West Ham United take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Tuesday night and nothing less than a win will do for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
As things stand, relegation from the Premier League looks like a real possibility for West Ham, with four points separating them from 17th placed Nottingham Forest.
Nuno Espirito Santo faces his old side tonight and he has to find a way to take all three points from the contest.
It has been claimed that Nuno is under threat of the sack at West Ham, but after signing two strikers, the mood has lifted slightly at the club.
How can Nuno FIX the potential absences of Todibo and Paqueta?
Pablo and Castellanos in? Earthy at 10? A start for Mayers?
Pablo Felipe and Valentin Castellanos have arrived at West Ham, and they should at least provide more impetus to the Hammers’ attacking play.
However, getting injured players back to full fitness will be crucial for the Hammers as well, especially Lucas Paqueta and Jean-Clair Todibo.
Paqueta was forced off with an injury during West Ham’s draw with Brighton at the end of last month while Todibo suffered a groin problem in the same game.
Nuno’s Lucas Paqueta and Jean-Clair Todibo claims ahead of Nottingham Forest clash
Nuno has been speaking to the media ahead of the huge showdown with Forest at the London Stadium on Tuesday night.
After speaking about the January transfer window, Nuno’s attention turned to the importance of the game against Sean Dyche’s side.
He was asked about the fitness of Paqueta and Todibo ahead of the clash with Forest.
And Nuno offered a big update, as quoted by WHUFC.com.
“We have to assess both of them, JC and Lucas,” Nuno confirmed.
“They are trying hard to be involved after painful situations. We still have tomorrow (Tuesday) to see how they are and see if they can be involved in the squad.”
Should both Paqueta and Todibo be passed fit for the game against Forest, it would be a major boost for the Hammers.
Even if one of them is ready to play it would be good news, given West Ham’s current situation.
Paqueta and Todibo back for Forest would be huge
Paqueta hasn’t been great this season but he is one of the few players West Ham have who is actually capable of opening up opposition defences.
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Meanwhile, Todibo has shown signs this season that he is finally starting to settle into life in the Premier League.
West Ham need as much stability and consistency as possible right now.
Sure, the new strikers should be thrown into the side, but more experienced heads like Paqueta and Todibo will be crucial to the Hammers’ hopes of avoiding the drop.
West Ham’s clash with Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night is an absolute must-win game.
And it’s fair to suggest that having Paqueta and Todibo available for selection would be a major boost for the home side.
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