Ward-Prowse
(Credit:Imago)
Carla Devine
Thu 22 May 2025 18:47, UK
West Ham travel to Ipswich Town on the final day of the season.
It has been a long campaign for West Ham supporters, who will no doubt feel some relief about the campaign ending.
There is nothing but league position left to play for, but Graham Potter will be eager for his side to go out on a strong note and finish as high in the table as possible, with 14th still on the table.
Although the Hammers lost 2-1 against Nottingham Forest last time out, the side was unchanged from a victory against Manchester United prior to that.
Therefore, Potter may choose not to make any big changes to his side, prioritising continuity and getting a result over giving potential prospects for next season their opportunity now.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Ipswich are a side already relegated and while that may mean the pressure is off them, the West Ham boss has to show exactly what his side can do.
West Ham
Potter wants to finish the season on a high. (Credit: Imago)
Fabianski gets call-up after West Ham snub
As West Ham took to the field for their final home game of the season last weekend, many were surprised to see Lukasz Fabianski having to settle for a place on the bench.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper will leave West Ham upon the expiry of his contract this summer and therefore, it would have been nice for him to get a send-off, given he is still up to the required levels to play in the Premier League.
Player Appearances Goals Conceded Clean Sheets
Alphonse Areola 26 41 5
Lukasz Fabianski 13 20 3
Areola was chosen over Fabianski against Nottingham Forest.
Fabianski has already spoken about his disappointment and this would be an opportunity for Potter to put things right with that relationship.
Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman and Aaron Cresswell could then retain their positions as part of the backline, with Cresswell having the opportunity to put in one last strong display for the Hammers.
Vladimir Coufal and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could then take their places on either side. Wan-Bissaka has been awarded at the London Stadium for his impressive performances this season and he will be essential to the Irons performing at their best.
Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez could then line up in the middle of the park. Rodriguez put in a strong performance against Nottingham Forest, winning the majority of his duels and against a side like Ipswich, you would expect him to put in a strong display.
Ward-Prowse dropped for West Ham
James Ward-Prowse has stepped up for West Ham since his return to the London Stadium from loan in the winter transfer window.
However, against his former loan club, he was completely ineffective, pulled off after 59 minutes.
The 30-year-old had a 20% accuracy for crosses, won just one tackle in the game and one interception [FotMob] on an afternoon where his side needed more from him.
Therefore, he could be dropped from the team, while Jarrod Bowen takes the role sitting behind the front two.
Bowen has been the star for the East London outfit once more this season, scoring the only West Ham goal against Forest and his versatility has served his side well.
Mohammed Kudus is likely to retain his position up top in what could be his last game in Claret and Blue, given he wants to make a move to Liverpool this summer.
He could be joined by Niclas Fullkrug up top, one of the few players who has shown a desire to play for the Hammers of late, who will be eager to add to his five goal contributions this term.
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