Julen Lopetegui to make Tomas Soucek call for West Ham United showdown v Everton
Julen Lopetegui is expected to restore Tomas Soucek to the West Ham United starting XI for the clash with Everton, according to Give Me Sport.
The outlet reported via its website on Wednesday (6 November) that the Czech international has fully recovered from the virus that ruled him out of the disappointing 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Nottingham Forest last time out.
Lopetegui’s side will be without the suspended Edson Alvarez when they face the Toffees on Saturday (9 November) and Soucek is expected to be the man to replace the Mexican international in the middle of the park.
What has happened to West Ham star Tomas Soucek at the London Stadium?
While the entire Hammers team have flattered to deceive under the management of Lopetegui so far this term, the biggest problem area for the new West Ham boss has been the middle of the park.
Week in and week out, the Irons are overrun in the middle of the pitch. The likes of Guido Rodriguez, Alvarez and Carlos Soler have all looked off of the pace and far too slow to make a real impact in the top flight this season.
Although Soucek is by no means electrically quick, he has been in the Premier League long enough to know what is required of him in the middle of the park. He is probably the most consistent midfielder at Lopetegui’s disposal, even if that is not really saying much.
With Alvarez suspended, the former Real Madrid manager almost has no choice but to turn back to the Czech international, but that decision could well be what saves his job at the London Stadium.
The Hammers need a win to get their season back up and running after an appalling start under their new manager, but Lopetegui could well be waiting for his P45 if more points are dropped against Sean Dyche’s side.
In other West Ham news, Howard Webb has admitted to an “error” amid the latest Manchester United controversy.
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