The fall-out from the international break seems, fortunately for West Ham’s hardest working players, no worse than fatigue.
Consequently West Ham United youngster Edvin Austbø is likely to be handed a starting role for tonight’s meeting with QPR, with the Norwegian winger earning a valuable opportunity as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to reshuffle his attacking options.
Austbø has been highly regarded since arriving from Viking FK and looks set to get the chance to showcase his talents from the first whistle.
West Ham’s Edvin Austbø was purchased for just such an occasion: Solomon’s understudy is there to help bypass opponents who park the bus
Known for his direct running, pace and willingness to take on defenders, the 21-year-old has already shown glimpses of his quality and will be keen to make a strong impression against the Championship side.
The Norwegian returned from the international break after being selected for three UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers against the Netherlands, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Israel. The winger played all three games weighing in with an assist as Norway continued their qualifying campaign.
His inclusion comes amid suggestions that Manor Solomon could be left out of the starting line-up due to fatigue following a demanding run of international fixtures for Israel. Should Nuno opt to rest the Israeli international, it would present a significant opening for Austbø, who has patiently waited for opportunities while adapting to life in English football.
Nils Koppen was convinced West Ham had secured one of Norway’s most exciting young attacking talents when they brought him to east London. After helping Viking to domestic success and earning recognition as one of the brightest prospects in the Eliteserien, expectations remain high surrounding the winger’s long-term development.
For Austbø, it is another important step in his West Ham journey. Being selected ahead of Solomon, even with fatigue a factor, would be a sign of the confidence the coaching staff have in his ability. Now he has the perfect opportunity to reward that faith under the lights against QPR.
It will also be interesting to see if Nuno includes Soungoutou Magassa, Edson Alvarez or Tomas Soucek in the squad, given Mohamadou Kante misses the game due to suspension.
COYI!!
Really hope that Edvin starts and the rest of the team start from the first whistle, too.
Whether QPR play a defensive game or not should not prevent us from being a relentless overwhelming force from the get-go.
Expecting a lively and enjoyable game, Matt.