Sometimes the answer to your problems is right under your nose and that could be the case for West Ham United.
West Ham have struggled for any kind of consistency under Manuel Pellegrini this season.
A heavy defeat to Manchester City last time out did not tell the full story.
The Hammers had their chances, as Pep Guardiola admitted afterwards.
But their profligacy in front of goal cost them dear with City ruthless up the other end.
Marko Arnautovic hobbled off with an injury in that game and it remains to be seen whether he is fit in time for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle.
Too soon for injury-prone Andy
Andy Carroll will not be risked from the start having only just returned to the first team squad.
And things just haven’t happened for Javier Hernandez in East London.
Lucas Perez could be an option of course.
But he has been sparingly used since refusing to come on as a substitute in a League Cup game against AFC Wimbledon earlier this season.
Every cloud has a Silva lining
Pellegrini has proved he is not afraid to turn to youth.
Young stars Issa Diop and Declan Rice are two of the first names on the teamsheet. And Grady Diangana has been a first team regular of late.
So Pellegrini should throw caution to the wind and give another surprise call-up to young striker Xande Silva.
The Portuguese youngster was signed as one for the future in the summer.
But his performances for West Ham’s Under 23s have really caught the eye.
West Ham’s wildcard
Seven goals in six games for the development side has seen fans clamour for his inclusion in the first team squad.
The truth is he could not do much worse than Pellegrini’s expensive and experienced ‘big name’ players.
Silva would be something of a wild card too which could work in West Ham’s favour for an important game.
Silva is a deadly finisher, boasts bags of pace and has youthful exuberance and desire on his side.
What’s the worst that could happen?
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