Lopetegui to make Paqueta call for West Ham showdown v Everton

Julen Lopetegui is likely to start Lucas Paqueta for West Ham United’s clash with Everton, according to the Evening Standard.

The outlet reported on its website on Saturday (9 November) that with Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez suspended, the Brazilian international is expected to retain his place in the starting XI against the Toffees.

Sean Dyche’s side make the trip to the London Stadium on Saturday (9 November) as both sides look to get back to winning ways and move away from the relegation zone before the international break.

Paqueta has been nowhere near his best so far this season as he continues to deal with issues on and off of the pitch, with one pundit labelling the attacking midfielder a “liability” [Don Hutchinson, 27 September].

What has happened to West Ham star Lucas Paqueta at the London Stadium?

Although Paqueta, like so many of his teammates, has failed to hit the heights expected of him in claret and blue this season, he does have the ability to turn a game on its head with a single pass or moment of magic.

The Brazilian international has never been the most consistent of performers, but with no Kudus to call upon, Lopetegui cannot afford to leave the attacking midfielder out of his starting XI against the Toffees.

At their worst this season, the Irons have been guilty of looking a bit slow and one-dimensional going forward. Paqueta has been a part of that problem as much as anyone else, but this could be the game where he finally kicks into gear.

Lopetegui needs a result on Saturday. Not only would a defeat plunge the Hammers into a genuine relegation battle, it could well cost the former Real Madrid manager his job as pressure continues to mount from supporters and pundits alike.

The likes of Paqueta, Alvarez and Kudus need to start delivering for their new manager sooner rather than later otherwise it could be a case of too little too late.

In other West Ham news, the Irons will be on red alert after a new Ademola Lookman transfer update emerged this season

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