Nuno Espirito Santo axes Lucas Paqueta in tactical tweak – West Ham predicted XI vs Manchester City
West Ham are preparing for a trip to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.
Man City will welcome West Ham to the Etihad Stadium as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side look to get back to winning ways against the title challengers.
Things won’t be easy for the London Stadium outfit after West Ham fell to a 3-2 defeat against Aston Villa last time around.
Jarrod Bowen scored against Villa, but didn’t do enough to secure a victory, despite taking the lead on two occasions in East London.
A trip to face Pep Guardiola’s side awaits the Irons, with a call set to be made over Lucas Paqueta in a potential tactical tweak.
Nuno Espirito Santo could make formation change vs Manchester City
Nuno is coming under pressure of the sack at West Ham after the hugely disappointing defeat at home to Aston Villa.
Alphonse Areola made two saves on the day and was pretty helpless for the goals, and is likely to start once again for the Hammers.
A change could be utilised in front of him with Nuno potentially set to utilise a back three of Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jean-Clair Todibo and the incoming Max Kilman against City.
This trio could be flanked by Aaron Wan-Bissaka after his four defensive contributions last time, and Kyle Walker-Peters may replace the AFCON-bound El Hadji Malick Diouf in claret and blue.
Freddie Potts may keep his place after his assist and seven duel wins against Villa, with Tomas Soucek potentially coming in to join him, with Mateus Fernandes pushing further forward.
Lucas Paqueta could face West Ham axe vs Man City
Paqueta was arguably at fault for Villa’s winner last time as one of his nine misplaced passes sent Morgan Rogers on his way to net a worldie.
The Brazilian only won 25 per cent of his aerial duels and lost every one of his five attempted ground duels, so he deserves to be dropped.
Callum Wilson could come in to replace him in the side up front, with Bowen potentially set to feature as a right-sided forward.
Fernandes could join this duo in more attacking areas and become the engine room of the Hammers against a tough City side that are in electric form.
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