Bowen and Earthy to start – West Ham predicted XI v Grasshopper
West Ham are preparing to kick-start their pre-season preparations against Grasshopper on Saturday.
The Hammers are hoping for a much better campaign than last time out as Graham Potter prepares for his first summer in charge at the London Stadium.
This is set to begin with a clash against the Swiss outfit at the GC/Campus on 19 July in the first of five friendlies for the claret and blue outfit.
The Irons’ head coach will be keen to get a good look at his squad, something which could see a number of young talents feature from the start in Neiderhasli.
George Earthy to start v Grasshopper
As it stands, there is generally a lack of options across the back line for the East London outfit to choose from to begin pre-season.
This is likely to see Wes Foderingham start in net with Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo featuring ahead of the English keeper.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Ollie Scarles could be in line to flank the centre-backs, with fresh competition coming in from new signing El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Ahead of the backline, Potter could utilise a midfield two of the returning loanee Freddie Potts and the more experienced James Ward-Prowse.
The 21-year-old spent last season at Portsmouth and performed at a top level in the Championship, and could be set to begin pre-season with a start.
| Stat | Freddie Potts | George Earthy |
| Appearances | 38 | 40 |
| Goals | 1 | 3 |
| Assists | 4 | 1 |
This could be mirrored by Earthy, who was also out on a temporary deal last season, shining in a Bristol City side which made it to the play-offs.
The England under-20 international could feature in a youthful starting midfield, offset by the qualities of the ex-Southampton man.
Crysencio Summerville could make West Ham return
It has been a long time coming, but Potter could finally look to get the best out of the man signed from Leeds United for £25million last summer.
The Dutchman hasn’t featured since early January and could finally make his return for the Hammers against Grasshopper to begin pre-season.
This could see the 23-year-old be joined by Jarrod Bowen on the opposite flank for West Ham, ahead of his seventh campaign in East London.
The E20 duo could look to link up with another youngster in Callum Marshall after his return from a 10-goal loan at Huddersfield Town last year.
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