Fabianski, Soucek dropped as Lopetegui makes four big changes – Predicted West Ham XI vs Leicester

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Football Today

·2 Desember 2024

Fabianski, Soucek dropped as Lopetegui makes four big changes – Predicted West Ham XI vs Leicester

West Ham United suffered a humiliating 5-2 loss to Arsenal on Saturday at the London Stadium.

The Hammers produced one of their worst performances in front of their home crowd, conceding five goals before the interval.

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Though Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson Palmieri scored and West Ham improved after half-time, it was a very difficult evening overall for the Irons.

The latest defeat means the pressure is back on manager Julen Lopetegui, despite masterminding a brilliant 2-0 success against Newcastle United last Monday.

The Spanish boss will now take his team to the East Midlands as they face Leicester City on Tuesday night.

Predicted West Ham XI vs Leicester City

Lukasz Fabianksi endured a torrid game against Arsenal. The 39-year-old punched Gabriel in the head instead of the ball, conceding a penalty that was converted by Saka.

We believe Lopetegui will demote Fabianski and restore Alphonse Areola between the sticks on Tuesday.

Jean Clair-Toibo picked up a problem during the match against the Gunners, and so he will likely miss the Leicester game.

Konstantinos Mavropanos will partner Max Kilman in central defence, with Wan-Bissaka and Emerson playing on the flanks.

Tomas Soucek struggled to make an impact against Arsenal like the rest of his teammates. We think the Czech Republic international will drop out to make space for Edson Alvarez.

Carlos Soler and Lucas Paqueta were also unconvincing with their displays, but they should keep their first-team berths.

However, Crysencio Summerville is expected to drop down to the bench, with Mohammed Kudus finally available after serving his five-game suspension.

Niclas Fullkrug is close to making full recovery from injury, but Tuesday’s game may come too soon for him. Therefore, Michail Antonio will once again spearhead West Ham’s attack.

West Ham Predicted XI: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Alvarez; Bowen, Soler, Paqueta, Kudus; Antonio