The landscape of French football witnessed a remarkable development in November 2025 with the return of N'Golo Kanté to the national team for their critical UEFA World Cup qualifiers. After nearly a year away from Les Bleus, the tireless, world-class midfielder has been recalled by head coach Didier Deschamps as France looks to consolidate its position atop Group D and book its ticket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Kanté's re-emergence is not only a testament to his enduring quality but also a strategic masterstroke by Deschamps who recognizes the unparalleled value Kanté brings to midfield both on and off the ball. This blog delves deep into Kanté's unique midfield mastery, his current form, and how his return could be the defining factor for France's World Cup qualification aspirations. The Context: France's Challenging Road to World Cup Qualification France enters the final stretch of qualifying as the leaders of UEFA Group D, with 10 points accrue...
After the away victory, the Hammers will probably feel more secure, but they now have a significant test when Liverpool visits them this weekend.
With eight points from their past four league games, West Ham has made great progress in recent weeks.
To win anything against the Reds, who have been unbeatable this season, they will need to put on a spectacular display.
Team Lopetegui will pick vs Liverpool
In midweek, West Ham defeated Southampton, but it cost them dearly. After suffering a severe head injury in a collision with Nathan Wood, Lukasz Fabianski was taken away on a stretcher.
Prior to the second half, Carlos Soler and Max Kilman were both hurt, and it is uncertain if they will be able to return in time to play the Reds.
In the meantime, Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez will serve suspensions following their fifth yellow cards of the season.
Following his involvement in a horrific vehicle accident earlier this month, Michail Antonio has been sidelined for at least a year.
Lucas Paqueta will join Lopetegui, though, following his suspension against Southampton.
With Emerson and Aaron Wan-Bissaka playing on the flanks, the Spanish manager is anticipated to start Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean Clair-Todibo in the center of defense.
It's likely that Edson Alvarez will play defensive midfield. The attack should be led by Niclas Fullkrug, with Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen acting as wide attackers.
Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Emerson, Alvarez, Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus, Summerville, and Fullkrug are the predicted starting lineup.
The 39-year-old was later verified by Lopetegui to be awake and conscious in the locker room, but it seems improbable that he will play in Sunday's home match.
Alphonse Areola will move back to the side to fill in between the sticks while Fabianski is away.
Alphonse Areola will move back to the side to fill in between the sticks while Fabianski is away.
Prior to the second half, Carlos Soler and Max Kilman were both hurt, and it is uncertain if they will be able to return in time to play the Reds.
In the meantime, Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez will serve suspensions following their fifth yellow cards of the season.
Following his involvement in a horrific vehicle accident earlier this month, Michail Antonio has been sidelined for at least a year.
Lucas Paqueta will join Lopetegui, though, following his suspension against Southampton.
With Emerson and Aaron Wan-Bissaka playing on the flanks, the Spanish manager is anticipated to start Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean Clair-Todibo in the center of defense.
It's likely that Edson Alvarez will play defensive midfield. The attack should be led by Niclas Fullkrug, with Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen acting as wide attackers.
Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Emerson, Alvarez, Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus, Summerville, and Fullkrug are the predicted starting lineup.
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