By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Nuno Espírito Santo has something of a selection dilemma ahead of today’s Carabao Cup fixture against Portsmouth.
Unfortunately for Nuno, it’s the bad kind of conundrum rather than the good kind, because West Ham’s lack of summer transfer activity means there will have to be some square pegs in round holes at the London Stadium later today.
The biggest problem will be how to plug the gap on the left-hand side of midfield, which surely would have been occupied by Keiber Madrid were it not for his injury.
The sale of Crysencio Summerville and the inability to recruit a replacement left winger has left Nuno with the choice of either playing James Ward-Prowse in a hybrid left-midfield role or promoting Josh Ajala, which would be my preferred option.
Academy could provide the answer
In his press conference yesterday, Nuno hinted that youth players would be involved against Portsmouth, and the left-hand side is certainly one area where we could see a Hammers Academy graduate given an opportunity.
The other immediate concern is central midfield.
Freddie Potts has now left, having made his Club Brugge debut in their 3-0 win yesterday. As I wrote when Potts’ departure became apparent, I had mixed feelings about selling a player who had already proved himself capable of performing at Championship level.
It could now be that James Ward-Prowse, who has been one of the more interesting stories of West Ham’s pre-season, partners Mohamadou Kanté in the centre of the park.
West Ham’s midfielder Kante could partner James Ward Prowse
I expect Soungoutou Magassa to be a big player for West Ham this season, but today’s game may come a little too early in his rehabilitation.
My own choice would be to partner Ward-Prowse alongside Kanté in the middle of what is likely to be a horrendously slow West Ham team.
There should still be enough quality
That said, with players of the quality of Jarrod Bowen, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Taty Castellanos and El Hadji Malick Diouf, I’d hope West Ham have more than enough to see off Pompey.
As I wrote ahead of the game, there is still plenty of quality in this West Ham squad despite it looking far from ready for the campaign ahead.
Today’s game at the London Stadium is important because it will set the mood ahead of what promises to be a difficult and very long season.
Arguably, the result is more important for club morale than progressing in the competition itself. Because if the team fall flat today, it will only increase concerns ahead of a season which we seem ill prepared for.
Might suprise us all and start Cornet. Sad to see Potts go, would like to see Earthy and Orford given a chance in this one.
Square pegs in round holes was the story of our relegation season.. nice to see the club has moved forward .. but i guess after selling so many season tickets the club dosnt have to do any business to appease the fans.
Defensively we look sound imo. Going forward woefully short as things stand, no pace, no creativity, and ltd goalscoring threat; those are the 3 areas we need to get sorted before the window closes or we will do well to finish in the top half. JWP is too slow for the championship which is faster than the PL.