Lopetegui to axe Soucek, two changes due to injury – West Ham United predicted XI v Chelsea
Julen Lopetegui is predicted to make two changes to the West Ham starting line-up when they face Chelsea at the London Stadium on Saturday.
Lopetegui’s side picked up a point thanks to Danny Ings’ last-gasp goal against Fulham last time out and they now face another all-London clash on home turf against Enzo Maresca’s Blues.
With Lucas Paqueta having replaced Tomas Soucek at the break at Craven Cottage last weekend, Lopetegui may elect to drop the Czech international and return Paqueta to the starting XI.
Lucas Paqueta ready to start for West Ham
The Irons were toothless as they went in at half-time trailing Fulham, and an improved second half provided a crucial boost to the side which culminated in a point, even without a direct contribution from the Brazilian whose omission sparked debate.
Soucek has endured a mixed run of form so far this season and whilst it is clear what he adds to the side, the opposition players are likely to have more trouble with Paqueta as Soucek waits in the wings as a threat from the bench.
Emerson has been reported to be a doubt after the left-back missed training ahead of the contest against his former side. He was withdrawn at Fulham with an injury issue.
This could mean another game on the opposite flank for Aaron Wan-Bissaka as Aaron Cresswell misses out, and Vladimir Coufal would slot in at right-back.
Elsewhere, the rest of the XI is likely to begin the contest in East London, with Konstantinos Mavropanos still preferred to summer signing Jean-Clair Todibo, and Crysencio Summerville remaining on the bench.
Michail Antonio on his last chance as a West Ham starter?
Michail Antonio may be in the last chance saloon to score his first league goal of the season, with Niclas Fullkrug an injury doubt and Danny Ings set to remain among the substitutes despite his vital weekend goal.
Antonio was hooked at the interval alongside Soucek at Craven Cottage and could be phased out of the team as the season goes on and Fullkrug adjusts to the style of the Premier League.
Lopetegui’s persistence in starting the Jamaican international this season has raised a few eyebrows, with many expecting Fullkrug to be brought straight in given the money the club spent on him after Euro 2024.
Antonio has the advantage of knowing West Ham inside out, and maintaining an excellent on-pitch understanding with his long-term teammates; however, with so many new faces through the door, this could soon become redundant as he becomes part of the bygone era moving forward.
In other West Ham news, the challenge Tim Steidten has offered Summerville.
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