Nayef Aguerd out with injury, Angelo Ogbonna deputises – West Ham United predicted XI v Newcastle
David Moyes is likely to make three changes to his West Ham United starting lineup when they take on Newcastle United at the London Stadium on Wednesday, 5 April.
The Hammers claimed a vital win over Southampton on Sunday (2 April) thanks to Nayef Aguerd’s first goal for the club, however, there may be some worrying news for Moyes and his men ahead of Wednesday’s game.
According to BBC Sport [4 April], the Moroccan defender will need to be monitored ahead of Wednesday’s game after nursing a niggling hip problem which has brought concern around the club throughout the season.
Also, David Moyes speaking in his press conference ahead of the game confirmed that Gianluca Scamacca will need two weeks of rehabilitation on a knee issue, which will also rule him out.
Lukasz Fabianski returned to the team after his recent facial injury to keep a clean sheet against the Saints, and the Pole is expected to keep his place in goal.
With Newcastle presenting a much bigger threat than Southampton, Moyes may be forced to go with a three-man backline to shore things up, bringing in Angelo Ogbonna for the potentially injured Aguerd, sitting alongside Kurt Zouma and Thilo Kehrer.
Vladimir Coufal and Emerson should form the wing-back positions given the impressive performances in recent weeks for their countries and clubs respectively.
The midfield will surely pick itself with Lucas Paqueta who proved instrumental and “tenacious” in a fabulous defensive performance against Southampton expected to partner Declan Rice in a two-man midfield. Soucek should drop to the bench after yet another poor showing on Sunday only completing 11 of his 21 attempted passes.
Jarrod Bowen was the biggest threat for West Ham United against the Saints despite the lack of goals and assists in his game this season so should keep his place on the right.
Said Benrahma will be expected to start again too, although the returning Maxwel Cornet is surely now pushing for a start after recovering from his calf problem. The Algerian international will need to step his performance levels up a notch with Moyes now possessing options in attack.
January signing Danny Ings has continued to struggle since his move and Moyes must choose between him and Michail Antonio with the latter likely to be considered given his experience in this sort of predicament.