Lopetegui to axe Rodriguez to save his job – West Ham predicted XI v Newcastle
Julen Lopetegui could drop Guido Rodriguez and two other West Ham United regulars when his side travel to Newcastle United on 25 November.
The Hammers return to domestic action following a 0-0 draw with Everton before the international break, with Lopetegui expected to drop Paqueta to the bench, alongside Guido Rodriguez and Michail Antonio.
Amid a switch-up in formation to a 4-3-3 – in a bid to match Newcastle’s energy in midfield – Danny Ings and Carlos Soler could be given rare Premier League starts, with Edson Alvarez also returning in midfield.
Lopetegui’s slow start to life at the London Stadium has seen the Spaniard come under increasing pressure, with Monday’s match at St. James’ Park potentially decisive for his future prospects [David Ornstein, 12 November].
Julen Lopetegui to overhaul West Ham midfield v Newcastle
The Irons’ 0-0 draw with Everton was one of the lowest-quality Premier League games in recent memory, and it’s clear that changes are needed at the heart of the team to turn their poor results around.
Lukasz Fabianski’s return to the side in place of Alphonse Areola resulted in a clean sheet, and it’s likely that he – along with the rest of Lopetegui’s preferred defensive quartet – will retain his place at the back.
Ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman and Emerson though, change aplenty is needed, with Rodriguez highlighted as the player who embodies their dysfunctional midfield.
Tomas Soucek hasn’t been immune to criticism in the engine room either, but with Edson Alvarez returning from suspension, the two will provide a much more solid base than the immobile Rodriguez.
Paqueta was another player who massively underwhelmed against Everton, and with Soler yet to really impress amid fleeting substitute appearances, swapping the pair over is certainly worth the gamble.
Further changes could even be required in midfield to match the likes of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali for Newcastle, but Lopetegui has so far been hesitant to make wholesale alterations.
Much of the Hammers’ pace has come from the flanks this season, and with Mohammed Kudus’ ban being extended, Crysencio Summerville and skipper Jarrod Bowen will continue out wide.
Bowen’s sharp-shooting for club and country has been sorely needed this term amid Michail Antonio’s loss of form, and given the late impact made by Danny Ings against Everton, it’s surely time for one veteran to replace another in an underperforming Irons frontline.
In other West Ham news, one player is tipped to overcome international disappointment and seal an exit from the London Stadium.
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