Lucas Paqueta has chance to shine for West Ham as key Liverpool player ruled out
West Ham United have had it rough at times throughout the 2024/25 season.
While the Hammers are slowly making their way back up the Premier League table after a recent upturn in form, it still feels like they could be doing a lot better.
While all the blame can’t be placed upon the head of Julen Lopetegui, a lot of West Ham’s shortcomings this term have been down to the decisions that the Spaniard has made.
Their next Premier League game is set to come against Liverpool and, as we all know, they’ve been in rather impressive form across all competitions thus far.
However, now that Dominik Szoboszlai is set to miss the game due to suspension, it feels like Lucas Paqueta has been handed a chance to shine.
The Brazilian has been in topsy-turvy form this season but as he now doesn’t have to face off with the Hungary international, he could be given a bit of leeway in the centre of the park.
Lucas Paqueta can shine for West Ham United v Liverpool
While the Brazilian may not have refound the form that he showed last season, it’s evident that there’s still a more than solid player within him.
His attacking prowess alongside his keen eye for a pass in the final third are just two areas of his skillset that could prove beneficial to the Hammers in their game against the league leaders on 29 December.
The former Manchester City target was one of West Ham’s best players last season and, if he can prove that he still has just three-quarters of that form within him, his contribution to the London Stadium outfit could do wonders.
Of course, there’s no hiding from the fact that facing Arne Slot’s men will be one of the hardest challenges they’ll have faced this season.
But if West Ham can somehow sneak in with the opening goal, their home crowd could get behind them and perhaps spur them on to a massive upset.
There is no question that being without key man Szoboszlai is a huge blow for Liverpool and a massive boost for West Ham.
However, it is now down to the Irons players – Paqueta especially – to take full advantage of that at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, Lopetegui’s side are considering a move for a Championship midfielder after a new contract development.
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