Nuno Espirito Santo is backing Taty Castellanos and the returning Pablo Felipe to step up in the absence of Crysencio Summerville during Saturday’s late Premier League kick-off against Manchester City.
Summerville played down concerns over an injury ‘setback’ in the build up to the visit of Pep Guardiola’s side.
Hammers News can confirm that Nuno’s number seven could return against Leeds when West Ham United face his old employers in the FA Cup quarter-finals after the international break.
No Traore but Pablo returns!
What is your take on West Ham's XI?
Until then, the East Londoners will have to rely upon the remaining firepower at Nuno’s disposal. Jarrod Bowen, Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe line up as a front-three for the first time since the latter duo arrived in the January transfer window.
Nuno Espirito Santo warns West Ham ‘cannot replace’ Crysencio Summerville
Pablo makes his first Premier League start since the 3-2 defeat by Chelsea at the end of January. Castellanos has scored only twice since joining from Lazio, but he brings the mobility and the high-pressing much missed in the Niclas Fullkrug days.
“We cannot replace [Summerville]. We cannot replace what he does or how he is. He is irreplaceable,” Nuno told TNT Sports pre-match. “He is a very special player that we cannot replace, so we have to find solutions.
“Let’s see if it works out today [with Bowen, Castellanos and Pablo]. We hope the boys will do well.
“We have Taty, we have Pablo, Jarrod, the midfielders, the wing-backs, and set pieces; we are positive about everything. What we have to realise is how tough the opponent is. We have to work very hard.”
“I see [Manchester City] as a big challenge for us. We face a very tough opponent, but we are at home and we have been good at home. We expect a tough match, but we are here to compete.
“I feel the boys are committed, aware of the situation, and the effort they have to make.”
Ally gets it 😎 Where should Pablo Felipe play for West Ham – as a No.9 or a No.10?
Pablo Felipe starts but Adama Traore is on the bench
Pablo could be West Ham’s secret weapon out of possession. Nuno may look to disrupt City’s rhythm and tempo by handing the Braga-born workhorse a man-marking role on Spanish schemer Rodri at the heart of Guardiola’s midfield.
It remains to be seen if the Hammers boast enough of a threat in transition, though, against a City side who will almost certainly dominate the ball.
Nuno does have Adama Traore as an option off the bench, though there was an argument that Traore should have stepped into the XI with Summerville unavailable on the left-hand flank.
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