free kick. West Ham’s last match at home came a week prior where they beat Wolves 2-1.
West Ham Injuries to consider
Lopetegui has two absences to consider. Carlos Soler is suspended due to picking up five yellow cards before the halfway point in the season. He will be available for their next match away at St. Mary’s where they face Southampton on Boxing Day
The only injury Lopetegui has to consider is that of Michail Antonio, who will be out for the remainder of the season due to being involved in a car crash. There is no return date for him as of yet.
West Ham Predicted Lineup vs Brighton
GK – Fabianski
LB – Coufal
CB – Kilman
CB – Mavropanos
RB – Wan-Bissaka
CM – Soucek
CM – Alvarez
LW – Kudus
CM – Paqueta
RW – Summerville
ST – Bowen