Lopetegui axes Soler in three changes – West Ham United confirmed XI v Man City
Julen Lopetegui has axed Carlos Soler among three changes to his West Ham United line up to face Manchester City.
The Hammers suffered a crushing 5-0 loss against Liverpool at the London Stadium on Sunday (29 December) and now face the daunting task of travelling to the reigning English champions.
West Ham announced the lineup via their X account (4 January), with Tomas Soucek returning to the side in place of Soler and Jean-Clair Todibo replacing Konstantinos Mavropanos.
Jarrod Bowen is, of course, absent from the starting lineup after news emerged he will be sidelined for months, with Crysencio Summerville coming in as his replacement.
Julen Lopetegui faces his latest pivotal test at West Ham United
The result of the clash at the Etihad may well decide if Lopetegui continues at West Ham.
According to talkSPORT (30 December), the Irons will reassess the Spaniard’s future following the matches against Manchester City and the FA Cup third-round tie against Aston Villa.
Lopetegui survived his latest test in East London after picking up eight points from 12 available, but is back in the firing line after the humiliating defeat against Liverpool.
However, Manchester City are enduring their worst spell of form under Pep Guardiola and are vulnerable heading into the game at the Etihad.
Guardiola has won only twice in his last 10 appearances across all competitions, offering a slither of hope to Lopetegui that his side could leave Manchester with a result.
Should West Ham flip the script at the Etihad, Lopetegui will have no pressure heading into the FA Cup clash, but should he suffer an identical result to the one against Liverpool, he may very well lose his job.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are involved in a significant transfer development as Arsenal watch on.
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