David Moyes to axe Tomas Soucek – West Ham United predicted XI v Olympiacos
David Moyes is expected to name a strong West Ham lineup for the Europa League clash with Olympiacos on 9 November after tasting defeat in the reverse fixture where he heavily rotated.
The boss has come under increasing pressure recently as a result of a bad run of form and may view this as an opportunity to get back on track and take revenge for the defeat in Athens.
Rotation will of course be necessary to keep his key players fit and sharp, but the pressure to pick up three points will ensure Moyes names a better side than the rotated one which put an end to their unbeaten European run.
It is expected that the return of both Lucas Paqueta and Edson Alvarez from suspension will allow Moyes to revert to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation rather than the 4-4-2 he played against Brentford.
Alphonse Areola could start in goal as he has for all of the Hammers’ Europa League clashes so far, cementing himself as the number one in East London. In front of him, Emerson Palmieri, Konstantin Mavropanos, Nayef Aguerd and Vladimir Coufal are likely to continue as the back four due to a lack of depth.
Kurt Zouma has a 50/50 chance of playing according to Premier Injuries and is unlikely to be risked too early, with Sunday’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest a more likely return for the captain.
Other than Zouma’s absence, Moyes should have a full squad to pick from going into the clash, which will allow him to name a strong side.
In midfield, Alvarez is predicted to return to the starting lineup after serving his suspension against Brentford, coming in alongside James Ward-Prowse, with Mohammed Kudus in the number ten role rather than the wide position he took up at the weekend.
Tomas Soucek could be preferred to Kudus in the advanced midfield role, but the Ghanaian’s lack of minutes so far this season should mean he is fresh enough to start in this one rather than needing a rest, meaning Soucek could be axed for this game.
Going forward, Said Benrahma could keep his place in the side with Paqueta saved for the weekend’s Premier League clash, while Michail Antonio will be given another shot at redemption as Danny Ings’ performances have not been up to scratch.
Jarrod Bowen should continue on the right-hand side, with his form this season proving crucial for Moyes’ side, and he is the main source of consistent goals at the club with both strikers struggling to find form.
In other West Ham news, Simon Jordan has reacted to the latest David Moyes news.