By Conor Hogan
**West Ham play Leeds tonight, and after Monday’s atrocity at London Stadium, the right team selection is crucial for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side.**
Since the Julen Lopetegui era began in 2024, West Ham have looked hapless in midfield, as opposition teams have cut through the Hammers with ease.
Tonight, the right midfield selection could be the difference between a crucial three points or the Hammers’ seventh loss in nine league games this season. This is what I believe would be the Hammer’s strongest midfield tonight:
#6 – Freddie Potts:
Potts has impressed in his cameo appearances under Nuno and should be offerred his first league start tonight. Sitting just in front of the back four, Potts is collected on the ball, precise in the challenge and was surprisingly effective in the air against Everton. A reliable holding midfielder would offer defensive structure to an overexposed Hammers side.
#8 – Tomáš Souček:
Might be unpopular, but this is a big game and he is a big game player. With Potts behind him, Souček will have the freedom to do what he does best: be an effective box to box threat. In the absence of Konstantinos Mavropanos, the Czech skipper’s aerial prowess will also be defensively crucial.
#10 – Lucas Paquetá:
Well if the Souček pick was unpopular… The flamboyant Brazilian has been heavily criticised for sub-par performances in recent weeks. But West Ham are struggling to create chances, and Paquetá is the Irons’ most creative player. If he loses the ball further up the pitch, he will have Potts as cover to help pick up the pieces.
If Paquetá is struggling, Matheus Fernandes is ready to replace him in the 10. Likewise, Soungoutou Magassa is available to come on for Potts or Souček. Let’s hope we don’t have to see Guido Rodriguez or Andy Irving enter the Elland Road pitch tonight.