Early West Ham predicted XI vs Tottenham: Deadline day signing makes debut, Callum Wilson starts
West Ham United are looking to secure a rare home win as they host London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
West Ham thrashed Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the City Ground to get their season up and running after a horrendous start, moving them off the bottom of the Premier League table.
The pressure on Graham Potter had been intensifying since the season opener at Sunderland, but the win at Forest relieved some of the pressure ahead of a tricky spell, which includes Spurs and Arsenal.
West Ham’s last home game saw Chelsea run out 5-1 winners, and Potter will be hoping for a much better performance against Tottenham on Saturday evening.
Igor Julio could start with two changes from Nottingham Forest win
Igor Julio joined West Ham on deadline day from Brighton, in a deal that caused a ripple effect across the Premier League due to Liverpool’s deal for Marc Guehi.
Julio was a much-needed signing for the Hammers, given how leaky their defence had been before the win at Forest, and could be in line to make his West Ham debut against their long-term rivals.
West Ham’s current injury list:
- Luis Guilherme – Collarbone
- George Earthy – Knock
- Crysencio Summerville – Hamstring
- Niclas Fullkrug – Calf
Konstantinos Mavropanos is likely to be the man to drop out of the lineup at his expense, with Max Kilman set to partner the Brazilian in a four at the back formation.
Callum Wilson is also set to make his first start as a West Ham player after arriving from Newcastle United in the summer, with Niclas Fullkrug out with a calf injury.
Callum Wilson can make striker position his own
Wilson’s goal at the City Ground will be crucial for his confidence ahead of what looks to be his first start of the season.
The striker has been used in a bit-part role since arriving in the summer, with Fullkrug being the preferred choice, but with the German now sidelined, Wilson has an opportunity prove himself to Potter.
Wilson brings a different element to the West Ham frontline in terms of all-around play, and if he can get firing at the London Stadium, he could be the key to West Ham’s survival.
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