Lopetegui axes Fullkrug in four changes - West Ham confirmed XI v Liverpool

Julen Lopetegui has made four changes for West Ham United ahead of their clash with Liverpool, with Niclas Fullkrug among those axed.

The Irons announced the lineup via their X account (29 December) with Alphonse Areola replacing the recently injured Fabianski and Paqueta coming in for Tomas Soucek.

Fullkrug drops to the bench with Jarrod Bowen leading the line. Edson Alvarez is in for Rodriguez while Vladimir Coufal will make the back five.

United will be looking to extend their four-game unbeaten run following their Boxing Day victory against Southampton but any hopes will hinge on a much-improved performance.

West Ham need to be at their best against Liverpool

An encounter with Liverpool for any club this season provides a stern test, but even more of one for the Irons who have struggled to maintain a solid level of performance under Lopetegui.

Despite securing three points against Southampton on Boxing Day, the general performance was poor and if that is replicated against the league leaders, it could very much become a cricket score and the Hammers will be aware of that.

Performances have been a concern at the London Stadium all season, even in games in which the Irons have won and that remains the biggest talking point.

Defeat for the Hammers would likely be the expectation but the Irons certainly have the players capable of causing an upset if the basics can be adhered to.

If West Ham can indeed cause an upset, it would be a huge result and would provide the Irons with a remarkable amount of momentum to carry into the new year.

In other West Ham news, the Hammers want to sign this Premier League star.

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