Pellegrini set for striker shock at Fulham

Manuel Pellegrini may be forced into handing another young Hammer his shot at the big time tomorrow by calling  under 23s prospect Xande Silva into action at Fulham.

Claret and Hugh has learned that Lucas Perez won’t have recovered from a foot injury in time for the match and with Andy Carroll no better than 75 per cent fit Silva is coming very much into the picture.

Chicharito is likely to be available but given the manager’s previous decision to use youngsters means Silva certainly has a better than even money chance of making it onto the bench at the very least.

Carroll admitted in an interview with the Daily Mail that he is only about 75 per cent fit for a game which the Hammers hope will bring their tally to 12 points from four games.

Silva could easily play a part in the circumstances bearing in mind that the manager has made it clear he no longer sees Michail Antonio as a striker.