Lopetegui axes Mavropanos in two changes – West Ham predicted XI v Brighton. Julen Lopetegui could axe Konstantinos Mavropanos from the West Ham starting XI for the clash against Brighton on Saturday.
The Hammers welcome Fabian Hurzeler’s side to the London Stadium on Saturday (21 December), hoping to secure a win after a draw last time out. The Irons conceded a late equaliser against Bournemouth as Enes Unal scored a wonderful free kick to cancel out Lucas Paqueta’s penalty.
For the clash against the Seagulls, Lopetegui could start Niclas Fullkrug and recall Jean-Clair Todibo to the starting XI which could see Carlos Soler and Mavropanos drop out of the side.
Julen Lopetegui in two West Ham changes v Brighton. Pressure has started to ease on the Spaniard in recent weeks but things could soon go sour again depending on the result in East London.
As the ex-Real Madrid boss goes in search of a second win in five games, Lukasz Fabianski looks set to start in goal, ahead of Alphonse Areola, once again.
Ahead of the Pole, Todibo could make a long-awaited return to the side in place of Mavropanos to start alongside Max Kilman.
There may be no changes to the full-back positions as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Vladimir Coufal could be set to remain in the starting XI.
At the base of midfield, Edson Alvarez and Tomas Soucek could combine once again and Paqueta could fill in for Soler just ahead of them after scoring from the penalty spot last time out.
On the wing, Jarrod Bowen could move out wide with Mohammed Kudus potentially starting again on the left-hand side.
Up front, Lopetegui could put his faith in Fullkrug to make his first Premier League start of the campaign. His physicality could be utilised up against Lewis Dunk to cause problems for the Seagulls’ back line.
In other West Ham news, Tim Steidten has questions to answer after a “catastrophic” summer signing he made.
