Graeme Bailey urges David Moyes to make big change as West Ham United face Everton in Premier League
Journalist Graeme Bailey has urged David Moyes to start Mohammed Kudus against Everton and says he is annoyed West Ham are not firm favourites for Sunday’s (29 October) contest.
West Ham head into the match at London Stadium looking to recover from back-to-back defeats in all competitions, and three defeats from their past five games in the Premier League.
Big-money summer arrival Kudus has been slowly eased into the side since arriving from Ajax, but 90min reporter Bailey wants to see him handed a full league debut against Everton, which supporters have been calling for.
Speaking on The PreMatch Podcast [27 October, 29m 20s], Bailey said: “They need to change it. Kudus needs to start up front – the fans are calling for that.
“I said when West Ham were flying high that they’re probably a mid-table team. Everton could do with a draw here and they could possibly get one.
“What annoys me about West Ham and Moyes is that we should not be debating whether West Ham could beat Everton when you have a team with Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus.”
Do the right thing
If it is a debate between whether to start Michail Antonio or Kudus, then this really is a no-brainer for Moyes.
Kudus is a versatile forward, but it makes sense for him to play on the right of attacking midfield – as he did against Olympiacos in midweek – which in turn will allow Bowen to play as a centre-forward.
A rotating front four, if you will, of Kudus, Bowen, James Ward-Prowse and Paqueta really is among the best in the Premier League, and should comfortably see off Everton.
But after some disappointing results of late, United simply need to get the job done by any means against a poor Everton side in order to rebuild some momentum.
If Moyes opts to go with Antonio up top and Kudus on the bench, though, and West Ham fail to pick up the victory, then the Scotsman can have few complaints if supporters turn on him at full-time.
In other West Ham news, the takeover picture at the London Stadium has become clearer after an update from Adam Crafton.