The West Ham United bench will have a very different look to it today out of necessity. Loss of discipline in previous games means Edson Alvarez is serving a suspension following his two yellow cards received in a spate of brainlessness against Nottingham Forest: Mohammed Kudus received his five -match ban for the slappy-kicky-hissy fit against Spurs.
What that means is that hitherto ‘forgotten’, academy or fringe players can now be promoted to take up spots on the bench and will be one decision away from having their chance to shine.
Hammers youngster centre-back Kaelan Casey – just 20 years old, will surely be first in line should either centre-back selected to start today need changing during the game if the rumoured absence of Jean-Clair Todibo through injury proves correct.
In Alvarez’ absence, Kaelan Casey is West Ham’s likely reserve centre back
As discussed last week, Lewis Orford can make the bench today thanks to the absence of Alvarez and the pretty woeful form of the Rodriguez-Soler-Paquetá trio. Energy and pace on tap compared with our cumbersome, yellow cards in waiting option. How exciting would it be to see an Orford cameo at home today?
Finally Luis Guilherme (pictured) must be on the bench today: Jarrod Bowen’s rumoured injury scare means Julen Lopetegui would do well to rest him for part of the afternoon: Forgetting the politics and ‘who brought Guilherme’ to the Irons, the Brazilian winger is up there with the top ten fastest in the PL, runs timed at 36.5 km/h being enough to scare the best defences in the Premier League let alone an ageing Ashley Young at full back.
Much to look out for, plenty to appreciate then – any one of these young Hammers could be in line for a memorable afternoon and a career – defining performance.
