Soungoutou Magassa axed as youngster handed first start – West Ham predicted XI vs Fulham
West Ham are preparing for their clash against Fulham on Saturday.
Fulham will travel to face West Ham at the London Stadium in the hope of securing back-to-back wins for the third time this season.
Nuno Espirito Santo will be keen to halt the Cottagers and get back to winning ways after West Ham lost 3-0 to Manchester City last time around.
Things aren’t looking very positive in E20 right now, with complaints raised after Nuno’s pre-match Fulham press conference was cut short on Tuesday.
The head coach could make changes to his side with the hope of snatching three points from Marco Silva, with Soungoutou Magassa potentially set to be dropped.
Ezra Myers could replace Ollie Scarles vs Fulham
There is likely to be a familiar feel to the Hammers backline in East London, even after conceding three in their last outing.
Alphonse Areola made five saves against the Citizens and is likely to start again, with Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman potentially set to feature ahead of the Frenchman once more.
Kyle Walker-Peters could feature from right-back after his 10 defensive contributions against City, while a change could be made on the left.
Ollie Scarles returned to the bench against Aston Villa, but was ultimately forced off early against Man City after starting at the Etihad.
The 20-year-old maintained a zero per cent dribble success rate and lost five duels, so he could be replaced in the starting XI by Ezra Myers, just as he was on 64 minutes last time out.
The backline could be supported by Freddie Potts and Mateus Fernandes, who should be confident of starting again in claret and blue.
Callum Wilson could start for West Ham vs Fulham
There is a need to go and attack Fulham and make chances, as they are clearly there to be beaten after their eight defeats this season.
Lucas Paqueta could keep his place after creating two chances away to City, with Crysencio Summerville also likely to remain in the starting XI.
Jarrod Bowen could move out to the right after starting upfront last time around, where he missed a huge chance to get the Irons on the board.
The England international always tends to perform better when Callum Wilson is on the pitch, so he could be the man to come in and replace Magassa in the starting XI.
The Frenchman sent just 16 per cent of his passes into the final third at the Etihad, something which may not be useful in a more attacking set-up.
Adding a striker into the side could be wise if the Hammers are to make things happen going forward against the Cottagers.
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