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.
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.
I would play Earthy for Paqueta and Marshall for Summerville. 100%
What’s the odds another weird formation and no Earthy in the starting line up ?
No sign of George Earthy at the U21 game, he must be in the squad for Man Utd…
you’d hope so, John, finally…
It should also be noted that neither Kante or Marshall were at the U21s game either, I’m not aware of them being injured so also in tomorrows squad ?
This has to be Earthy’s chance surely.
George Earthy should be given half an hour against Man U. He was neck and neck with Freddie Potts prior to his injuries and was as ready to break through as Potts was.
He needs his chance and we need him if he can break through.
Could be brilliant if Manchester United are going to field the entire Truro side.
George is better than this. Just needs a structure around him. As do they all.
reminds me of when mark noble was recalled from loan because we needed some claret and blue blood on the pitch.
If he is fit and the injury has healed then he deserves to be in the first team picture…Paqueta spitting the dummy makes this perfect timing for a young man who will wear the shirt with pride something a petulant Brazilian seems not to be capable of.