Opinion: Lopetegui’s bold selection could backfire as West Ham XI is confirmed against Fulham
Julen Lopetegui will have a hard time defending his decision to drop Lucas Paqueta if West Ham fail to beat Fulham on Saturday (14 September).
West Ham will aim to rebound from their 3-1 defeat to Manchester City before the international break, but they’ll have to do so without their Brazilian playmaker.
Despite featuring in both of Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers, manager Julen Lopetegui has boldly chosen to bench the 27-year-old.
With Paqueta out of the starting lineup, the Hammers will rely on the attacking trio of Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen, and Michail Antonio, supported by Tomas Soucek.
Soucek, however, had a disappointing international break, performing poorly for Czechia, making Lopetegui’s decision even more surprising.
Paqueta is central to West Ham’s play. Although he has only contributed one goal in the Premier League this season, his impact on the field is undeniable.
Last season, he recorded four goals and six assists, and with Lopetegui’s more attacking approach this year, Paqueta was expected to excel in the starting XI.
Nevertheless, West Ham must face Fulham without him, striving for three points—a feat they haven’t achieved in their last two encounters with Marco Silva’s side.
While Paqueta remains an option from the bench, Lopetegui’s choice to leave him out from the start is a bold one.
It’s a decision that could potentially backfire.
