Paqueta dilemma

Lucas Paqueta may need to be dropped against Brentford if the Hammers are to get all three points.

The Brazil international impressed during his time with the Selecao at the World Cup.

But he has thus far struggled to make a real impact in the Premier League .

He has provided two assists in nine games but looked a fish out of water against Arsenal on Boxing Day, as he continually struggled to make an impression in the final third.

Pablo Fornals has struggled for minutes, by comparison, but he scored West Ham’s first goal of the season against Aston Villa, and is perhaps better adjusted to the pace and intensity of the Premier League.

He also all but added a goal in the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal with a fine shot which was brilliantly saved.

Against Brentford, a team that can dominate possession and look to make things happen with Ivan Toney up front, a player with the Spaniard’s industry may be called for.

Paqueta remains an option off the bench, particularly against a set of tired defenders.

David Moyes needs a win desperately; bringing Fornals back in may be the way forward.