Lopetegui makes Paqueta decision – West Ham confirmed XI v Southampton. Julen Lopetegui has made two changes for West Ham United in their Premier League clash against Southampton with Guido Rodriguez being given a surprise inclusion as he replaces Edson Alvarez.
Carlos Soler has also been added to the starting XI by the Spaniard as he comes in for Lucas Paqueta. The Hammers announced their line-up for the game via their official X account (26 December).
If Lopetegui’s men manage to come away from St Mary’s with a win, and other results go their way, they could find themselves moving up to 13th place in the top flight.
Julen Lopetegui needs his West Ham United team to step up against Southampton
The start of the 2024/25 season is one that Hammers fans will likely want to forget. Their club currently sit 14th in the Premier League and have more often than not this season left a lot to be desired with their performances. That is, despite both Lopetegui and Tim Steidten spending a hefty chunk of cash in the summer.
On paper, their Boxing Day game against Southampton should end in the Hammers’ favour but the fact they’ve only won one out of their last five Premier League games says all you need to know.
Your starting XI to face the Saints ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/12w814kC1l
— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 26, 2024
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However, with the likes of Niclas Fullkrug returning to the team after a long absence due to injury, if he can find his shooting boots, a brighter second half of the season could well be around the corner for Lopetegui’s men.
Which, if we’re being honest, is exactly what the Spaniard needs to happen if he wants to finish the term in one of the few European places that are available.
In other West Ham news, a Hammers insiders’ stance on this particular midfielder has emerged.
