International Focus: Snodgrass hoping to use Scotland duty to impress Pellegrini

Add as preferred source on Google

West Ham have no fixture next weekend as the second international break of the season gets underway.

The Hammers go into the pause on the back of a disappointing defeat against Brighton; although that blow will be softened by the fact it was the club’s first defeat in five games.

In the meantime, some of Manuel Pellegrini’s squad are away on international duty. Here, we focus on Robert Snodgrass, who has linked up with the Scotland squad.

Fixtures

Playmaker Snodgrass has two games coming up in the coming day; one is a friendly and the other is a competitive fixture.

On Thursday night, Alex McLeish’s side continue their UEFA Nations League campaign with a trip to Israel.

On Sunday, Portugal will travel to Hampden Park for a friendly; although talisman and captain Cristiano Ronaldo will not be involved after being dropped from the squad.

Will he play?

Snodgrass is not a shoo-in for the line-up, but if he doesn’t start, he will expect to be fielded off the bench.

There isn’t a clear role for him in McLeish’s plans, given the manager’s preferred system.

However, Scotland lack creativity and Snodgrass can help them provide that.

Who is he up against?

Israel do not boast too many players who will be familiar to Hammers fans.

Only Brighton’s Beram Kayal and QPR’s Tomer Hemed play their football in England; with the majority of the squad playing their football in their homeland.

Of course, Portugal’s squad is more familiar. In the European Championship holders’ squad are a host of househould names; Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, Bayern Munich’s Renato Sanches and 101-cap star Pepe will all be in the squad.

How can this help West Ham?

Snodgrass is knocking on the door of the first-team at West Ham but hasn’t been granted many opportunities by Pellegrini.

With the front three in such good form, he is unlikely to be handed a league start; so Scotland duty may offer his best chance to impress.

A fitter, more confident Snodgrass may return; hopefully on the back of 180 minutes of much-needed action.