Julen Lopetegui cannot rely on Lucas Paqueta at West Ham United [Credit: Imago]

Tue 29 October 2024 10:10, UK

Lucas Paqueta is set to be dropped by Julen Lopetegui when West Ham face Nottingham Forest on 2 November, according to Give Me Sport.

It is reported on 28 October that Paqueta is increasingly likely to be benched by Lopetegui at the City Ground after he was replaced at half-time against Manchester United last time out.

Paqueta was one of three players hooked at the break alongside Konstantinos Mavropanos and Carlos Soler at the London Stadium, with replacement Crysencio Summerville scoring first in their 2-1 victory.

Soler and Paqueta are both in line to be left among the substitutes by Lopetegui as the Spaniard seeks back-to-back wins for the first time, with Tomas Soucek likely to start in his place for the Irons.

Lucas Paqueta to be dropped at West Ham United For all the attacking talent at his disposal, it's no surprise whatsoever that Lopetegui has already started to come under pressure for failing to get more out of his new-look Hammers side this season.

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However, the Spaniard can only do so much on the training paddock and it's left to the players once they cross that white line onto the pitch, it's up to them to perform to the best of their ability.

Summerville provided the impact Paqueta lacked v Manchester United [credit: @westham on Instagram] Paqueta is certainly one player who hasn't played anywhere near his top level so far in the new campaign, with just two goals scored and a string of disappointing displays from week to week.

Mohammed Kudus is another player who has come under fire, particularly after his red card against Tottenham, while Summerville's display against Manchester United surely makes him undroppable.

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Even with FA betting charges hanging over his head, few would have expected Paqueta to underperform so badly this season, and even fewer Irons fans will be surprised to see him dropped against Forest.

In other West Ham news, one new Irons star proved a point or two with his display in the club's victory over Manchester United.