Fullkrug, Potter
(Credit:Imago)
Carla Devine
Sun 25 May 2025 16:57, UK
West Ham are leading Ipswich Town 1-0 at half-time in their final Premier League game of the season, thanks to James Ward-Prowse.
Graham Potter made five changes to his West Ham line-up for the trip to Portman Road, after losing 2-1 against Nottingham Forest last time out.
Niclas Fullkrug was brought in from the start, taking the place of Mohammed Kudus, but his performance in the first half could prompt Potter to make a change.
Mohammed Kudus
Kudus was axed by Potter. (Credit: Imago)
Potter must axe Fullkrug
West Ham have had problems in the final third throughout the season, with Michail Antonio and Fullkrug having been injured for much of the campaign.
Evan Ferguson was brought in during the winter transfer window to refresh the options, but his loan spell has certainly not gone to plan.
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Fullkrug has stepped up for the Hammers since his return from injury, though, and has won the hearts of supporters for speaking out against the woes facing the East London outfit.
His omission from the squad against Forest raised eyebrows once again, with supporters feeling he deserved an opportunity to perform, and Potter gave him that reward against the Tractor Boys.
However, the Germans’ performance so far has been underwhelming.
The 32-year-old has had just two touches in the opposition box, being dispossessed once so far, showing a lack of strength on the ball.
With a zero per cent success rate for dribbles and long balls, too, he is offering little to push his teammates up the pitch.
Fullkrug v Ipswich
Touches in the opposition box 2
Successful dribbles 0%
Successful long balls 0%
Tackles won 0
Duels won 4/8
Fullkrug could be axed.
Fullkrug has won zero tackles so far and lost half of his duels, which surely has to be a clear sign for Potter to axe the striker at half-time.
With Ward-Prowse being the man to make the difference, while Fullkrug struggles to contribute at either end, there is little excuse for the performance.
Ward-Prowse was the difference in the first half. (Credit: Imago)
West Ham must go out on a high
Potter’s time at the London Stadium so far has been disastrous and ahead of the summer transfer window, the Irons need to be in a positive position.
There is already apathy surrounding the manager, but the 50-year-old will have the summer to shape the team the way he wishes.
However, going out on a high would surely help to attract players to West Ham this summer too, with high morale an attraction for those potentially making the move.
With 45 minutes to go and nothing but position to play for in the Premier League, Potter has to push to secure three points.
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