Lopetegui to axe Rodriguez in three changes – West Ham predicted XI v Crystal Palace
Julen Lopetegui is preparing his side for the away clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday 24 August as he looks for his first win as West Ham boss.
The Hammers opened the season in disappointing circumstances losing 2-1 to Aston Villa at the London Stadium.
The performance was nothing to shout about with a controversial penalty being the Irons’ only route back into the game but they didn’t make that count.
Looking forward to their next Premier League game at Selhurst Park, the new head coach will be hopeful of securing his first win.
Julen Lopetegui to drop West Ham new signing Guido Rodriguez
Alphonse Areola didn’t have the greatest start to the season against the Villans, conceding after four minutes, but will likely keep his role in the starting XI.
On the opening day, Emerson, Konstantinos Mavrapanos and Max Kilman all performed well and now Aaron Wan-Bissaka could come in alongside them for his Hammers debut against his former club
In midfield, Lucas Paqueta will keep his place after a goal and positive performance against Villa which caught the eye.
Behind him, Guido Rodriguez struggled on his first appearance and could now be dropped for James Ward-Prowse already to be partnered by the exit-linked Tomas Soucek.
The wingers will likely stay the same in Lopetegui’s starting XI against the Eagles with Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus looking positive at the London Stadium last week (17 August).
Up front, Niclas Fullkrug deserves a starting role ahead of Michail Antonio and could come in for his first start in claret and blue.
In other West Ham news, Kieran Trippier shares transfer admission after Newcastle update.
