The ‘SHOCKING’ Predicted XI That Will leave you Speechless! Lopetegui Drops FOUR Players After Liverpool Discover the Real Reason Behind Lopetegui’s Ruthless Decision!
West Ham United endured a humbling 5-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool in their most recent Premier League fixture, a result that left fans at the London Stadium dismayed. The Hammers delivered a performance to forget, characterized by defensive frailties, lackluster midfield control, and a toothless attack, all of which led to their heavy loss against Jurgen Klopp’s relentless Reds.
Now, Julen Lopetegui’s side faces the daunting challenge of regrouping ahead of Sunday’s clash with defending champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. While City returned to winning ways with a commanding victory over Leicester City last weekend, West Ham will need a much-improved performance to stand any chance of pulling off an upset.
West Ham’s Predicted Lineup for Manchester City
Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola had a mixed outing against Liverpool. Although the 31-year-old made some notable saves, he was culpable for at least two of the goals, raising questions about his focus under pressure. Areola will be eager to redeem himself against a City attack that thrives on exploiting defensive lapses.
In defense, significant changes are anticipated. Vladimir Coufal and Konstantinos Mavropanos struggled to contain Liverpool’s forwards, with their positioning and decision-making under scrutiny. As a result, Emerson Palmieri and Jean-Clair Todibo are expected to step into the backline, joining Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Max Kilman in what Lopetegui hopes will be a more resolute defensive unit.
The midfield sees the return of Tomas Soucek, who has completed a one-game suspension and is poised to reclaim his spot. The Czech international’s physicality and aerial presence will be crucial against City. However, the manager is reportedly considering dropping Edson Álvarez, whose underwhelming performance against Liverpool, marked by losing four possessions and winning just one of six duels, did little to inspire confidence.
This opens the door for Guido Rodríguez, who, despite an inconsistent season so far, may be given a chance to impress in a high-stakes encounter. His ball-winning ability and composure could provide a much-needed balance in midfield.
In the attacking third, Lucas Paquetá is set to retain his role as the creative fulcrum in the number 10 position, while Carlos Soler is expected to make way. On the flanks, Mohammed Kudus and Crysencio Summerville are likely to start, tasked with injecting pace and flair into West Ham’s attack.
With Jarrod Bowen sidelined due to injury, the responsibility of leading the line falls on Niclas Füllkrug. The German forward, known for his physicality and clinical finishing, will need to make the most of any opportunities against a typically robust City defense.
Predicted Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Areola
Defenders: Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson
Midfielders: Soucek, Rodríguez
Attackers: Kudus, Paquetá, Summerville
Striker: Füllkrug
Key Challenges for West Ham
Facing Manchester City at the Etihad is never an easy task, and West Ham will need to be disciplined, cohesive, and opportunistic to compete. Lopetegui will likely emphasize the importance of defensive organization, especially given City’s ability to exploit spaces with their intricate passing and off-the-ball movement.
The midfield battle will also be critical. Soucek and Rodríguez must not only shield the backline but also disrupt City’s rhythm, particularly against players like Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne. Furthermore, the Hammers’ wide players, Kudus and Summerville, will need to track back diligently to support the full-backs against City’s overlapping wingbacks.
Conclusion
West Ham enters this match as clear underdogs, but with the right adjustments and a more determined performance, they can at least make life difficult for Manchester City. While the odds are stacked against them, football has often delivered unexpected results, and Lopetegui will be hoping his side can channel their resilience to bounce back from last weekend’s embarrassment.
