Julen Lopetegui appears to be planning two major changes for West Ham’s Premier League match against Ipswich.

How will Julen Lopetegui deal with pressure at West Ham?

The Hammers’ Premier League match against Ipswich Town at the London Stadium on Saturday will provide answers to many questions.

The focus is on West Ham’s head coach. And not simply because of performances and results, which have resulted in only one league win in six games.

Lopetegui had a public dispute with star player Mohamed Kudus after subbed him out at half-time against Brentford last Saturday.

Many were surprised by the change, since Kudus had been West Ham’s best player in a disappointing first half at the Gtech.

However, the Hammers did manage to save a point.

So everyone will be watching what Lopetegui does with Kudus for Ipswich.

Many supporters blame the management for Kudus’ frustrations this season, citing his continued play on the left.

However, this game is critical for West Ham heading into the international break.

So Lopetegui is unlikely to dismiss Kudus, which would be a hazardous decision that may backfire terribly.

Was a top West Ham player dropped in a major shake-up?

He will, however, lose another Hammers regular if our anticipated lineup is true, as it was last weekend against Brentford.

We believe a great player will be ousted in a major shake-up as Lopetegui makes two West Ham changes for Ipswich.

Emerson Palmieri has struggled throughout the year and especially this season.

Lopetegui stated in his pre-match news conference for Ipswich that he did not simply substitute Kudus for tactical reasons at halftime against Brentford.

“I also took Emerson off,” Lopetegui remarked.

“But nobody is talking about that.”

Lopetegui is expected to make significant changes to the back-line against the Tractor Boys, citing Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s impressive performance at left-back and Constantinos Mavropanos’ impressive performance at right-back.

Emerson will be omitted, and Wan-Bissaka will go to the left, with Mavropanos returning to the starting XI at right-back.

Many supporters would like to see Jarrod Bowen start up front, with Kudus on the right and Crysencio Summerville on the left.

But Lopetegui has been unwilling to do so thus far. And we believe that change two will be more easy.

Lopetegui makes two West Ham substitutions for Ipswich.

Edson Alvarez has struggled to perform well in 2024.

He lost his spot under David Moyes at the end of the season. And the Mexican has struggled this season, after returning from a summer injury.

Alvarez’s rash sending off against Liverpool in the cup cost the Hammers dearly.

He was also terrible when West Ham were thrashed by Chelsea at home last time out.

Lopetegui is expected to reintroduce Alvarez to the starting lineup, replacing Guido Rodriguez.

What the manager should do and what he will do are quite different.

Kudus should replace Lucas Paqueta in the attacking midfield. Summerville deserves to start on the left, while the Brazilian should be dropped due to his form.

Alternatively, Kudus should be to the right, with Summerville on the left and Bowen in front.

However, we believe Michail Antonio will regain his position at the top.

And it’s about time he got off the mark for the season.

Predicted West Ham starting XI vs Ipswich:

Areola, Mavropanos, Todibo, Kilman, Wan-Bissaka; Alvarez, Soucek; Paqueta, Kudus; Bowen, Antonio.

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