West Ham Coufal
West Ham United defender Vladimir Coufal [Credit: Imago]
Harri Burton
Sat 21 December 2024 13:58, UK
Julen Lopetegui has made the right decision to drop Vladimir Coufal as West Ham prepare to face Brighton on Saturday.
The Hammers will welcome the Seagulls to the London Stadium on 21 December, looking to win against the travelling side for the third time in their last three meetings.
With Carlos Soler suspended for too many yellow cards and replaced by striker Niclas Fullkrug, the right-back is the only other change from the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, with Emerson coming back in the lineup [Official X account].
Emerson returning to the starting XI means that Aaron Wan-Bissaka can move back across to his favoured right-hand side and, hopefully, keep Kaoru Mitoma quiet on the flank.
The Japanese international has three goals and two assists in 16 league appearances so far this season and he will be the biggest threat for the visitors on Saturday afternoon.
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Julen Lopetegui spot on to drop Vladimir Coufal for West Ham
Lopetegui will be hoping that his side can hold out for all three points at the London Stadium, having dropped two points at the death against Bournemouth last time out.
History would suggest that absolutely anything could unfold against the Toffees, having not experienced a single goalless draw in their last 17 meetings.
Wan-Bissaka is one of the best 1v1 defenders in the Premier League so it would be incredibly senseless to start Coufal at right-back, a player who has struggled for form so far this season.
At home, with the London Stadium crowd behind them, Lopetegui’s side should be able to claim all three points against Brighton, who have not won in four matches.
All three points would take the Hammers level on points with Manchester United, and while there is still a long way to go, that would alleviate some more pressure on the manager.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have opened discussions to finalise a pre-agreed permanent transfer.
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