Midfield
RWB – Aaron Wan-Bissaka – he will be tasked with keeping an eye on Cucurella’s forward runs from left-back, as well as providing support for Bowen going the other way.
CM – Tomas Soucek – James Ward-Prowse simply doesn’t have the legs to play in a double pivot. Most fans would argue that the Czech would struggle as well but Potter doesn’t have many options to change things up.
AM – Lucas Paqueta – amid reports that the Brazilian is open to leaving West Ham, his performance last weekend suggests his mind is elsewhere.
CM – Guido Rodriguez – the Argentinian international is expected to be sold before the transfer window closes but he could start his second game in a row.
LWB – El-Hadji Malick Diouf – it was an error-strewn debut from the young Senegalese wingback and he will be looking to improve in his first home league appearance.
Forwards
CF – Jarrod Bowen – the captain started brightly at the Stadium of Light but his influence waned as the game went on. He will be hoping to test the inexperienced Josh Acheampong if the Chelsea teenager starts alongside Trevoh Chalobah in the centre of defence.
CF – Niclas Fullkrug – the striker was involved in a very physical contest against Sunderland. It will be a very different match on Friday night.
lRead more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here
