Over the summer, West Ham were continually linked with both Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey.
Neither player made the switch from Newcastle United to West Ham. But the pair will be eager to start the game against West Ham at The London Stadium on Saturday.
With West Ham struggling for midfield options, Hayden and Shelvey could inadvertently be auditioning for Manuel Pellegrini. But are they what West Ham need?
Hayden and Shelvey to audition?
Hayden is back in action after serving a three-match suspension. The tough-tackling midfielder will probably take Sean Longstaff’s place in the midfield. Longstaff is now the one banned after his red card against Wolves.
After missing out on Andre Gomes in the summer, West Ham turned their attention to Hayden (Football London). The 24-year-old was keen to move down south to be closer to his family.
Shelvey, meanwhile, seems to be perennially linked with the Irons. The 27-year-old is a boyhood fan and he was not happy with his game time at Newcastle. He’s still not a regular starter but Longstaff’s suspension opens a door.
West Ham need reinforcements
West Ham failed to sign a new defensive midfielder to sit alongside Declan Rice or provide cover for him. This has been an issue for a while and the club have still not addressed it.
Pellegrini needs more legs in midfield. With shortages in this department and Carlos Sanchez’s future looking bleak, Pellegrini could use Saturday as a scouting mission.
Hayden and Shelvey could both be auditioning for a place in West Ham’s midfield ranks. Neither has done anything to suggest they would improve West Ham this season. But Saturday could put them in the shop window in front of Pellegrini’s eyes.
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