Guffwatch

Unpacking the West Ham news cycle.

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Queens Park Rangers Match (h)

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The guessing is over: Tomáš Souček starts as West Ham host QPR on Friday at 8pm. Nuno has also named Manor Solomon and Dinos Mavropanos in the XI, with Alphonse Areola on the bench.

West Ham are unbeaten in six league matches, while Keiber Lamadrid is ruled out and Mohamadou Kanté is suspended. The club will honour Luděk Mikloško before kick-off.

No-Guff Summary

  • Tomáš Souček starts against QPR in his first West Ham matchday squad of the season.
  • West Ham's XI includes Solomon and Mavropanos; Areola and Veltman are among the substitutes.
  • Lamadrid is ruled out and Kanté is suspended.
  • West Ham host QPR at 8pm after six league matches unbeaten, with a tribute to Luděk Mikloško before kick-off.
Development Updated

Solomon plays for Israel as QPR fitness remains unclear

Manor Solomon came on in the 72nd minute of Israel's 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland. Earlier reports of back pain had put his involvement in doubt, but the appearance settles that immediate selection question.

Claret&Hugh quoted Sport Witness on the back problem. The West Ham Way, citing the Irish Examiner, says Israel manager Ran Ben-Shimon had also described a tight hamstring. Claret&Hugh later quoted an unnamed West Ham source saying Solomon was ‘in a lot of pain’. None of these accounts supplies a confirmed diagnosis or a West Ham medical assessment. His availability for Friday's QPR match remains unconfirmed.

Sources

  • Claret&Hugh (opens in a new tab) — Reports that Manor Solomon is doubtful for Israel’s Nations League match against the Republic of Ireland with back pain, and considers what that could mean for his West Ham availability.
  • Claret&Hugh (opens in a new tab) — Reports Manor Solomon is doubtful for his national team's fixture with a back problem, potentially putting his availability for West Ham's Friday match against Queens Park Rangers in doubt. Edvin Austbø also has a Norway U21 fixture before the derby.
  • The West Ham Way (opens in a new tab) — Argues that West Ham should assess Manor Solomon’s hamstring before Friday’s match against QPR and avoid risking him if there is any doubt, after he came on late for Israel against the Republic of Ireland.
  • Claret&Hugh (opens in a new tab) — Argues that Manor Solomon is unlikely to start against QPR after playing for Israel despite a West Ham source reportedly describing him as being “in a lot of pain”.