David Moyes to axe Nayef Aguerd amid two changes – West Ham United predicted XI v Wolves
David Moyes stuck with a strong team as West Ham beat Freiburg 2-0 to top their Europa League group after the disappointment of a 5-0 defeat to Fulham, as the players looked to find some form again.
Topping their Europa League group was the perfect way to reset after a humiliating defeat at Craven Cottage, and a solid 2-0 win proved an ideal result with a clean sheet and a comfortable performance.
That win in Europe gave the players an opportunity to prove they are prepared to start and win games for Moyes, with several staking a claim to remain in the Premier League first-choice team.
Alphonse Areola looks set to come back into the side as the first-choice shot-stopper, having missed the last three games through injury. While Lukasz Fabianski was given a shot at redemption against Freiburg, he should drop to the bench this weekend.
Three of the back four remain in Emerson Palmieri, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Vladimir Coufal, while captain Kurt Zouma could come back in to replace Nayef Aguerd.
Mavropanos proved he is worthy of a starting place through his impressive display in Europe, leaving a choice between Zouma and Aguerd, but the former was rested against Freiburg and should be reinstated as a leader in the clash with Wolves on 17 December.
In midfield, meanwhile, the trio of Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Thomas Soucek should all retain their places, with Alvarez in particular making his presence known with a goal after he missed the Fulham defeat through illness. He was taken off with a dead leg v Freiburg but hopes are high he will return.
Despite the goal, his ability to break up play was made clear by a 100% aerial duel success rate, one clearance, one block, an interception and two tackles, as well as an assist in the 2-0 victory in Europe. [Sofascore]
The front three once again writes itself. Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus reminded fans of what they can do when they’re on form as the latter found the back of the net once more in Europe, despite two disappointing displays against Fulham.
Jarrod Bowen continues up front in the absence of Michail Antonio, who remains ruled out of the Premier League clash [Premier Injuries]. Moyes is keen to continue with that particular experiment and Bowen will hope to keep up his impressive scoring record in the league.
In other West Ham news, a TNT Sport pundit was stunned by a moment v Freiburg.