By Louis Nixon
**George Earthy is in for a starting spot in the squad for the Bournemouth match after a free spot has finally opened thanks to Lucas Paqueta’s suspension.**
The young Englishman was set to be involved for the Hammers’ pre-season, but after suffering an injury throughout the summer, he unfortunately missed that important time he truly deserved.
Additionally, after many believed he was in for a chance for the Premier League this season, he suffered further setbacks, which left him exposed to injuries further, but over the past few weeks, he’s joined the first team squad to train and has been playing for the U21s.
Upon the back of our two emphatic victories, George Earthy hasn’t been a part of either, but fortunately for himself, Lucas Paqueta against Burnley was unfairly booked once again which saw him receive a yellow card, resulting in a one-match ban due to the amount he’s accumulated.
Seeing as Nuno has now temporarily lost his man in the middle, could we finally see George Earthy get that start which he’s been chasing for considering he’s the only like-for-like switch that the club have available to them.
The only other alternative could be to see perhaps Mateus Fernandes play in Paqueta’s role, which would allow Magassa to start instead, perhaps, but Nuno seems to have found a sweet spot with Fernandes in this new role alongside Potts so to start him higher up the pitch may not be the smartest of choices.
Not only does Earthy finally deserve an opportunity, but the game against Bournemouth is the perfect chance to see what can happen. The squad is currently on a roll, and they’ve all got high levels of confidence. If the surrounding squad could convey that to Earthy, he might not fall victim to the nerves and settle right into what’ll be a crucial game.
It would be some change for Earthy going straight from not bring involved in the first-team to starting what is an important match against Bournemouth, one of the most impressive teams in the Premier League this season, but with his performances for the U21’s and almost two week son the training pitch to prepare, I believe he will be more than good enough for the challenge.