Pablo Felipe is not always the most popular figure among West Ham United fans, but it’s imperative he starts against Newcastle United on Sunday.
While Pablo has frustrated West Ham United fans because of his lack of end product, few ever doubt his energy.
In an ideal world, Callum Wilson would be able to start every game, negating the need to rely on Pablo so heavily.
I’m going for Pablo to start – let me know YOUR thoughts 👇
Off the bench to score late again please 🫡
That, however, is just not the reality West Ham are operating in. Wilson has completed only one Premier League game all season.
This is all why Pablo should start at St James’ Park.
Pablo is important despite a lack of goals
Criticism of his game is understandable. No one is suggesting that the January transfer signing is perfect, nor that Wilson isn’t a much more reliable source of goals.
Still, for the very specific context in which the Newcastle game comes, Pablo is surely the best way to go.
Indeed, Pablo’s work rate off the ball can be hugely important to the way in which West Ham operate and it gives Taty Castellanos support up the pitch.
Let us know your prediction for West Ham’s trip to Newcastle! 🤞
Our away record has been woeful this season! 😬
Nuno Espirito Santo has to go on the front foot on Tyneside. The Irons coach must play an attacking formation, and Wilson just cannot be considered a starter at this stage given all we have seen in recent months.
Deploying the back three he used against Arsenal just won’t do here.
Moving Jarrod Bowen centrally and playing Adama Traore on the right was another option until the latter suffered an injury to rule him out of the game.
That’s not to say Wilson cannot play a big role. Newcastle tend to concede late goals – and Wilson tends to score them.
Still, even in the face of what would surely be criticism from West Ham fans, Pablo has to start. There are not many other convincing options, all things considered.
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