Selection Dilemma: Who should replace the injured Yarmolenko?

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Manuel Pellegrini has a selection dilemma on his hands now that Andriy Yarmolenko has a long-term injury.

Who replaces the Ukraine winger in the starting XI? With a tough game against Leicester City coming up, Pellegrini has to make his decision.

But who should he pick? We take a look at his options.

Robert Snodgrass

Snodgrass started the game against Tottenham in a more central position.

But if Pedro Obiang returns from injury, the Scotsman could return to the wing in place of Yarmolenko.

Snodgrass has a useful left foot and he offers non-stop running, having reinvented himself at West Ham under Pellegrini.

Grady Diangana

Many West Ham fans hope that Yarmolenko’s injury could be the unfortunate circumstance which makes Diangana a first-team regular.

The 20-year-old made his debut earlier this season, scoring twice against Macclesfield Town.

And now Diangana is hoping for more senior action and this could be his chance to impress.

Michail Antonio

Antonio has received a lot of criticism by West Ham fans this season.

But Yarmolenko’s injury could thrust the 28-year-old back into the limelight at The London Stadium.

Antonio used to be a relentless runner, with bundles of pace and impressive strength, and if he can rediscover that, it’ll be like a new signing for the Irons.

Lucas Perez

Perez was completely left out of the match day squad against Tottenham last weekend but he is bound for a recall.

The Spaniard, who joined from Arsenal this summer, is unlikely to be rewarded with a start unless he impresses Pellegrini in training.

Perez can play as a winger or through the middle and he is hoping to score more goals if he gets the game time.

Other

Pellegrini could spring a surprise instead. This could see Arthur Masuaku pushed further forward and playing as an out-and-out winger.

Or maybe Andy Carroll or Javier Hernandez could start with a formation change.

Alternatively, Pellegrini could use a wildcard selection and bring in a talented youngster, like Nathan Holland or Joe Powell.

The verdict

If Obiang is fit again, then the most sensible option would be to use Snodgrass from the start.

Antonio is risk given his patchy form and Perez seems a bit out of favour. Meanwhile, for all Diangana’s promise, he is still raw and perhaps needs to remain as an impact substitute for a bit.

I would either start with Snodgrass or use Hernandez with a formation switch.