West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui is set to make several changes to his starting lineup as the Hammers prepare to host defending Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday at the London Stadium.
Following their midweek Carabao Cup victory over Bournemouth and their first league win of the season against Crystal Palace, West Ham face a stern test against Pep Guardiola’s City side before the international break.
Lopetegui confirmed that left-back Aaron Cresswell sustained a hamstring injury during the Bournemouth match and is expected to miss the clash against City. This defensive setback may prompt a reshuffle in the backline.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is tipped to start at right-back, while Konstantinos Mavropanos could partner Max Kilman in central defense, potentially replacing Jean-Clair Todibo.
In midfield, Edson Alvarez may be gradually reintroduced to the starting eleven as he builds up his match fitness after a three-month layoff due to a hamstring injury. Lopetegui commented on Alvarez’s situation, saying, “Edson has been out for three months so it’s not easy for him. It was his first match in the lineup and he showed big energy. He’s going to need time to adapt and recover his best fitness and he’s going to do that step by step.”
The predicted West Ham lineup for the Manchester City match is as follows:
Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Alvarez, Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus; Antonio
The high-profile Premier League fixture is scheduled for a 5:30 PM BST kickoff on August 31, 2024, at the London Stadium.
As West Ham aim to build on their recent positive results, the match against the reigning champions presents a significant challenge and opportunity for Lopetegui’s squad. The manager’s tactical decisions and lineup choices will be crucial as the Hammers look to compete against one of the league’s top sides.
The outcome of this match could provide valuable insights into West Ham’s progress under Lopetegui and their ability to compete with the Premier League’s elite teams. For Manchester City, it’s another chance to assert their dominance as they pursue another title defense.
Football fans across the country will be keenly watching this late Saturday fixture, anticipating an exciting clash between two teams with contrasting objectives for the 2024/25 season.
