Niclas Fullkrug decision made ahead of West Ham v Fulham
Niclas Fullkrug decision made ahead of West Ham v Fulham
Match

Niclas Fullkrug decision made, Alphonse Areola to start - West Ham United predicted XI v Fulham

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Danny Ings is in the running for a surprise start as Julen Lopetegui could make two changes as West Ham face Fulham on Saturday (14 September).

With a final decision still to be made on Niclas Fullkrug's availability after returning with a new injury [WHUFC], and Michail Antonio likely tired from his international exploits, the 32-year-old could start.

The second of the two changes could see Guido Rodriguez given a rest following his disappointing display against Manchester City, with Tomas Soucek coming in to take his place.

Alphonse Areola remains in goal despite West Ham United injury

Alphonse Areola is expected to remain in between the sticks despite his injury against Manchester City, having been away on international duty with France.

Some fans have raised concerns over the Frenchman's series of injuries, though Lopetegui has now confirmed he is fit in time to face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson have experienced a superb start to the campaign, so neither is likely to be sacrificed by Lopetegui, even despite the latter's transfer links to Turkey [Fabrizio Romano].

Max Kilman has been in incredible form since arriving at the London Stadium, with Konstantinos Mavropanos keeping Jean-Clair Todibo out of the lineup, which could continue against the Cottagers.

If Rodriguez is to drop to the bench, Soucek would be expected to line up next to Edson Alvarez. The Czechia international struggled to make the desired impact on international duty but still managed to hit the back of the net in a 3-2 win over Ukraine.

It seems almost impossible to see any one of the indispensable trio of Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen taken out of the team. Crysencio Summerville will have to wait for his chance.

The final spot could very possibly be filled by Ings, earning his first start of the season after being given just five minutes against Aston Villa so far.

In other West Ham news, international media lauded one player after he "finished off what he started" in victory.

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Alphonse Areola
Niclas Fullkrug
West Ham
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