Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how West Ham United could line up for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.
West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui is expected to make a few changes to his starting lineup for Saturday’s Premier League clash with champions Manchester City at the London Stadium.
The Hammers will be without experienced left-back Aaron Cresswell after he picked up a hamstring injury in training, so Emerson Palmieri is expected to start on the left side of a back four.
New signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka put in a man-of-the-match display at left-back as West Ham beat Bournemouth 1-0 in the EFL Cup second round on Wednesday, but the ex-Manchester United man will likely move over to his favoured right-back role on Saturday, meaning Vladimir Coufal would drop to the substitutes’ bench.
Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman were both handed start in central defence in midweek and could retain their partnership at the back if Lopetegui decides against recalling Konstantino Mavropanos.
Edson Alvarez was handed his first Hammers start in midweek since pulling his hamstring on international duty with Mexico at the Copa America in June and the midfielder is in contention to retain his place in the first XI, while Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez will also be battling for a start in midfield.
Captain Jarrod Bowen, who was fortunately on the scoresheet against Bournemouth and also scored in a 2-0 Premier League win at Crystal Palace last weekend, is expected to continue on the right side of attack.
However, Lopetegui may decide to recall Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio in attack, which could therefore see Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville and James Ward-Prowse make way.
West Ham United possible starting lineup: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Alvarez, Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus; Antonio
> Click here to see how Manchester City could line up for this contest
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