Hopes high for ‘key man’ start

Mauro Zarate is in line to take up the No 10 role alongside Andy Carroll in the Newcastle game.

Zarate looked in outstanding form until the last 20 minutes at Everton last week when his game suffered from the team  long in the last 20 minutes as they chased the game.

But with Stewart Downing tipped to return from injury we understand that manager Sam Allardyce is looking to the Hammers schemer to set up the Argentian as well as believing he could feed well off Carroll.

The record signing was keen to sing Zarate’s praises after the Everton game calling him a ‘match changer’ with great feet and ability.

A source told us: “That seems to be the way it’s leaning and most people are hoping to Mauro get a start.

“He showed last week how bright he can be and the team needs to continue with the pattern of play that has proved successful so far.Zarate could be the key man in ensuring that happens.

“It would be a massive disappointment to most if for example we go the same way as last week when we started with the two big men as that clearly failed.”