Before anyone mistakenly reads the headline and concludes that I’m talking about Callum Wilson — think again.
We all know West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo has a big call to make in the striking department ahead of Monday’s game against Brentford.
At present, we’re still playing a guessing game with the new manager, who has only presided over two matches in the Hammers’ hot seat so far. Therefore, we don’t have much evidence to accurately guesstimate his line-ups — but like many, I’ve concluded that Nuno doesn’t much fancy Wilson.
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Wilson impressed against Forest but I’d be surprised if Nuno picked him on Monday
Factor in his gushing praise for the other Callum — Marshall — following his recent outing against Arsenal, and it’s easy to assume that the Northern Ireland striker will take the place of the injured Niclas Füllkrug at the London Stadium.
Walker Peters Offers Nuno Options
But allow me to offer up another alternative which may appeal to Espírito Santo.
Let me be clear: I’m not hugely in favour of moving Jarrod Bowen off the wing, and personally, I’d start Marshall. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t options available to the gaffer should he choose to reshuffle.
Kyle Walker Peters is tackled
Walker Peters could start against Brentford
Step forward Kyle Walker-Peters. The free transfer from Southampton will have considered himself unlucky to have been dropped in favour of Obi-Wan Bissaka against the Gooners. KWP had been in decent form deputising at right-back, but let’s not forget he spent large parts of last season on the wing and looked pretty good at times.
I just wonder if Nuno is considering deploying Bowen as an emergency striker against Brentford — and whether he’d prefer Walker-Peters over Luis Guilherme in that scenario.
Either way, I suspect Marshall will be getting significant game time in the run-up to January, which could prove to be the making of him.