David Moyes must replace Kurt Zouma for West Ham v Liverpool
David Moyes must replace Kurt Zouma for West Ham v Liverpool
Match

Kaelan Casey must replace 'embarrassing' West Ham United star ahead of Liverpool clash

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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West Ham have been on the wrong end of several humiliating results this season and David Moyes must make a change ahead of the Liverpool clash on Saturday (27 April).

The Hammers followed up being knocked out of the Europa League by Bayer Leverkusen with a devastating 5-2 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, which is just the tip of the iceberg.

Moyes' side have lost nine of their 21 games since the start of 2024, including a 4-3 defeat to Newcastle United, a 6-0 thumping by Arsenal, being knocked out of the FA Cup by Bristol City, and a 5-1 loss to Liverpool in the EFL Cup.

West Ham have the perfect opportunity to rectify that EFL Cup exit on Saturday as they look to bounce back from the Palace loss against Liverpool.

However, with Moyes' defence at the centre of criticism, the manager must change something before the Reds visit the London Stadium.

Having been dubbed "embarrassing" by Frank McAvennie after the 4-3 capitulation at St James' Park last month, Kurt Zouma is certainly a player who is at risk of dropping out of the starting XI.

Any Moyes should think about handing a Premier League bow to Under-21s centre-back Kaelen Casey, who has been wearing the captain's armband for the majority of this season.

Kurt Zouma cannot be trusted for West Ham United v Liverpool

Zouma has been heavily criticised this season, and rightly so, but the other senior options of Nayef Aguerd, Angelo Ogbonna and Konstantinos Mavropanos have not shone themselves in glory either, so now feels like the time for Moyes to take a gamble.

Casey has experienced a solid campaign with the U21s, wearing the captain's armband while keeping four clean sheets and scoring twice from defence.

West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma in action
West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma has struggled this season

While he has a lack of senior experience, the 19-year-old battled well in the EFL Trophy, taking on Bristol Rovers, Newport County, Cheltenham Town, Colchester United and Wycombe Wanderers.

And although his senior debut came in the Europa Conference League last season, as a 13-minute cameo, Casey has been on the fringes of Moyes' team this season.

Perhaps now would be the right time to roll the dice?

In other West Ham news, Manchester City are understood to be planning a £200million spending spree whilst targeting Lucas Paqueta

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West Ham United
David Moyes
Liverpool
Kurt Zouma
Kaelan Casey
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