Joao Mario could land a near last chance to nail down a Hammers future on Saturday if the worst case scenario surrounding Manu Lanzini develops.
The club still hasn’t heard the outcome of the Argentine’s scan on the knock he received against Italy last week and so options remain open at this stage on team selection.
Should, and we all hope the opposite, he should be unavailable it looks likely that Mario will step into the role.
It is a game of the highest importance and a top performance from Mario should he be involved could start to change minds at the club.
He was very much a David Moyes ‘pick’ in the winter window and should he come good the manager may start to reassess the option.
However, should he get the chance a very big performance against Southampton will prove crucial whilst at the same time Cheik Kouyate is expected to recover from a bout of illness to play.
Possible team in Lanzini’s absence: Hart; Zaba, Ogbonna, Rice, Cresswell; Masuaku, Noble, Kouyate, Mario, Antonio, Arnautovic
Joe Hart in goal ?!??!?!?!?
He really cemented his place after that awe inspiring performance against Burnley didn’t he ?
Didn’t say it was MY team Ian
Adrian for Hart and Fernandes for Kouyate and we might just do it,but not if these two under achievers are picked.Kouyate would be nowhere near the 1st team if we had a bit more midfield cover and Hart is so bereft of confidence it filters right through the team.Huge must win game.