Graham Potter makes ‘surprising’ change — West Ham confirmed XI v Palace
Graham Potter has made one change to the starting lineup as West Ham United face Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
The Hammers have confirmed their lineup on their official X account (18 January) as they face the Eagles at home on Saturday, with Aaron Cresswell replacing Carlos Soler.
Potter has opted for one change after beating the Cottagers 3-2 at the London Stadium on Tuesday (14 January).
The East London club are 13th in the league table and could move up a few spots if results elsewhere go their way.
Graham Potter surprises with Carlos Soler West Ham United decision v Crystal Palace
Lukasz Fabianski has been a renewed player this season after putting in some impressive performances over the last few weeks.
The Irons’ backline picks itself, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Max Kilman and Emerson being the best options available to the English manager, but Cresswell has also joined them.
In the middle of the park, Edson Alvarez showed glimpses of his former self against Fulham, but Guido Rodriguez struggled once again, making his inclusion baffling.
Since Potter’s arrival, Soler has looked like a new signing at West Ham, and it’s surprising to see him being dropped to the bench.
Tomas Soucek has returned to the starting lineup after losing his place at the start of the season and will undoubtedly be key again due to his aerial threat in the final third.
Lucas Paqueta thrived as a number nine in the previous fixture, and the London Stadium faithful will hope the Brazilian can replicate that magic against Oliver Glasner’s team.
With the former Brighton manager at the helm, there’s renewed aspiration among the fanbase of a fruitful end to the campaign after a bitter start.
The Hammers have some challenging games coming up with Aston Villa, Chelsea, Brentford and Arsenal, making the need for a victory against Palace even more critical.
In other West Ham news, Potter has been told to make a Sir Alex Ferguson-type change.
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