Selection Dilemmas: Who should start at centre-back against Everton?

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West Ham’s poor start to the season will have given Manuel Pellegrini much to ponder over the international break.

The Chilean has no shortage of selection dilemmas because of his side’s underperformance so far. He is still searching for the right formula and will be looking for a positive result when the Hammers travel to Everton on Sunday.

Throughout the week, we’ll be looking at the big calls Pellegrini must make ahead of the trip to Goodison Park. Here, we’ve examined his selection dilemma at centre-half.

Who are the options?

In the prolonged absence of Winston Reid, Pellegrini has four realistic central defensive options. Summer signings Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena were the chosen duo last time out against Wolves.

Meanwhile, Italian international Angelo Ogbonna has the most Premier League experience. Declan Rice impressed at the back last season but it seems as if Pellegrini wants to use him as a midfielder this time around.

Who will they be up against?

Cenk Tosun has established himself as Everton’s first-choice striker and it would be a surprise if he didn’t lead the Toffees attack on Sunday.

The Turkish international initially struggled in England but looked to be finding his feet by the end of last season.

He is yet to score this season but has two assists and looks to be enjoying Marco Silva’s attacking style of football.

The Debate

There is merit in the argument for putting Rice back into centre-half. Both Diop and Balbuena have had issues finding their feet and Rice has struggled in midfield.

However, Rice is West Ham’s best defensive midfield option right now, and Diop has shown promising signs in recent games.

Ogbonna, valued at £8.1m by Transfermarkt, should 100% come back in to offer experience and the ability to match Tosun physically. He should settle the defence down.

The Verdict

Ogbonna has to start and command the defence. His experience will be vital in taking on the physical presence of Tosun, who will be looking to get off the mark for the season.

Then, it is a toss-up between Diop and Balbuena. I’d go for Diop, because he’s shown signs of improvement and has the pace and power that will help against Everton’s new-look rapid attack.