Julen Lopetegui makes first blunder as West Ham United manager v Aston Villa. Julen Lopetegui has made a big mistake by putting Konstantinos Mavropanos in the West Ham XI against Aston Villa on 17 August.
New signing Jean-Clair Todibo is on the bench and the club managed to hijack the deal from Juventus to bring him to the London Stadium. However, while Max Kilman starts, Todibo is not in the eleven and that could cost the Hammers dearly.
Mavropanos has struggled under David Moyes and there’s no reason to think he’ll suddenly turn a new leaf under Lopetegui. Hopefully, he plays only one half and the Spaniard brings on the French defender at half-time.
West Ham must still back themselves to beat Aston Villa
The recent signings under Lopetegui, including defensive reinforcements like Kilman, and Guido Rodriguez in midfield, suggest a bolstered backline that could trouble Villa’s attack, which has been noted for its inconsistency away from home. Moreover, Aston Villa’s historical struggle against the Hammers, with only one victory in their last ten encounters, adds to the confidence.
Unai Emery’s side’s recent pre-season form and the absence of key players like Boubacar Kamara and Tryoen Mings could further tilt the scales.
Our first @PremierLeague starting XI of 2024/25 🤩 pic.twitter.com/o5u9Pyf0Ds
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 17, 2024
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Additionally, the Hammers’ tactical setup under Lopetegui might exploit Villa’s potential overconfidence after last season’s success, aiming to disrupt their rhythm early in the season.
In other West Ham news, a Champions League side are now open to selling their key player with the Hammers eyeing a deadline-busting transfer.
