Nayef Aguerd and Kalvin Phillips axed – Predicted West Ham United XI v Freiburg
David Moyes is set to make some changes to his West Ham United starting lineup to take on Freiburg in the Europa League on Thursday.
The Hammers suffered a shock 1-0 defeat in Germany in the first leg last week, before coming from 2-0 down to earn a draw with Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
But Moyes knows he is under pressure currently after poor form in 2024 and will surely look to make changes to his team to ensure a positive result in what is set to be a difficult game.
West Ham United have to drop Nayef Aguerd
Lukasz Fabianski has been the cup goalkeeper this season and hasn’t done anything worth losing his spot, so the veteran should start between the sticks.
In defence Vladimir Coufal should get the nod at right-back after some good form and captain Kurt Zouma should return to the side after missing the weekend clash with Burnley. Moyes has some decisions to make however as to who will partner him.
Dinos Mavropanos netted an own goal but Nayef Aguerd has really struggled this season after a fairly successful debut season, and the £30m+ Moroccan seems more likely to not have a long-term future at the club considering recent interest from Saudi Arabia.
Left-back Emerson also suffered an injury against Burnley and is highly likely to miss the game, meaning Aaron Cresswell should come into the side.
Kalvin Phillips has been a disaster for West Ham so far
In midfield Kalvin Phillips is sure to drop out of the side having been a disastrous loan signing since arriving in January where he was made the highest-paid player at the club, and he has started to affect the performance of those around him.
Edson Alvarez should come back into the team to offer energy and defensive stability alongside him, while James Ward-Prowse should drop into his slightly deeper role.
Ahead of him Tomas Soucek should get the nod to offer a goal threat, with the new first-choice front three of Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen leading the line.
In other West Ham news, Alan Pardew drops ‘Moyes Out’ verdict live on talkSPORT.
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