Hammer with a big point to prove tomorrow

Joao Mario has another big opportunity to prove himself worth serious consideration for a permanent Hammers contract at Chelsea tomorrow (Sun).

He produced a fine performance against one of the division’s worst teams last weekend – now comes the opportunity to do so against one of the best.

It looked for a long time as though the loanee from Inter Milan would be returning to Italy almost unnoticed following a series of mediocre performances.

Then came Southampton, a brilliant goal and a top performance, to resurrect hopes that the Hammers board would dig deep to bring him in.

That’s all a bit premature given that one swallow doesn’t make a summer but Stamford Bridge can provide him with the stepping stone to show us what he’s got in far better company.

He may or may not get the chance against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal or Manchester United should Manu be back, so come on let’s see another super Mario performance tomorrow.

It takes time for players to come in and settle however experienced they may be so this is one opportunity – with so little time left – for him to prove his point.