West Ham’s starting XI against Forest confirmed; Lopetegui experiments with a completely new formation and makes 2 changes.
Julen Lopetegui has named his West Ham United starting XI for this afternoon’s clash with Nottingham Forest.
West Ham travel to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League today, with a win being essential.
If the Hammers secure all three points, Julen Lopetegui and his team will start focusing on the European spots rather than the relegation zone.
Although last weekend’s victory over Manchester United offered some relief, Lopetegui remains under pressure and must show that the win was not just a one-off.
Nottingham Forest, however, are a strong team and will be challenging to overcome.
That said, Lopetegui has a talented squad at his disposal, though Niclas Fullkrug and Mohammed Kudus are unavailable due to injury and suspension, respectively.
A victory today could transform the perception around the club.
Lopetegui has opted for a bold lineup, making two changes from the team that triumphed over Man United 2-1.
As announced on the club’s official X account, the starting XI includes Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Emerson Palmieri, Guido Rodriguez, Edson Alvarez, Lucas Paqueta, Crysencio Summerville, and Jarrod Bowen.
Todibo and Summerville replace Carlos Soler and Michail Antonio.
This lineup is more than capable of going to the City Ground and earning a win, though every player will need to be at their best.
It looks like Lopetegui could be setting up in a flexible 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formation, which highlights his adaptability.
A win might even propel us up to eighth place, depending on other results across the league.
This is a critical moment for Lopetegui and his players to start reshaping the season. COYI (Come on you Irons)!
