Graham Potter ‘makes Soucek error’ — West Ham confirmed XI v Leicester
Graham Potter has confirmed the West Ham United starting lineup to face Leicester City in the Premier League.
The Hammers host Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team at the London Satdium on Thursday (27 February) in what could be a crutch fixture for the Foxes.
Van Nistelrooy has lost 10 of his last 11 games in charge at the East Midlands outfit, leading to questions around his future.
Potter has started slowly at the Irons since replacing Julen Lopetegui, but beating Arsenal 1-0 at the Emirates on Saturday (22 February) could be the turning point
Potter makes Tomas Soucek error in West Ham v Leicester
Potter has made no changes to his starting lineup as the East London club face Leicester at home.
The Hammers confirmed their team on X (27 February) as Alphonse Areola, who has been the first choice under the English manager, continues in between the sticks for the Hammers.
It also means that the backline, midfield and forward line remain the same after their triumph over Arsenal.
The English manager could have arguably replaced Tomas Soucek with Carlos Soler in the lineup after the Czech star’s underwhelming display at the Emirates.
<p>Your unchanged Hammers ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/sN2VXt5bDn
— West Ham United (@WestHam) February 27, 2025
London Stadium want Potter to build winning run
The London Stadium faithful were excited that Potter got the job after Lopetegui’s sacking, but the former Chelsea boss is yet to convince many fans.
In the seven games that the English manager has taken charge of the Irons, they have won just twice, which is an underwhelming record.
While the Hammers aren’t under any realistic threat of going down to the Championship, their position in the league table is concerning.
European football was expected at the London Stadium, but ot doesn’t look like Potter will be able to achieve that this season.
| Premier League table | Points |
| 16. West Ham | 30 |
| 17. Wolves | 22 |
| 18. Ipswich Town | 17 |
| 19. Leicester | 17 |
| 20. Southampton | 9 |
What the English manager should do now is end the season on a high note and build on from that.
If the fans aren’t able to see many changes until the summer, the former Brighton boss could face questions about his future.
While David Sullivan didn’t reinforce Potter’s squad adequately in the winter window, the current squad is arguably good enough to challenge for a top-10 spot.
Potter needs to bring the best out of his players consistently, and Leicester will be a big test for him.