Lucas Paqueta decision to be made in three changes – West Ham United predicted XI v Brentford
Lucas Paqueta could be set to return to the West Ham starting lineup for the game against Brentford on Monday (26 February).
The Brazilian international has been out of action for the best part of the past seven weeks after suffering a calf injury in the FA Cup clash against Bristol City on 7 January.
David Moyes revealed in his press conference on Friday (23 February) that the 26-year-old is in contention to face the Bees at the London Stadium after returning to training.
The Hammers boss is predicted to make three changes to his starting lineup against the West London club from the side that lost 2-0 to Nottingham Forest on 17 February at the City Ground.
Alphonse Areola is likely to maintain his place in goal for the Irons ahead of Lukasz Fabianski despite the Frenchman failing to keep a clean sheet in his last five Premier League outings.
After Vladimir Coufal has struggled for form in recent weeks, Ben Johnson is predicted to start ahead of the Czech Republic international, with Moyes eager to nail down the West Ham academy product to a new contract before his deal expires at the end of the season.
Hammers captain Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd haven’t covered themselves in much glory in recent weeks, but they could get one last chance to impress together against Brentford.
Emerson is likely to start at left-back despite also failing to impress recently, with there being a lack of quality options in the fullback position to challenge him at the London Stadium.
Tomas Soucek could return in place of the suspended Kalvin Phillips in midfield, where he is likely to partner Edson Alvarez in a deep-lying role in front of the defence.
James Ward-Prowse is expected to start in a more advanced position, providing him with the opportunity to get forward and involved in the attacks.
Despite struggling to make an impact since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, Mohammed Kudus is likely to line up on the right-hand side of the front three.
With Michail Antonio predicted to drop out of the lineup following his disappointing display against Forest, Paqueta could come into the side on the left, where he is likely to play in a free-roaming role if he gets the nod.
That means Jarrod Bowen may lead the line as Moyes will be tempted to return to a similar lineup that was in great form towards the back end of last year.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have denied what anonymous sources have said about Moyes.
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