Kudus axed in two Potter changes – West Ham predicted XI v Newcastle
Graham Potter could make three changes to his West Ham side to face Newcastle United on Monday with Mohammed Kudus potentially set to miss out.
The Hammers are set to return to Premier League action 11 days after securing an easy 2-0 win against Leicester City at the London Stadium.
An early Tomas Soucek strike and a Jannik Vestergaard own goal were enough to dispatch the Foxes despite a largely quiet second half for both sides.
Now the Magpies are set to travel to East London with the Irons potentially set to make changes to help make it three wins from three.
Kudus axed for West Ham v Newcastle
There has been plenty of chopping and changing in between the sticks in E20 this season but Alphonse Areola looks likely to now keep his place after back to back clean sheets.
Ahead of the Frenchman, Potter could look to maintain consistency in a back five which has been so effective in recent weeks.
This could see Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Ollie Scarles start as wing-backs once again with Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman and Aaron Cresswell potentially set to line up together once again.
Moving into midfield, one change could be utilised to add some creativity to the Hammers’ midfield against difficult opposition.
This could see Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez start and be joined by Carlos Soler as opposed to James Ward-Prowse who has started the last two outings.
The forward pairing could also feature a change as Potter may be set to give Evan Ferguson a first Irons start after three substitute appearances.
Alongside the Republic of Ireland international, Jarrod Bowen could be set to start again after being robbed of a goal against Leicester last time out.
West Ham hopeful of win v Newcastle
The East London outfit have hit a positive run of form under Potter and will be keen to maintain that against Newcastle.
The Magpies are set to be without Anthony Gordon after his red card against Brighton in the FA Cup and that will only come as a boost.
This could see the Hammers’ back five thrive once again after keeping two clean sheets in back to back games.
As positive as this has been, the Irons will be hoping for a better performance from his forward players, which is why dropping Kudus could make sense.
| Stat (Premier League 24/25) | Mohammed Kudus |
| Appearances | 22 |
| Goal involvements | 4 |
| Dispossessed | 68 |
| Duels won (%) | 41.8 |
| Dribble success (%) | 48.5 |
The Ghana international has struggled in recent weeks and potentially stint as a substitute option could help him to reach his best level.
It will be interesting to see what squad decisions are made by Potter ahead of the game at the London Stadium and who gets the nod up top.