West Ham make contact to sign £164k-p/w forward who Klopp thinks is "great"

West Ham have reportedly made contact to sign a £164,000-per-week forward who Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of.

Hammers search for new striker

As could've been predicted, an injury to preferred striker Michail Antonio has left manager David Moyes with a small conundrum to solve over the next two weeks. While the Jamaican's injury is nowhere near as bad as first feared, West Ham will still be left short of natural forward options.

Star winger Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus can be used in more central roles as alternatives to Antonio, with Moyes having those makeshift options and the out-of-favour forward Danny Ings to choose from right now. West Ham, even before Antonio's knock, have been prioritising the addition of a new number nine with technical director Tim Steidten currently at work identifying options.

West Ham may now bid for "very special" striker after accepted summer offer

The Hammers appear to want a new forward.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 22, 2023

Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy is a target for West Ham while there have been reports Moyes could go back in for Hugo Ekitike after failing to sign him from Paris-Saint Germain in the summer. Pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor, commenting before Antonio's latest absence, told Football Insider that a new forward is an absolute necessity for West Ham in January.

“100%. Antonio, similar to myself, struggles with hamstring injuries," said the former Villa striker.

“When you’re that quick and strong, you’re always going to get muscle injuries. It’s when, not if. Antonio shouldn’t be playing in the Europa League groups. They need another player to come in and start, but Danny Ings isn’t at that level.

“They definitely need to get another one in January, or you could be looking at bringing someone from the Under-23s or playing Benrahma as a false nine. They’ve definitely got to watch Antonio’s minutes.”

Michail Antonio.

Another interesting transfer option to be mentioned by the press is former Chelsea star Timo Werner.

West Ham make contact to sign Werner

According to a report in the print edition of The Mirror (via West Ham Zone), West Ham have made contact to sign Werner from RB Leipzig.

The Germany international is out of favour at Leipzig and is open to making a return to the Premier League, meaning he could well contemplate a move to West Ham.

RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner celebrates scoring a goal.

Fulham and Crystal Palace have also made approaches for Werner, who's scored 11 goals in 35 Bundesliga appearances since re-joining the Bundesliga side from Chelsea in 2022 (Werner stats – WhoScored).

Liverpool were once heavily linked with a move for the 27-year-old, and Klopp has expressed his admiration for Werner who he called a "great player".

"Timo Werner is a great player, Kai Havertz is a great player," Klopp said in 2020.

"Right time, opportunity – everything has to come together. Six, seven weeks ago, we didn't know if we could play again this year. If we hadn't played the second half of the season, we would have thought, 'OK, when can you really play football again?' And now it starts right away."

On a reported £164,000-per-week (Salary Sport), it will be interesting to see if West Ham take their approach further.

Surface surprised us, but no demons, says Rhodes

After collapsing to 143 all out, which was largely down to some loose batting outside the off-stump, and conceding a massive first-innings lead in the process on the second day, Bangladesh seemed to make more of an effort to leave balls outside off on Monday in Sylhet. For a shot-a-minute batting pair that is reflective of the larger mindset of a batting unit still suffering from limited-overs hangover, it was a discernible change.Liton tightening up his outside off play, in particular, must be encouraging for a Bangladesh team looking to minimise damage in a chase of 321. Liton left 10 out of the 38 balls he faced, having left just four out of 25 in the first innings.Against the disciplined fast bowling of Kyle Jarvis and Tendai Chatara, it was the sort of batting that coach Steve Rhodes wanted to see so desperately. Even so, Liton and Imrul have done it for just 61 balls, and have all of the fourth day to negotiate with similar discipline.Rhodes said that the remaining 295 runs, particularly with 10 wickets in hand, are attainable. “It is wonderful to get through tonight,” he said. “We have a little platform. The ball is a bit older. We have got 10 wickets in hand. The boys are happy. The captain is happy. He did a good job out there today in marshalling the troops. He said some nice things about what we need to do. We are in a positive frame of mind, but we also know we have a big challenge on our hands.”Today, Liton [Das] and Imrul [Kayes] showed that they were very capable against two bowlers who did very well in the first innings. If you can get through those bowlers, there are definitely ways of scoring those runs. We are looking at a couple of very good partnerships. If we can achieve it, we can win the game. Chasing a score that is the highest score in the game is very difficult, but it is achievable.”Rhodes said that the pitch doesn’t have too many demons, which may make batting easier than it is usually on the fourth day. “The good thing is, it is not a raging turner. It is not turning every ball. The odd ball turns. As long as you don’t let that worry you too much, you can certainly play against spin on that wicket,” he said.Rhodes, however, admitted that they had misread the surface in the days leading up to the game, believing that it would turn a lot more than it did. “The wicket surprised us a little bit. The ends were extremely dry leading up to the Test. The middle was little bit more together, but it got drier and drier as the first day neared. We felt that there would be a lot of spin but it hasn’t happened.”I believe against Sri Lanka in Chittagong, there was a similar situation when everyone thought it would spin but it didn’t. It is spinning, but infrequently. Generally, you should be able to score off most deliveries.”Reading wickets is not easy. Sometimes, even with lots of experience, you can get it slightly wrong. We thought this wicket would turn a lot more, so we probably misread it slightly.”Misreading the pitch also led to Bangladesh choosing a third spinner, leaving Abu Jayed as the lone fast bowler. Rhodes said that the line-up lost balance because of this decision, but that it was the batsmen’s performance in the first innings that put them in a difficult situation.”I am desperate to get a couple of quicker bowlers to play for Bangladesh. It would be great for them then to be able to go overseas and have some experience from playing here. We were desperate to do it as a side, but as it turned out, when it came to the final call, it really came down to the wicket.”We felt that the best chance was to go with the one pace bowler and three spinners. It wasn’t a balanced side. It wasn’t a balanced attack. You could argue it was a 50-50 call; thankfully, we have taken 20 wickets. The reason we are in a slight hole is because of our first innings batting. We need to put it right.”

Hall & Willock miss out in Newcastle predicted lineup vs Arsenal

Newcastle United have already dusted off one of England's great sides this week, dispatching Manchester United with ease on Wednesday night, winning 3-0.

No disrespect to the Toon, but that should not have been the scoreline with Eddie Howe fielding the likes of Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett in the centre of his defence.

However, it was a testament to the cohesive machine that the boss has built at St James' Park. It doesn't matter the team selection, nor does it matter the team, the Magpies are well-oiled and on the up.

They have the chance on Saturday to rock the apple cart again when they face title challengers Arsenal who like United, tasted defeat in the Carabao Cup last time out.

Howe may have engineered a tremendous win but he is expected to make plenty of changes this weekend, eight of them in fact. Here's the predicted lineup for their clash with the Gunners in the Premier League.

1

GK – Nick Pope

Nick Pope

Howe's number 1 between the sticks was given the night off in Manchester a few days ago as Martin Dubravka started against his former loan side and kept a clean sheet. That won't, however, be enough for the Slovakian to keep his place as Nick Pope returns.

2

RB – Kieran Trippier

Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier.

Tino Livarmento was in top form against United in midweek, notably being described as a "top talent" by scout Jacek Kulig for his scintillating showing at right-back. The time will eventually come for the summer signing to earn an extended run in the team but that time isn't now. Instead, Kieran Trippier, who has posted seven assists this term, will be back in the starting XI.

3

CB – Jamal Lascelles

Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles.

With Sven Botman missing through injury, Howe couldn't afford another of his main central defenders to pick up an injury in the Carabao Cup so Krafth and Dummett started the game, remarkably keeping a clean sheet. Like Dubravka, however, they will be back on the bench against the Gunners with Jamal Lascelles preferred.

4

CB – Fabian Schar

Newcastle defender Fabian Schar.

Newcastle's other centre-half in Fabian Schar has been the man for the big occasion this term, notably scoring against PSG in the Champions League. Could we see another magic moment from the Swiss on Saturday? Time will tell. His first job will be to deal with the threat of Bukayo Saka in the left channel. No easy task.

5

LB – Dan Burn

lewis-hall-dan-burn-newcastle-opinion-premier-league

Lewis Hall scored a delightful arrowed finish during the visit to Old Trafford but a day like this calls for the resilient and colossal figure of hometown hero Dan Burn.

6

CM – Sean Longstaff

kalvin-phillips-sean-longstaff-newcastle-opinion

The academy graduate proudly captained the side a few days ago and has been an immovable object in the Magpies' midfield this season. Sean Longstaff will have a big job to do on Saturday against the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

7

CM – Bruno Guimaraes

kieran-trippier-bruno-guimaraes-newcastle-opinion

The Brazilian had initially been rested in the EFL Cup but was forced into joining the action after just five minutes when Matt Targett limped off with an injury. With Sandro Tonali banned, Bruno Guimaraes is now even more irreplaceable in the middle of the park, even if Joe Willock is back and scoring again.

8

CM – Joelinton

Newcastle-joelinton

Hailed as a "monster", notably by Toon journalist Aaron Stokes, for his displays in the last few years, the £85k-per-week midfielder's battle against Rice could be one that decides the game this weekend. Joelinton has all of the tools to cause a stir against the Premier League's second-best side this season.

9

RW – Miguel Almiron

elliot-anderson-miguel-almiron-newcastle-opinion

Livramento featured on the right wing during the dying embers of the game against United but Miguel Almiron won't be moved from his starting berth after scoring that night himself. Already scoring against PSG this season, he will be a huge threat to Oleksandr Zinchenko or Takehiro Tomiyasu on the left side of Arsenal's defence.

10

LW – Anthony Gordon

Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon.

Anthony Gordon has come of age this term with three goals and two assists so far and has the pace and trickery to frighten Arsenal this weekend, not to mention the relentless desire to be a complete nuisance should any scuffles occur.

Sporting KC boss Peter Vermes astonished by Lionel Messi's 'unbelievable qualities' as he admits he has no game plan to stop Inter Miami ace

Sporting KC boss Peter Vermes doesn't believe any team has ever nullified Lionel Messi's "unbelievable qualities" ahead of facing Inter Miami.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Sporting KC host Inter Miami
  • Vermes wary of Messi's threat
  • No team has a 'game plan' for him
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Sporting Kansas City are getting ready to host Messi's Miami in the MLS on Saturday night and head coach Vermes essentially admitted he has no game plan to stop the Argentine World Cup winner. He added that some of his players have never played in front of so many fans, with a record-breaking crowd of 70,000 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium expected.

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    WHAT PETER VERMES SAID

    On Thursday, Vermes said, per the Miami Herald: "There are guys (on SKC) who have never played in front of a crowd that size. But at the end of the day, we have a game to play. I've watched (Messi) play since he was very young. I don't know any team or any coach that has ever devised a game plan that has nullified his unbelievable qualities."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Messi will go down as one of the greatest players of all time, and to many he stands alone in that conversation. The 36-year-old's move to Miami has done wonders for the MLS in terms of attendances, people watching the league, and revenue. And even though he is in the twilight stage of his career, the likes of Vermes know how good the veteran still is.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    After this match, Miami host Nashville next Saturday in the MLS, followed by an away trip to New England Revolution the weekend after that.

"Very quick" West Brom player who Carlos Corberan likes could now leave

A "very quick" West Brom gem has been linked with a move away from the club recently, and now another big update has emerged regarding his future.

West Brom transfer news

The January transfer window is gradually approaching, at which point the Baggies could decide to add to their squad, giving Carlos Corberan the best possible chance to take his team from the Championship to the Premier League this season.

It remains to be seen how much money will be available to spend, however, with much possibly depending on whether the takeover of the club has gone through by that point. On the plus side, recent reports claim that progress is being made over new West Brom owners coming in, which acts as a real boost to anyone associated with the Championship side.

In terms of possible transfer targets, the Baggies have been linked with a move for Barnsley midfielder Callum Styles, as have a host of clubs, and a loan move for Villarreal attacker Ben Brereton Diaz has also been mooted. On the flip side, there is always the risk that certain players could leave West Brom midway through the season, and a fresh report suggests that that is the case.

Tom Fellows could leave West Brom

According to an update from Football Insider, West Brom youngster Tom Fellows is wanted by two Bundesliga clubs in January, ahead of a potential move away from The Hawthorns.

"West Brom youngster Tom Fellows is a target for Bundesliga duo Werder Bremen and Augsburg, sources have told Football Insider.

"The 20-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and foreign clubs such as Werder Bremen and Augsburg are weighing up moves for the midfielder – who could sign a pre-contract deal in January. Several English clubs are also interested in Fellows as they look to lure the talented attacker away from West Brom."

Fellows may only have been a bit-part player for West Brom so far this season, but the 20-year-old appears to be a long-term prospect, so selling him is something that needs to be avoided.

He has made his way through the youth setup and into Corberan's first team, with Fellows' stats still showing that he has made six appearances in the Championship this season, all of which have come from the substitutes' bench. A loan move somewhere else in January could make some sense, allowing him to enjoy more regular playing time, but selling him at this point in his career could feel like a risk.

West Brom

15

West Brom Under-21s

26

West Brom Under-18s

35

Granted, Fellows is out of contract at West Brom next summer, so a big decision needs to be made by the club, but handing him an extension arguably makes the most sense, allowing him to grow as a player and for the Baggies to get the best of him in the coming years.

Corberan himself has spoken of his admiration for Fellows in the past, describing him as a "very quick" player, and it would be a shame to see him disposed of so early in his Hawthorns career.

Ainda sem ir a campo, Diego Alves segue no DM na reapresentação do Flamengo

MatériaMais Notícias

No dia seguinte à derrota para o Fluminense, o Flamengo se reapresentou no Ninho do Urubu, já visando o embate contra o Ceará, no domingo. Os titulares realizaram apenas um treino regenerativo, como de praxe, enquanto Diego Alves segue o tratamento no departamento médico.

+ ATUAÇÕES: Arrascaeta e Willian Arão se salvam em derrota do Flamengo

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O camisa 1 também fez fortalecimento na academia, o que tem ocorrido desde que o clube comunicou a sua lesão na coxa direita, na última semana. Quem também tratou de lesão foi Léo Pereira, outro desfalque do Fla-Flu por ter sido um entorse no tornozelo direito. Ambos devem seguir fora na próxima rodada.

Por outro lado, Vitinho – suspenso no jogo passado – estará novamente à disposição de Rogério Ceni, já pressionado após um início ruim (aproveitamento de48.5%). O duelo contra o Ceará será às 16h deste domingo, no Maracanã e válido pela 29ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.

> Confira e simule a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

Com 49 pontos, o time de Ceni segue a sete pontos de distância do líder São Paulo, que perdeu para o Red Bull Bragantino nesta quarta e está com 56 pontos. O Atlético-MG, que também tem 49, não atuará neste meio de semana.

Leeds could sign EFL tackle machine to replace Sam Byram

Daniel Farke would have been pleased with his side's 3-2 win over Middlesbrough for the most part, but the Leeds United manager might well have had some stern words for his Whites defenders about their poor display at the back in the dressing room after.

The game was arguably far more tense and nervy than it needed to be from a Leeds perspective – the Whites dominating the match with 61% of the ball and 20 shots on goal registered – with Farke's men just about getting the win over the line in the end at Elland Road.

Pascal Struijk had a notable off-day at the back, the Leeds captain and centre-back only winning 33.33% of his duels – as per Sofascore – with his teammates defensively in Archie Gray and Joe Rodon having to bail out the poor Dutchman from time to time.

Sam Byram also had a fantastic game at right-back, the previously injury-prone 30-year-old returning back home to Elland Road after starting his career at Leeds this summer and has made that spot his own in the last few games.

Yet, if recent transfer reports are anything to go by, Leeds could be pursuing a new right-back option that would be an upgrade on Byram in the form of Sunderland right-back Trai Hume who would certainly keep Leeds' number 25 on his toes.

Leeds transfer latest

TEAMtalk are reporting that Trai Hume is wanted by a whole host of clubs after an excellent season to date at the Stadium of Light, Leeds queuing up for the Northern Irishman's services alongside fellow second-tier side Leicester City and Vincent Kompany's Burnley in the division above.

Signing a new four year contract with Sunderland this summer, Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray will keep his fingers crossed that the defensive star will stick it out with the club to rubbish these rumours that are circulating.

Yet, if Leeds were to land the 21-year-old in this upcoming transfer window, the Championship promotion hopefuls would have a serious talent on their hands who could develop even further in his new surroundings.

Byram would be worrying about his future in the first team however, Farke more than likely to start his shiny new signing over his current man who will begin to wane with age.

Trai Hume's style of play

Described as being an "astute" player by his national team manager Michael O'Neill – Hume having to fill in at centre-back and left-back for Sunderland when required – Leeds signing the 21-year-old this January would be a shrewd and smart acquisition for the club.

Moreover, Hume would suit the style of football at Elland Road down to a tee – the right-back aggressive and passionate down the flanks for the Black Cats, whilst also remaining measured passing out from the back.

It's led to Hume completing the second-highest number of tackles per game in the division this season, coming in at 3.3 on average. In stark contrast, Byram's tackling numbers come in at a lesser 1.7.

Hume and Byram are level in terms of goal contributions however, both players in question helping themselves to a goal and an assist for their teams this campaign.

Yet, Hume's numbers overall away from just goals and assists show him to be the more creative force out of the two for the Black Cats – carving out four big chances for Mowbray's men off his own back, to Byram's mere one.

Hume's aforementioned adaptability could also come in handy for Farke's men if they were to seal a deal in the transfer window, especially if Gray decides to leave Elland Road owing to interest from Premier League giants Liverpool.

Sunderland will be facing a losing battle to keep hold of Hume past this January, the Northern Irish defender very much a wanted man.

أسبوع حاسم في مستقبل برونو فرنانديز مع مانشستر يونايتد

أفادت تقارير صحفية إسبانية، أن الأسبوع المقبل سيكون حاسمًا في مستقبل الدولي البرتغالي برونو فرنانديز لاعب وقائد فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي مانشستر يونايتد.

لم يبدأ الموسم الرسمي بشكل جيد لـ مانشستر يونايتد، بخسارة الدرع الخيرية يوم السبت ضد مانشستر سيتي بركلات الترجيح.

برونو فرنانديز شارك في المباراة وسجل هدفًا ولم يتم احتسابه، مع انتشار أنباء حول تجديد عقده مع النادي حتى عام 2027.

طالع أيضًا.. تين هاج بعد خسارة مانشستر يونايتد أمام مانشستر سيتي: نشعر بالألم

صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، أكدت بأن الرؤية حتى الآن ليست واضحة بشكل نهائي بشأن تجديد عقد برونو، مع خيار التمديد لموسم إضافي بعد 2027.

وأشارت الصحيفة إلى أن الأسبوع المقبل سيكون حاسمًا، إما أن يوقع اللاعب على العقد الجديد، أو سيبدأ التفاوض مع الأندية الأوروبية الأخرى للرحيل.

برونو فرنانديز وصل إلى مانشستر يونايتد في يناير 2020 قادمًا من سبورتينج لشبونة، وسرعان ما أصبح قائدًا للفريق، ومن بين الأعلى أجرًا داخل أولد ترافورد.

Gautam Gambhir to retire from all cricket

The former India opener was highest scorer in two World Cup finals, and also led Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles

Nagraj Gollapudi04-Dec-20181:59

Top-scoring in two World Cup finals stuff of dreams – Gambhir

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is set to retire from all cricket, calling time on a career that began in 1999-2000, and has lasted almost two decades. His last match will be Delhi’s Ranji Trophy match against Andhra at his home ground, Feroz Shah Kotla, beginning on December 6.Gambhir announced his retirement through a video on social media. He admitted he had been “contemplating” and “dreading” quitting the game, but the “negative noises” were only increasing everyday, eventually forcing him to take the call. “It slapped me hard when I got those three ducks in a row in the 2014 IPL,” Gamhir said. “Then again when I had a dreadful tour to England the same year. In 2016 I was on my knees again. I was dropped after Rajkot Test match against England. I was searching for my confidence in that deep, dark pit but I could only lay my hands on the same sharp, disturbing noise. It said the same: ‘IT IS OVER GAUTI’.”Gambhir’s last appearance for India came in the first Test of the home series against England in late 2016. Overall, Gambhir, 37, played 58 Tests, scoring 4154 runs at an average of 41.95, including nine centuries and 22 fifties. He played 147 ODIs, scoring 5238 runs at an average of 39.68 and a strike-rate of 85.25. Gambhir also played 37 T20Is, scoring 932 runs at a strike-rate of 119.02.Gambhir was part of two World Cup triumphs for India, top-scoring in both finals. He made 75 in the 2007 World T20 final, when India beat Pakistan by five runs. In the 2011 World Cup final, batting at No.3, he scored 97 to revive India after Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar had fallen early. MS Dhoni sealed the title with a six while his batting partner Yuvraj Singh finished as Player of the Tournament, but India might not have crossed the finish line without Gambhir’s steely presence in the top order.ESPNcricinfoGambhir formed one of India’s most stable and durable opening partnerships in world cricket with Sehwag, the duo putting on a record (for India) 4412 runs in 87 innings together from 2004 to 2012. Their tally is the fifth best for any pair of openers in Test cricket. Gambhir was also part of the India team that ascended to the No.1 spot in Test cricket in 2009 under MS Dhoni, and his rich vein of form in 2008 and 2009 earned him the ICC Test Player of the Year award in 2009.Between 2008 and 2010, Gambhir made at least one half-century in 11 consecutive Test matches, equalling the record of Vivian Richards, who had achieved the same feat in 1976-1977. In that period, Gambhir also hit centuries in five consecutive Tests in 2009-10, the joint second-longest such streak. In 2009, he was ranked the No.1 batsman in Test cricket in the ICC’s rankings. During this period, Gambhir also played what is commonly regarded as his greatest Test innings, staying at the crease for 643 minutes while making 137 when India were following-on against New Zealand in Napier. Gambhir’s vigil let India draw the Test and complete a rare series win against New Zealand.Gambhir also led India in six ODIs, a five-match series against New Zealand in late 2010, and a solitary ODI against West Indies in December 2011.Though Gambhir could not make a comeback to the India side after 2016, he continued to play domestic cricket for Delhi. He enjoyed being the mentor more than the performer, and even declined captaincy allowing younger players like Rishabh Pant and Nitish Rana to take leadership roles.However, the old fears returned to haunt him when Gambhir struggled at the start of IPL 2018 after returning to Delhi Daredevils, having been released by Kolkata Knight Riders – a team he had led to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. Gambhir said he realised then his “time was up” and he could fight no further. “After more than 15 years of cricket for my country I want to retire from playing this beautiful game.”Gambhir said the memories he would cherish were the happier ones, none bigger than being the highest scorer in the two World Cup finals he played in. He also looked back fondly on being part of the No.1 Test team, and winning the triangular CB series in Australia in 2008. “This may sound a little wishful but I’ve seen wishes come true,” he said. “Two World Cups, highest run-getter in the final of both of these games is the stuff dreams are made of.”Somewhere on the top is being the No. 1 Test team in the world. A trophy I’ll look at very fondly is the one I got for being awarded the ICC best Test batsman of the year in 2009. For a purist like me, it is a reward for somewhat knowing where my off stump was. The historic series win in New Zealand and the CB series in Australia will be reflected upon fondly. But I hope the current Indian team Down Under can overshadow our feats.”Among his other domestic accomplishments, Gambhir led Delhi to the Ranji Trophy title in 2007-08. He was also looking forward to the final chapter of his cricketing journey being at his home ground. “It is all coming to an end from where it started at Feroz Shah Kotla. I am a big one on loyalty. I am glad that I could finish with teams that I started my journey with. In this case ending with both Delhi Daredevils and Delhi domestic side has given me immense satisfaction.”Gambhir said he had always valued “timing” in his game and that had gone missing, signalling it was time to move on. “As a batsman I have always valued timing. I know the time is just right. I am sure it’s sweet as well. Goodbye and good luck.”

Moyes benches Mubama in West Ham’s predicted lineup vs Palace

West Ham United continued their stunning European form in midweek by securing a 1-0 win against TSC in the Europa League, which now affords them the luxury of resting key players for the final match of the group stage.

Since the start of the 2021/22 season, West Ham have won a total of 22 European matches, reaching a semi-final and winning the Europa Conference League in that time, while equalling Real Madrid’s win total in the process.

David Moyes could lead them on another stunning run in the continent after Christmas, but until their knockout stage matches, the focus will be on the Premier League.

They face Crystal Palace on Sunday and having won their previous four games; they head into the tie full of confidence.

The Scot will freshen things up against the Eagles and we at Football FanCast predict that he will make five changes from the 1-0 win during midweek – while also deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation.

1 GK – Alphonse Areola

West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

The first change will be a rotation of the goalkeepers, with the Frenchman replacing Lukasz Fabianski between the posts.

The Pole has played in four European ties so far this season, conceding just two goals in the process, yet has still to make an appearance in the Premier League.

Areola has started all league ties this season, but he will be aiming to secure just his second clean sheet against Palace.

2 RB – Ben Johnson

The Englishman will retain his place from the European clash due to doubts over Vladimir Coufal’s fitness.

The defender was left behind for the midweek tie alongside Mohammed Kudus due to them having “flu-like symptoms”, according to Moyes.

This means Johnson will play twice in four days and Moyes will be hoping this doesn’t come at a cost.

3 CB – Kurt Zouma

West Ham captain Kurt Zouma.

Moyes will drop Konstantinos Mavropanos in place of the returning Kurt Zouma for the Premier League clash on Sunday.

The Frenchman was rested against TSC and therefore should be fresh to play a starring role as West Ham go looking for another three points in the league.

Zouma has captained the club in all but two of their domestic ties this term and will take the armband once again.

4 CB – Nayef Aguerd

nayef-aguerd-kaelan-casey-west-ham-opinion

The Moroccan international has become the preferred partner for Zouma at the heart of the West Ham defence, and they have starred on numerous occasions this season.

He joined the club for £30m in the summer of 2022 and, despite injury problems disrupting his debut season in London, he has become a key figure this term.

5 LB – Emerson Palmieri

Emerson West Ham

Aaron Cresswell started the victory against TSC, yet Emerson will come back into the starting XI for the tie at the London Stadium on Sunday.

The Italian defender has featured in all but two of West Ham’s matches this season, chipping in with two assists and Moyes will be hoping he is at his attacking best against Palace.

6 CM – Edson Alvarez

Moyes signed the Mexican international during the summer transfer window for £35m and it looks like a shrewd piece of business.

Hailed as “tenacious” and a “superb tackler” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his displays at Ajax, Edson Alvarez has enjoyed a solid start to his West Ham career.

Losing Declan Rice was a big blow in the summer, but the 26-year-old already looks like an ideal heir for the Arsenal gem. He has missed only two league ties so far and will be thrust into the squad after being rested against TSC.

7 CM – James Ward-Prowse

West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse

The former Southampton starlet has been arguably the best summer signing by Moyes, especially with his attacking output.

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The midfielder has already registered ten assists and scored twice in 19 matches in all competitions and these numbers will continue to get better.

He will form a central midfield partnership alongside Alvarez and Moyes will be hoping their respective qualities can help the club to another three points.

8 RW – Pablo Fornals

West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals.

With Kudus missing the game against TSC due to illness, Moyes will retain the services of Pablo Fornals on the right wing and avoid taking a gamble with the former Ajax gem.

Fornals played the full 90 minutes in midweek and put on a decent showing. The winger made one key pass, delivered one successful cross and won two of his three dribble attempts.

The Spaniard has started just once in the Premier League all season, but he will be unleashed from the first whistle by Moyes against the Eagles as he won't want to rush Kudus back to action.

9 AM – Tomas Soucek

West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek.

The Czech midfielder has enjoyed a decent goalscoring run this season, scoring seven times across all competitions, and Moyes will continue to utilise him in an attacking midfield role.

Although primarily operating slightly deeper, Soucek has netted in his previous two Premier League ties whilst playing in an advanced role and Moyes will be hoping for more of the same against Palace.

10 LW – Lucas Paqueta

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

Said Benrahma started against TSC on the left of a three-man attack, yet failed to showcase his true abilities and this opens the door for Lucas Paqueta to come back into the starting XI.

Five goals and an assist in 18 games is a decent record, but Moyes will be hoping for more from the Brazilian on the left-hand side, especially with his potential to cause chaos against opposition defences.

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