Sentiment or form? Manuel Pellegrini faces selection dilemma between ex-Manchester City man Pablo Zabaleta and in-form Ryan Fredericks

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West Ham travel to Manchester City in midweek and it will be an emotional return for Manuel Pellegrini.

Hammers boss Pellegrini won the Premier League while he was at The Etihad Stadium, before being replaced by current boss Pep Guardiola.

Manchester City are second in the league and will be eager to ruin Pellegrini’s return in their quest to catch table-topping Liverpool.

But West Ham have a selection dilemma ahead of this clash. Does Pellegrini stick with ex-Man City ace Zabaleta or replace him with in-form Fredericks?

The case for Pablo Zabaleta

Zabaleta’s contract expires at the end of this season and talks about an extension have been shelved for the meantime.

The Argentinian defender could be entering the final few months of his Premier League career if he chooses to retire or move abroad.

Consequently, this could be Zabaleta’s final chance to play at The Etihad Stadium, where he spent nine years before his West Ham switch.

A sentimental farewell appearance for the 34-year-old, combined with his experience, are two reasons why Pellegrini could give Zabaleta a start.

The case for Ryan Fredericks

But on the other hand, Fredericks has been in better form than Zabaleta, who was axed at half-time against Fulham after a shaky display.

Fredericks has been impressive since returning from injury last month and was on hand to prevent Aleksandar Mitrovic from making it 2-2 last Friday.

The 26-year-old’s pace could also be a key factor as the likes of Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane could easily outrun Zabaleta.

Fredericks also possesses more attacking threat than his right-back rival, giving West Ham another option on the counter-attack.

The Verdict

While West Ham still have an outside chance of finishing seventh and securing a Europa League spot, Pellegrini has to select his best team.

At the moment, Fredericks is edging Zabaleta on form and deserves to regain the starting spot.

The prospect of a battle between Sane and Zabaleta is worrying but Fredericks could match the speedy German for pace.

Pellegrini needs to go with head over heart and only give Zabaleta a send-off if the game is comfortably won by either side going into the final stages.