Julen Lopetegui faces a significant decision regarding Lucas Paqueta as West Ham United prepare for their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.
The Irons claimed a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Manchester United last Sunday, a result that ended Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford and provided a much-needed boost for Lopetegui amid calls for his departure from the London Stadium.
As Lopetegui aims to secure his position, he may need to make bold choices when the Hammers travel to the City Ground on Saturday.
Among those decisions could be dropping Paqueta, along with Konstantinos Mavropanos and Carlos Soler, from his starting XI.
Potential replacements include Crysencio Summerville, Jean-Clair Todibo, and Tomas Soucek, as Lopetegui searches for the right balance in his squad.
Lopetegui has shown a willingness to make tough calls, as evidenced by his decision to bench “fall guy” Alphonse Areola against United, handing Lucas Fabianski his first league start of the season.
The veteran goalkeeper performed admirably, making four saves and preventing a goal from an expected goals on target (xGOT) tally of two, according to FotMob. Fabianski is expected to retain his spot in goal.
Despite Guido Rodriguez’s error that nearly gifted United the lead, the midfielder is likely to keep his place alongside Edson Alvarez in West Ham’s central midfield.
Jarrod Bowen, a standout performer, will seek to add to his three-goal tally, although his supporting cast up front may see some adjustments.
Both Mavropanos and Soler struggled to make an impact last weekend, with Soler substituted at halftime. Summerville could step in for Soler, as West Ham look to manage the absence of suspended Mohammed Kudus.
Paqueta was also among the trio Lopetegui substituted at halftime in the match against United, with the Brazilian’s form under scrutiny. This could open the door for Soucek to replace him, adding defensive stability in the middle of the park.
Michail Antonio is likely to lead West Ham’s attack once again, though Danny Ings made a strong case for inclusion with an impactful 19-minute cameo against United, where he won the penalty that set up Bowen’s match-winning goal.
With pressure mounting, Lopetegui’s selection choices against Forest could prove crucial as he seeks to navigate West Ham through a pivotal point in their season.