Julen Lopetegui set to axe Lucas Paqueta and Alphonse Areola for West Ham United v Man United

Julen Lopetegui could drop Lucas Paqueta and Alphonse Areola ahead of a Premier League clash between West Ham and Manchester United, according to GiveMeSport.

The online source reported [22 October] that the manager is under pressure to make changes to his starting XI before welcoming Man United to the London Stadium on Sunday 27 October.

Paqueta and Areola are two "high-profile" players who are at risk of being sacrificed, with Lukasz Fabianski likely to take the goalkeeper spot for the league tie.

Julen Lopetegui to drop two big West Ham United stars v Manchester United?

While Paqueta has been criticised for his performances so far this season, Areola being dropped from the starting XI would be a surprise ahead of the heavyweight clash at the London Stadium.

Both sides are struggling, with a win for the Hammers taking them level on points with their opponents, and both managers are under pressure to turn the fortunes around at their respective clubs.

Looking at the history between the two sides, it could be impossible to call which way the result falls at the London Stadium, especially given their form this season.

The hope would be that Paqueta raises his game in such a high-stake game, though the Brazilian has been far from his best so far this campaign, though he has netted twice already.

Lopetegui is under a mountain of pressure at the London Stadium, and understandably, fans are becoming frustrated with the lack of results under the new manager.

Dropping the likes of Paqueta and Areola would certainly raise eyebrows but it could end up just putting more pressure on the manager if things go sour against the Red Devils.

In other West Ham news, one player is surely regretting leaving the Hammers this summer after what happened recently.

For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.