Pablo Zabaleta’s automatic contract renewal looks to be in some doubt as the Hammers go into their last seven games of the season.
ClaretandHugh first revealed a couple of months back that the veteran Argentine defender needed to complete 28 appearances to see the automatic clause triggered.
However, with Ryan Fredericks currently holding the right back role he may find it tricky to complete six appearances from the fixtures remaining.
There has been some debate about whether the defender will retire or decide to play abroad at the end of this campaign and boss Manuel Pellegriniis a big fan of his former Manchester City player.
And there is the chance of course that he could complete the 28 appearances as a substitute in some games whilst starting others.
Frederick has now played 13 times this season – appearing regularly in the last four – although he was very much out of sorts against Cardiff which may give Zaba the opportunity of a return against Huddersfield.
In my opinion we need to play our strongest players – in every sense – against another team battling for survival on Sat. Fredericks was out-fought and out-foxed by Hoilett & co at Cardiff, but he wasn’t the only one for sure. Zaba 100% for me, plus starts for Balbuena, Arnautovic and Antonio instead of Ogbonna, Cheatarito and Snodgrass. 45 mins each for Lanzini and Nasri perhaps? Hope Zaba stays next season.
Why can’t he be given another year regardless of the 28 game trigger? If he wants it, of course.
Zaba is a class act, he may not have Fredericks pace but he is 10 x the player and our defence is more solid with him in it, hopefully Balbuena can start against Huddersfield, give Noble a rest and play Nasri and Lanzini in central midfield, Rice as DM, Antonio and Anderson on the wings and Arnie up front in a 4 1 4 1 formation