Graham Potter confirms early West Ham team news vs Crystal Palace as key player doubtful
West Ham are preparing to face Crystal Palace at the London Stadium on Saturday.
The Hammers are coming into the fixture off the back of another disappointing 3-0 loss to Tottenham, with pressure growing on them to get a result.
A third goal from Spurs and a red card from Tomas Soucek saw thousands of West Ham fans leave the London Stadium with just 64 minutes on the clock.
The Irons will be hoping to bounce back from their defeat against a Palace side who are unbeaten in ten Premier League games, with Graham Potter’s West Ham job in the balance.
Despite his position in East London potentially being on the line, it has been business as usual for the former Chelsea boss, who has spoken out over the current state of his squad in E20.
Graham Potter shares team news ahead of Crystal Palace clash
Potter could be sacked regardless of the result against the Eagles, with Sean Dyche already being shortlisted for the West Ham managerial role.
After such a heavy defeat to Tottenham, the Hammers will be keen to have a fully fit squad at their disposal.
Niclas Fullkrug was only fit enough to make the bench against the Lilywhites, and Igor Julio was also an unused substitute.
- West Ham have scored just four Premier League goals this season
- They have conceded the most in the league with 11
- Potter’s side have conceded three or more goals in four of their five games so far
Potter gave an update on the state of the squad at his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
He said: “I think Aaron Wan-Bissaka will still be unavailable. He has had an issue with his stomach, so hopefully he’ll be training tomorrow or through the weekend.
“Apart from that, Callum [Wilson] had a full week’s training, so it’s good for him, so has Niclas Fullkrug, so it’s as we were.”
- Read more: What Sean Dyche has already said about West Ham discontent as surprise appointment talks held
Niclas Fullkrug could return to West Ham team vs Crystal Palace
Fullkrug was an unused substitute against Spurs, in a game where the Hammers lacked any attacking outlet.
After picking up an issue while away with his country, it is positive that he has come back early, and he could start against Palace.
The news that Fullkrug has completed a full week’s worth of training is important, with the Irons lacking any focal figure up front against Tottenham.
It will be interesting to see who will start between the German and Wilson, but given that he has gotten the nod for the first few games, it’s expected that Fullkrug will start.
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