Tomas Soucek axed as Nuno Espirito Santo makes controversial call – West Ham predicted XI vs Brighton
West Ham are set for a trip to face Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday.
Brighton will play host to West Ham as both sides look to get back to winning ways after missing out on victory in mid-week.
The Seagulls lost 4-3 against Aston Villa while West Ham snatched a point against Manchester United after a late Soungoutou Magassa goal.
Nuno Espirito Santo made bold calls against Man United and could be set to do so again ahead of a journey down to the south coast.
Nuno could make a call to drop Tomas Soucek after a frustrating showing at Old Trafford, while potentially making a controversial change to his side.
Nuno Espirito Santo could go largely unchanged vs Brighton
West Ham still have relegation fears to deal with this season after what has been an unconvincing campaign to this point.
Consistency could be the key to changing the tide with a view to carrying the Irons well clear of a congested bottom end of the table.
That could see Nuno stand by the same back five that served him well away to Old Trafford, even after Diogo Dalot opened the scoring.
Alphonse Areola could start again after his three saves against the Red Devils, with Jean-Clair Todibo and Konstantinos Mavropanos potentially set to start ahead of the Frenchman.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is likely to feature from the beginning once more after winning nine duels and completing five dribbles on the right, with El Hadji Malick Diouf potentially set to start again.
Magassa and Freddie Potts could prove to be the midfield shield for this backline after a positive showcase last time around.
Lucas Paqueta could return for West Ham
Lucas Paqueta was sent off against Liverpool in his last London Stadium outing, but could make an instant return after suspension.
The Brazilian is available and will provide much-needed attacking quality to the claret and blue outfit in place of Tomas Soucek after he completed zero per cent of his crosses against Man United.
Jarrod Bowen will be glad to see the attacking midfielder back, with the England international and Matheus Fernandes all set to start once again.
This trio will likely be in support of Callum Wilson, who could well start again even after failing to take a single shot last time out.
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