West Ham v Southampton
Fullkrug could find himself dropped against Southampton (Credit: Imago)
Carla Devine
Tue 24 December 2024 12:10, UK
Julen Lopetegui could make four changes to his West Ham starting line-up for their clash against Southampton on Boxing Day.
The Spaniard is predicted to drop Niclas Fullkrug from his starting line-up after he was substituted off at half-time in the 1-1 draw with Brighton.
Lucas Paqueta will miss this game through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card.
Meanwhile, Emerson and Konstantinos Mavropanos delivered below-par defensive performances for their side at the weekend.
This means that Jean-Clair Tobido, Vladimir Coufal, Carlos Soler and Crysencio Summerville could all make their way into the starting XI for the clash on Thursday [26 December].
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Julen Lopetegui to drop Konstantinos Mavropanos for West Ham v Southampton
Lukasz Fabianski is expected to remain between the sticks with a good opportunity to gain a third clean sheet of the season against Southampton.
The back line may see two changes with Todibo and Coufal coming in for Mavropanos and Emerson. Both players were substituted off at the weekend with the manager taking the Greek international off at half-time.
Lopetegui will be keen to make sure his defensive line is secure as Southampton are a side with attacking ability.
Edson Alvarez and Tomas Soucek will likely retain their places in the hope that they can run the game from the middle of the field.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen will no doubt be in there as they’ve continued to show their qualities in Claret and Blue this season. With transfer links surrounding Kudus going into the January transfer window, the Hamers will be hoping to enjoy him for a while longer.
After picking up a yellow card at the weekend, Paqueta will be suspended for the game which could give Summerville a chance to come into the side and impress. The 23-year-old has not had the start to life he would’ve wanted in East London but against the Saints, this is a good opportunity to show what he can do.
Finally, Fullkrug could be out with Soler replacing him in the side as Bowen pushes up to take the striker position in this game.
With Lopetegui still looking to secure support at The London Stadium, Thursday’s game is an excellent chance for the Irons to get a solid win.
In other West Ham news, one played was labelled “absolutely brilliant” on Sky Sports after what he did against Brighton.
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