The good news from Graham Potter’s pre-match press conference was the fitness update: Only [Crysenico Summerville](https://www.claretandhugh.info/better-than-summerville-but-it-aint-all-good-news/) and long-termer Antonio are out and the return of Niclas Fullkrug in some capacity is to be expected now after his long layoff.
Potter will no doubt keep a cautious stance on Fullkrug’s re-introduction so we don’t think he’ll be starting: opinions are divided of the likelihood of Evan Ferguson playing q sa a striker from the start _probably being our wishful thinking._
Therefore much as it pains us to suggest it, Potter the pragmatist is likely to go for that 3-5-2 formation without a central striker. The other ‘known unknown’ relates to Lucas Paquetá’s mindset in the midst of his FA hearing. Potter did seem to be upbeat yesterday so we’ll assume- rightly or wrongly – that he is selected.
West Ham United
**Areola : Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell | Wan Bissaka , Soucek, Paquetá , Ward-Prowse, Scarles | Bowen, Kudus**
Fullkrug or Ferguson entering at half time or later if West Ham go behind.
Score predictions:
Martin 1-0 Hammers away win
Gonzo 0 – 0 borefest
Sean 2-1-West Ham away win
Matt 1-0 West Ham win
**_Check back at 6.45 for Graham Potter’s selected team announcement – see it here first- and Gonzo’s player ratings and Martin’s_ _full time-first impressions articles when the game is over_**