View: Lopetegui to Drop Midfielder and Make Two Changes – Predicted West Ham XI vs. Chelsea
Julen Lopetegui Expected to Alter West Ham’s Starting XI for Saturday’s Clash with Chelsea at the London Stadium
Lopetegui’s team secured a valuable point with Danny Ings’ last-minute goal against Fulham, and now face another London derby at home against Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea.
With Lucas Paqueta having come on for Tomas Soucek at halftime in the match against Fulham, Lopetegui might opt to drop Soucek and reinstate Paqueta to the starting lineup.
Paqueta’s potential inclusion could be pivotal for West Ham, especially since they struggled in the first half against Fulham and only improved after Paqueta’s substitution, which led to a crucial point.
This has sparked debate over the Brazilian’s role, especially given Soucek’s inconsistent form this season.
While Soucek adds value to the team, Paqueta might be more troublesome for the opposition, with Soucek available as an option from the bench.
Emerson, who missed training ahead of the clash against his former team, is a doubt due to the injury that saw him withdrawn during the Fulham game.
This could lead to Aaron Wan-Bissaka playing on the left flank with Aaron Cresswell unavailable, and Vladimir Coufal taking the right-back position.
The rest of the starting XI is expected to remain unchanged for the East London fixture.
Konstantinos Mavropanos is likely to be preferred over summer signing Jean-Clair Todibo, and Crysencio Summerville is expected to stay on the bench.
Michail Antonio might be facing his last opportunity to score his first league goal of the season.
With Niclas Fullkrug uncertain due to injury and Danny Ings likely to remain as a substitute despite his crucial goal, Antonio’s place in the team could be under threat.
He was substituted at halftime alongside Soucek against Fulham and might be phased out as Fullkrug adapts to the Premier League.
Lopetegui’s continued faith in Antonio has drawn some criticism, especially with the significant investment in Fullkrug following Euro 2024.
Although Antonio has a deep understanding of West Ham and a strong rapport with his long-term teammates, his position could become less secure as the club integrates new players and evolves.
