Vladimir Coufal 50:50 as eight David Moyes changes expected – West Ham United predicted XI v Everton
David Moyes is expected to make plenty of changes to the West Ham side that fell to a 2-1 defeat to Olympiacos in Athens as he prepares to face Everton in the Premier League on 29 October.
A rotated side was sent out in Greece, but none of the players on the pitch turned in a strong enough performance to turn the boss’ head and convince him they are good enough for a place in his first team, so eight changes are on the cards.
Konstantinos Mavropanos had been the most likely to make a push for a regular starting place due to the drop in form of Nayef Aguerd, but an average display against Olympiacos is unlikely to have turned heads.
The main headline for the game is that Emerson Palmieri will not be available for the Hammers after accumulating five yellow cards already this season, and he has been delivered a one-game suspension. This could see Aaron Cresswell slot back in for his first Premier League start so far this season upon his return from injury.
The only other possible absentee according to injury expert Ben Dinnery via Premier Injuries is Vladimir Coufal, who is experiencing muscular tightness which saw him miss out against Olympiacos. Dinnery claims the defender has a 50% possibility of playing, but the week’s rest should be enough to see him return.
In between the two full-backs, Moyes is expected to return to his first-choice duo of Aguerd and Kurt Zouma. Angelo Ogbonna essentially ruled himself out of contention with an awful display, while Mavropanos has not done enough to impress his boss yet.
In midfield, both James Ward-Prowse and Thomas Soucek should keep their places despite struggling to impact the game on Thursday, with their games crucial to how Moyes sets up. Edson Alvarez should return alongside them.
Mohammed Kudus was given another European start against Olympiacos but failed to meet expectations, and he was taken off after 72 minutes after losing possession ten times, winning just four of 11 duels, and completing just one of three attempted dribbles in an abject performance. [Sofascore]
As a result, the usual front three of Lucas Paqueta, Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen are expected to start against Everton. The former’s thunderous volley was the highlight of West Ham’s disappointing trip to Athens.
In other West Ham news, a journalist has laid into David Moyes and his side.