Fullkrug axed after angry rant, five changes – West Ham predicted XI v Brighton
Niclas Fullkrug could face the axe from Graham Potter against Brighton after he hit out at his West Ham teammates.
West Ham dropped to 17th place in the Premier League after being held to a 1-1 draw by the already-relegated Southampton at the London Stadium last Saturday, 19 April.
Potter’s side failed to show any promise despite taking the lead through Jarrod Bowen and ultimately paid the price, with Lesley Ugochukwu snatching an equaliser for the Saints.
This led to Fullkrug launching an angry rant on his teammates after the game, much to the surprise of the fans and many others.
Meanwhile, Potter is certain to make a few changes to his starting line-up, as the Irons look to return to winning ways when they visit Brighton on Saturday, 26 April.
Potter to make five changes at Amex Stadium
Therefore, Potter could make as many as five changes to his West Ham starting line-up to face Brighton this weekend.
Vladimir Coufal, Jean-Clair Todibo and Emerson could be dropped after their underwhelming performances against Southampton.
Fullkrug may also face the same fate, although that is likely to be because of tactical reasons, as opposed to disciplinary action.
The Germany international was one of the Irons’ better players last weekend, but Potter’s tendency to play a five-man defence in away games means he could be a casualty.
West Ham are likely to favour the counter-attacking prowess of Mohammed Kudus and Bowen, as opposed to Fullkrug’s physicality.
That would allow Potter to switch back to a back-five setup, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Aaron Cresswell, and Oliver Scarles joining Max Kilman in defence.
Meanwhile, James Ward-Prowse could drop out of the midfield, allowing Edson Alvarez to reclaim his place in the starting lineup.
Wan-Bissaka and Alvarez notably missed the game against Southampton due to minor injuries and should be fit enough to start against the Seagulls.
West Ham predicted XI v Brighton
Alphonse Areola will continue in goal, barring any late surprises, with the aforementioned five-man defence providing protection.
The returning Alvarez could be at the base of a three-man midfield, while Lucas Paqueta may drop deeper to play alongside Carlos Soler in Ward-Prowse’s absence.
Finally, Kudus and Bowen could lead the line for the Hammers, with an emphasis on counter-attacks.
Edson Alvarez makes Rodriguez admission amid West Ham exit news
Edson Alvarez was full of praise for Guido Rodriguez when quizzed on their connection at West Ham.
West Ham will not look back at the current season with any level of fondness, given the fact that they have nothing left to play for ahead of the final five games.
Julen Lopetegui started the regression, and Graham Potter has done very little to slow it down, with concerns already emerging over his future at the London Stadium.
Throughout that period, Alvarez has been a regular for West Ham, whereas Rodriguez has rarely been afforded the chance to shine since the start of the year.
Rodriguez’s relationship with Alvarez could be cut short this summer
It has been a frustrating season for Rodriguez, and talks have already been mooted for a West Ham exit ahead of the summer transfer window.
