Opinion: Potter to drop midfielder in first move, with three changes – Predicted West Ham XI vs Aston Villa

Graham Potter, who succeeded Julen Lopetegui as West Ham’s manager on Thursday, faces a quick turnaround with less than 24 hours to prepare for his debut match.

However, following Alvarez’s poor performance in the previous match, he is likely to be dropped.

Injuries to Jean-Clair Todibo and Emerson will force Potter to make defensive changes, with Konstantinos Mavropanos and Aaron Cresswell stepping into the backline, while Carlos Soler joins the midfield.

Lopetegui’s tenure ended after a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City, but Potter will focus on tactical adjustments rather than just personnel changes, as the Irons showed promise in attack.

Potter will need to make strategic changes ahead of the Aston Villa match, the same team Lopetegui faced in his first match as manager, which ended in a 2-1 loss.

Potter will be hoping for a more favorable outcome to begin his reign.

The defense is a key area of concern, with Todibo and Emerson’s injuries further complicating matters, placing additional pressure on Max Kilman and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Despite Mavropanos’ poor form and Cresswell’s lack of league starts this season, Potter’s defensive options are limited.

If he decides to field young left-back Ollie Scarles, it would be one of his few choices in defense.

Alvarez’s underperformance against Manchester City means he could be dropped, although Soucek will need to adjust his attacking play, remaining determined despite less freedom.

Soler’s inclusion in midfield will add energy, pairing well with Lucas Paqueta, an aspect that was sorely missing in the City game.

Crysencio Summerville and a potentially reinvigorated Mohammed Kudus could also play key roles on the wings.

Kudus, who had tensions with Lopetegui this season, will likely welcome the change in management.

Similarly, Niclas Fullkrug, who scored a consolation goal against City, will hope the new managerial shift revives his form.

Potter’s fluid style of football is expected to suit Fullkrug’s abilities, and the German striker could experience a transformation under the new regime.

Though it might be too soon to see drastic changes, Potter’s first match against Villa on Friday marks the beginning of a new era for West Ham, signaling the start of the club’s fresh chapter after a tumultuous few months.