To say it has been a topsy-turvy season for West Ham United would be an understatement.
For the first couple of months, the Hammers couldn’t buy a win and looked almost certain to be relegated from the Premier League come May.
However, over the last month or so, Nuno Espírito Santo has steadied the ship and, as things stand, has led the club out of the drop zone.
He’ll be looking to continue the side’s unbeaten run against Liverpool this afternoon, but to ensure West Ham collects at least a point, if not all three, he’ll need to make at least one change and drop someone who was once compared to Mohammed Kudus.
West Ham's record against Liverpool
West Ham’s game against Liverpool this afternoon will be the 153rd competitive meeting between the sides in all competitions.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
The two historic clubs first met back in January 1901, in an FA Cup game that the Hammers sadly lost 1-0 courtesy of a Sam Raybould goal, which the hosts argued should have been ruled offside.
Unfortunately, that match served as a warning for how this fixture would go over the following 124 years, with the East Londoners winning just 29 games, drawing 38 and losing 86.
Somehow, things have been even worse for the Hammers in recent years. Across their last ten meetings, they have won just a single game, drawn another and then lost the other eight.
With a history like this, you’d be forgiven for thinking Nuno’s side have no chance this afternoon, but based on the last month or so of football, that may not be the case.
For example, Arne Slot’s side have lost their last three games by a staggering 10-1 scoreline and currently look as bad, if not worse, than the Irons did at the start of the campaign.
In stark contrast, West Ham have won two of their last three games and drawn one, so they should be going into this game confident of keeping their good form up and dumping more misery on the Merseysiders.
With that said, to ensure his side do come out the victors, or at the very least, with a point, Nuno needs to make at least one change to the team and drop someone compared to Kudus.
The West Ham player Nuno has to drop vs Liverpool
There may well be arguments for dropping more than one player from the side that drew at Bournemouth last week, but when it comes to the player most in need of being removed, it has to be Luis Guilherme.
The Brazilian was given the go-ahead in place of the injured Crysencio Summerville, but instead of the dynamism, directness and trickery the Dutchman brings to the team, he looked weak, out of place and simply not ready.
Now, that doesn’t mean the teenager shouldn’t get another chance to make his mark on the team.
After all, he remains a highly-rated prospect who respected analyst Ben Mattinson claims “still has the world at his feet” and someone who has “similarities to Kudus” in terms of the attacking traits he possesses.
However, after a 45-minute performance in which he registered an expected assists figure of 0.01, failed to take a single shot, took just 21 touches, failed in 66% of his dribbles, lost the ball nine times, completed ten passes and lost seven of eight duels, he should be dropped.
Minutes
45′
Expected Goals
0.00
Expected Assists
0.01
Shots
0
Passes
10
Touches
21
Lost Possession
9
Dribbles (Successful)
3 (1)
Ground Duels (Won)
8 (1)
Dribbled Past
1
Moreover, there is someone available for selection again who will give far more than that: Lucas Paqueta.
Yes, after serving his one-match ban, the Brazilian can play again, and given his incredible ability and recent form, there is no reason he shouldn’t be right back in the team, either out wide or in the middle.
So far this season, the former Lyon star has scored four goals in 12 appearances and, according to FBref, ranks in the top 11% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the league for successful take-ons and in the top 13% for progressive passes, all per 90.
In other words, on top of the goals, he is helping to create chances both through his immense close control and brilliant passing range.
Ultimately, if Nuno wants to ensure West Ham collect all three points against Liverpool this afternoon, he should drop Guilherme for Paqueta.
Bowen repeat: West Ham plot move to sign "the best FK taker in the world"
West Ham United could replicate the signing of Jarrod Bowen with a move for the brilliant talent.
ByJack Salveson Holmes