West Ham predicted line-up vs Fulham: key change made and one big Niclas Fullkrug decision

West Ham have a big injury concern with German striker Niclas Füllkrug likely to miss their trip to Fulham this weekend. Julen Lopetegui was evasive in his press conference regarding the true extent of the injury their summer signing has suffered, but there is no doubt he’s struggling with an Achilles injury and might not be risked at this stage of the season.

Füllkrug picked up the injury on international duty, but as is often the case with international football, it is his club that will now have to try and get him fit again.

After suffering a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, this is the perfect game for the Hammers to bounce back and get their season back on track. Below, we have assessed the injury concerns going into the game and predicted the team the Hammers boss could name for the match.

Goalkeeper and Defenders

When Alphonse Areola is fit, he plays, so there is little doubt he will be the man between the posts this weekend after recovering from the knock that forced him off against Manchester City just before the international break. However, it gets trickier in other areas of the defence, as Jean-Clair Todibo could make his first start for the club in the London derby, potentially replacing Konstantinos Mavropanos. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson are set to continue in their roles from before the international break.

Midfielders

Guido Rodríguez and Edson Álvarez are expected to continue their South American partnership in midfield, with the rejuvenated Lucas Paquetá at the heart of everything creative and destructive. The Brazilian has started this season with a point to prove, and it will be interesting to see if he can regain the form that attracted the likes of Manchester City.

Attackers

The forward selections seem straightforward, with Jarrod Bowen likely playing on the left, and Mohammed Kudus, who came close to scoring his first league goal against Manchester City with a trademark run through the middle, expected to play on the right. Kudus will have the freedom to move centrally and occasionally switch wings with Bowen. Meanwhile, the club’s Premier League record scorer, Michail Antonio, is set to continue as the striker, especially given the latest injury setback to Füllkrug.

Predicted Starting XI

Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Rodríguez, Álvarez; Bowen, Paquetá, Kudus, Antonio.