Nuno Espirito Santo rewards Callum Wilson in change of formation – West Ham predicted XI vs Fulham

Callum Wilson could be rewarded by Nuno Espirito Santo in West Ham’s crucial clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.

Having lost 5-2 to Liverpool on Saturday, the Hammers need to bounce back from the defeat at Anfield with a convincing performance against the Cottagers.

Nuno Espirito Santo may have a fairly mixed record versus Fulham, but he’ll need his side to be at the races if they want to escape the relegation zone.

While the match will prove to be tough for the Hammers, Nuno will feel incredibly confident of securing a positive result, and he could recall Callum Wilson in an attacking change.

Nuno's record against Fulham as a manager.
Credit: Imago

Nuno Espirito Santo to recall Callum Wilson in only change vs Fulham

Wilson looked destined to leave West Ham in January, although he has now become a key part of Nuno’s plans.

While Taty Castellanos is favoured up front, the 33-year-old has made a positive impact off the bench in recent weeks.

He could now be in for his first start since the 1-0 FA Cup win over Burton Albion in February, as Nuno will want to take the game to Fulham.

StatWilson
Appearances263
Goals93
Assists24
Seasons in the Premier League11
Wilson’s all-time record in the Premier League

The Hammers can’t afford to drop points, and after playing with three midfielders at Anfield, the Portuguese head coach may look to bring the experienced striker back into the fold.

As a result, Soungoutou Magassa would come out of the side, and returning to a 4-4-1-1 formation could be extremely beneficial.

It would allow Wilson to link up well with Castellanos, and it may mean that the Hammers aren’t as disjointed in attack.

West Ham predicted XI vs Fulham on 4 March.
West Ham predicted XI vs Fulham

The Argentine striker has often been isolated in open play, but Wilson’s introduction would certainly reduce the chance of that happening on Wednesday.

Why West Ham fans should have confidence of beating Fulham

The hosts come into the match having beaten Sunderland and Tottenham in their last two games.

However, Marco Silva’s side haven’t won three consecutive league games this campaign, and that could give Nuno an inkling of hope that his West Ham team have enough to secure a much-needed three points.

In the reverse fixture at the London Stadium, the Hammers had the majority of the clear-cut chances, but they fell to a 1-0 loss thanks to Raul Jimenez’s late winner.

However, West Ham are a much-improved side since that meeting, and the likes of Castellanos, Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville have been firing on all cylinders.

Given that Fulham has been inconsistent all season long, the introduction of Wilson could benefit the rest of the team, and it might spur them on to an unlikely win.

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