West Ham United will be eyeing to return to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday when they entertain Brighton & Hove Albion at the London Stadium.
The Hammers were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Monday night. It was a credible point earned in a stadium that has seen the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham getting beaten this season. However, they sit 14th in the table after a highly season till now.
Julen Lopetegui, who should be back in the dugout after attending the funeral of his father in Spain earlier this week, will expect a lot more from his boys against Brighton, who have faded of late and have now dropped to ninth after a strong start of the season.
West Ham Team News
While Emerson Palmieri is back from a one-game ban served in the Bournemouth draw, midfielder Carlos Soler must sit this one out due to an accumulation of five yellow cards.
Michail Antonio is still on the long road to recovery from surgery after his recent car accident, while Jean-Clair Todibo—who has a tight groin—is West Ham’s other injury concern.
Predicted West Ham lineup vs Brighton (4-1-4-1)
Goalkeeper
Lukasz Fabianski had no chance of saving Bournemouth striker Enes Unal’s wonderful free-kick on Monday. The veteran Pole will be trying his best to shut up shop as quickly as possible against Brighton.
Defence
Julen Lopetegui is likely to stick to a 4-1-4-1 formation on Saturday. However, he is expected to make just one alteration at the back following the return of Emerson from suspension.
The Italy international will walk straight back into the West Ham lineup and take the left-back spot, allowing Aaron Wan-Bissaka to return to his primary position at right-back.
Meanwhile, Konstantinos Mavropanos should start alongside Max Kilman in central defence once again in the West Ham lineup.
Midfield
Suspended Carlos Soler will be a big miss as he was slowly morphing into an important player for Lopetegui’s side. His unavailability will force the manager to use Lucas Paqueta centrally rather than out wide.
With Edson Alvarez holding the midfield in the West Ham lineup, Paqueta will start alongside Tomas Soucek as attacking No.8s and try to create problems for the Brighton backline.
Attack
Paqueta’s change in position should allow Jarrod Bowen to operate from his favoured right-wing role. He will be hoping to enjoy a productive outing, with Mohammed Kudus bringing his flair and unpredictability from the opposite flank in the West Ham lineup.
Having played over 40 minutes at Bournemouth, Niclas Fullkrug may be handed his first Premier League start on Saturday. The towering German has had an injury-ravaged debut season, but having returned to full fitness, he will look to get on the scoresheet once again as the second half of the season approaches.
