West Ham United’s team is announced for this afternoon’s crucial early season clash with Ipswich Town at London Stadium. West Ham will be keen to go into the international break with the boost of three points and a first home win of the season.
The Irons, apart from Niclas Fullkrug who is still recovering – have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Despite the rumoured dressing-room bust up with his head coach,Mohammed Kudus is included and starts. The new centre-back pairing from last week’s draw against Brentford of Max Kilman and Jean Clair Todibo has been retained, building on their encouraging start. In a major surprise, Edson Alvarez whilst available, is not selected for the starting berth in midfield, Lopetegui relying on a midfield of Guido Rodriguez, Lucas Paquetá and Tomas Soucek.
Is the demotion to the substitutes’ bench Alvarez’ punishment for a dumb challenge that led to his sending-off?
In fact, the starting XI is the same as last weeks team who travelled to west London:
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Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson, Rodriguez, Soucek, Paqueta, Kudus, Bowen, Antonio.