Whether Graham Potter will stick with the more attacking formation he deployed against [‘Forest](https://www.claretandhugh.info/nottingham-forest-west-ham-united-final-whistle-first-impressions/) when the Hammers take on Tottenham at the weekend is far from certain. West Ham’s manager must be in something of a dilemma, because he’s proved himself to be cautious in the extreme and it would be very like his last-season frustrating performances to switch back to a 5-3-2 deployment.
Despite all the evidence showing him that the team played better in the less defensive set up at Nottingham. Adventurous, Potter is not. Which means his ‘teachers pet’ James Ward Prowse will more than likely continue to be the first name on the team sheet, despite evidence that the midfielder is in need of taking out of the West Ham starting eleven.
[Givemesport.com](https://www.givemesport.com/west-ham-united-latest-news-james-ward-prowse-shouldnt-start-summer-window-london-stadium/)‘s latest piece today confirms what most Hammers fans would concur with: ” _Get Rid: £115,000-a-Week West Ham Star Shouldn’t be Starting After Summer Window”_
Remember, latest recruit defensive midfielder **Soungoutou Magassa** is waiting in the wings for his debut. The article pulls no punches:”_West Ham United head coach Graham Potter needs to ditch James Ward-Prowse from the starting line-up and bring summer acquisition Soungoutou Magassa straight into his preferred side if he wants to enjoy a memorable first full season in the London Stadium dugout instead of contending with a relegation battle.”_
Ward-Prowse hasn’t scored a direct free kick in years. It is a myth, now, at 30, that his set piece skill is an asset. His lack of running and inability to pick a pass forwards is handicapping Potter’s West Ham:
_“A central midfield pairing of Ward-Prowse and Tomas Soucek simply does not work as it allows opponents to get on the front foot and constantly cause problems for the backline and, with a fixture against Tottenham on the horizon this weekend, Potter needs to bring Magassa in from the off.”_
Time to celebrate the odd Hammers’ success in the summer transfer window and move on from last season: Magassa, Soucek (_or Potts, preferably- but Potter couldn’t be that adventurous_..) and Fernandes in a new-look midfield, please.