Julen Lopetegui to make Edson Alvarez call at West Ham United ahead of clash v Man United
Julen Lopetegui is set to restore Edson Alvarez to the West Ham United starting XI against Manchester United, according to Give Me Sport.
The outlet reported on its website on Wednesday (23 October) that the Hammers boss will drop one of either Guido Rodriguez or Tomas Soucek for the Mexican international against the Red Devils.
Erik ten Hag’s side makes the trip to the London Stadium on Sunday (27 October) as the Hammers look to get back to winning ways having been thrashed 4-1 by Tottenham last time out.
Lopetegui has been concerned by his side’s inability to dictate the tempo of play so far this season and is planning to hand Alvarez a start in a bid to solve that problem.
What has happened to West Ham star Edson Alvarez at the London Stadium?
West Ham and Lopetegui need to find a way to start winning matches. If they don’t, the Hammers risk being dragged into the relegation battle at the foot of the table while Lopetegui runs the risk of losing his job.
While a clash with Manchester United is by no means an easy fixture, in front of the London Stadium crowd it should be a winnable game for the Hammers if they play anywhere near the best of their ability.
Alvarez hasn’t been anywhere near his best so far this term, but the Mexican international has the ability to make things happen. Restoring him to the starting lineup against Manchester United will at least add a bit of bite and passion in the middle of the park.
Rodriguez and Soucek simply cannot play alone together in midfield. While both players have their skills, they are lacking any real pace and that allows them to get overrun as they were against Spurs last time out.
Alvarez is by no means lightning quick, but he is more mobile than the alternative options at Lopetegui’s disposal. This feels like a smart call on the whole.
In other West Ham news, Thomas Frank has been backed to exit Brentford to move to the London Stadium
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