With Lucas Paquetá’s suspension for the trip to Old Trafford, Nuno Espírito Santo has a big decision to take over his midfield composition without the Brazilian.
Just as West Ham were starting to look settled and solid, the Portugese manager has to tinker again with the make up of his side. Suggestions have even been made that the Irons could revert back to their five at the back defensive strategy which seems universally loathed by fans as it heralds an hour and a half of ‘attack vs defence’ with the Hammers parking the bus – usually unsuccessfully.
The other option for Nuno is to grab the bull by the horns and recall George Earthy back from the u21’s where the 22 year old has been building his fitness after persistent ankle and hamstring problems.
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From his last outing where he ran the midfield and scored a stunning individual goal, Earthy has proven to everyone that he’s outgrown ‘reserve’ football and needs to be back in the senior side.
Whether Nuno sees Earthy’s future in the same way will be revealed later: The West Ham u21’s have a fixture this evening against Athletic Club B in the Premier League International Cup. George Earthy’s absence from the u21’s tonight will be tantamount to notice of a senior squad return tomorrow so all eyes on the u21 team announcement later.
The game is televised from 7pm on the now familiar West Ham you tube channel: The hope is NOT to see Earthy joining up for the academy side as the red card for Paquetá can be turned to an opportunity for the former academy man to shine.
At the very least, Earthy must surely be on the bench behind a trio in midfield of Magassa, Potts and Fernandes: Earthy’s recent goal-scoring threat would surely give Nuno more for the last half an hour than an ambling, aimless Niclas Fullkrug.
