Julen Lopetegui and West Ham United host Manchester United at the London Stadium (credit: Imago)

HomeMatchday Sun 27 October 2024 12:58, UK

Julen Lopetegui's confirmed West Ham starting XI to face Manchester United has been released as he looks to bounce back from defeat to Tottenham last week.

The Spaniard has made a trio of changes from the side beaten by Spurs, and in doing so looks to have taken a major risk on increasing the sack pressure that is already surrounding him.

Jean-Clair Todibo has been dropped in defence to be replaced by Konstantinos Mavropanos in an attempt to improve the poor goal-concession rate at the back.

But the Greek has done little this term to suggest that he is the man the Irons need to turn to, or that he is an answer for West Ham long term, so the decision looks like one that has serious potential to backfire.

Jean-Clair Todibo axed from West Ham line up Mohammed Kudus is suspended after he was sent off late on in the 4-1 loss on 19 October, and Tomas Soucek has also been dropped to the bench, as Carlos Soler and Edson Alvarez come in.

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Czech midfielder Soucek may not be the beating heart of the Hammers side but he has arguably outplayed the new arrivals so far this season, in one of the many damning signs for early performances under Lopetegui so it is odd that he pays the penalty for last week's debacle.

The pairing of Alvarez and Guido Rodriguez in midfield is a concern when they already been exposed for pace at times, such as in the 3-0 loss to Chelsea when the Argentine was withdrawn before half time, and if the same happens here it will suggest the manager isn't learning from earlier mistakes.

Despite the unavailability of Kudus it is also yet another game where Crysencio Summerville doesn't get a start, with the former Leeds United star's slow introduction a source of frustration.

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The Irons boss is not on the brink of losing his job as things stand and he is thought to retain the support of David Sullivan currently.

Crysencio Summerville left out of Irons XI again But even the Spaniard can't argue that this wasn't how it was supposed to go for the Hammers after moving on from David Moyes in the summer, and if he doesn't oversee some major improvements before Christmas a review the situation could on the cards [Guardian, 21 October].

Kudus' situation is possibly the more immediately concerning aspect of the poor start after he reportedly insisted his agents contact Liverpool to discuss interest in a possible transfer [Anfield Watch, 25 October].

Results can improve but if the current struggles start to threaten some of the key building blocks of the team such as the Ghana star then it could increase the incentive to change at manager.

Erik ten Hag's side beat Brentford on 19 October but that is their only win in seven games across all competitions, so while this clash won't be an easy one it could be a strong opportunity for Lopetegui to get back on track.

The changes he has made are likely not the ones that many fans would have hoped to see, and if they don't pay off he may be bringing that review of his job security forward rapidly.

In other West Ham news, the Hammers have already sounded out a highly-decorated possible Lopetegui replacement.