Hammers face big Zaha problem

West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini  has a big problem facing him with his only option to face the menacing Wilfried Zaha – seemingly – is 34-year-old veteran defender Pablo Zabaleta.

The Palace danger man -reportedly in line for a possible move to Manchester United or Chelsea in January –  is in top form right now – having scored against Liverpool, Burnley and Brighton in recent games.

With Ryan Fredericks suspended and young Ben Johnson reportedly injured, the Irons boss is in a predicament by having to play the Argentine right back against the blinding pace and trickery of the Palace winger.

Zaba’s opportunities to get forward must be severely limited and one can only pray that his years of defensive experience can see him through what is bound to be a major test.

Given the circumstances let’s hope nobody inside the club has told him Michail Antonio was used as a right-back in the past.